By Darren Race, Chairman of SDEMF and MD of e4 Learning Solutions Ltd.

On Thursday 17th of October the Xcel Centre, on Newton Aycliffe Business Park hosted the 6th Durham Oktoberfest (The North East’s Premier Engineering & Manufacturing Show).
The event showcased the region’s most  innovative and forward thinking companies with 120 exhibitors and over 1,500 visitors coming together to celebrate business and create wealth.
Pamela Petty, Managing Director of the Ebac Group was the key note speaker and spoke optimistically and enthusiastically about the level of innovation and expertise in the UK to compete globally. She said, “Amongst the exhibitors here are some wonderful examples from the region of things we can make from fabrication, processing, assembly, machining, moulding, crafting – the list is endless. The one thing we all have in common is that we take something, change it and add value.  The buzz words of today are innovation and export, selling our clever technology and unique designs to the emerging economies.”
Pamela added that she was delighted that Ebac was moving into white goods. “In 346 days we’ll have the first washing machine rolling off the track here in Newton Aycliffe and in 85 days we’ll have the first chest freezer.”
Darren Race, Chairman of South Durham Engineering Forum and MD of e4 Learning Solutions Ltd said, “It’s fantastic to see so many exhibitors and visitors this year at what is shaping up to be the biggest and best event since our first show over six years ago.  This year has been oversubscribed with people on a waiting list to exhibit, resulting in us releasing the date for next year early, which is Thursday 23rd of October 2014 at the Xcel Centre.”
The event was organised by Engineering Clusters County Durham comprising North Durham, East Durham and South Durham Engineering & Manufacturing Forums all working together to showcase the regions world-class capability and expertise.
To book for next year and receive a 10% discount contact Telephone: 01207 524366 or email:  info@durhamoktoberfest.org.uk.  If you join one of the Engineering  Forums you will receive a 50% discount on your stand.

Counc. Neil Foster, Pamela Petty and Darren Race

oktoberfest web