MACH 2016 is now officially history and, in its wake, the show’s organisers have described it as an outstanding showcase for advances in the manufacturing industry.

Axminster Business Services team with students from Cardiff University’s Cardiff Racing team. L to R: Ben Chappell, Mark O’Halloran, Tom Murray, Antony Jempson, Lee Trehern & Mark Vincent.
Axminster Business Services team with students from Cardiff University’s Cardiff Racing team. L to R: Ben Chappell, Mark O’Halloran, Tom Murray, Antony Jempson, Lee Trehern & Mark Vincent.

This year the show can proudly make reference to a number of famous faces seen within the halls of the NEC. Quite a coup was the presence of Britain’s greatest ever Olympian Sir Chris Hoy, who opened the show and who has a keen interest in production techniques for the manufacture of his own range of bikes. Also at the show was former Formula 1 driving ace Mark Webber. Mark, who now competes in the FIA World Endurance Championship as a Porsche works driver, was speaking on the stand of global company DMG Mori.

Donal Grogan explaining the finer points of a Jet Elite mill
Donal Grogan explaining the finer points of a Jet Elite mill

The 2016 show was the second time that Axminster Tools & Machinery had attended MACH, and with 100 square metres of stand space displaying their latest Engineer Series, CNC Technology and Jet Elite machines, the company looked every inch as good as many of the more seasoned exhibitors.

MACH’s organisers Manufacturing Technologies Association have released attendance figures quoting that over 23,300 visitors came through the door and, as a result, interest in the Axminster stand was at times overwhelming. Axminster Business Services Manager Mark O’Halloran said: "Jet Elite mills and lathes were the star attraction. We had interest from Mercedes Formula 1, Industrial Management Services from MoD South West, potential customers from the education sector and enquiries from companies in Iceland and mainland Europe."
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Mark went on to say: “The hard task now lies ahead of following up the very important leads we have captured at the show to engage future new customers. We look forward to some very exciting times in the coming months which we welcome to our business.”

At the show the Axminster stand was also able to support Cardiff Racing, the team of engineering students from Cardiff University who build their own racing car and then compete in the undergraduate motor racing competition Formula Student. Later in the year, Axminster’s Business Services team will be attending Silverstone when Cardiff Racing competes at the circuit in Formula Student on 14-17 July.

Left: Mark O'Halloran also explaining the finer points. Right: the team, L to R: Bob Rolph, Mark Vincent, Mark O'Halloran, Donal Grogan, Antony Jempson & Shaye Chatfield
Left: Mark O'Halloran also explaining the finer points. Right: the team, L to R: Bob Rolph, Mark Vincent, Mark O'Halloran, Donal Grogan, Antony Jempson & Shaye Chatfield

Axminster would also like to thank BOTT and Flamefast for their valued support in the form of the supply of products and demonstrations at the show.