OKTOBERFEST 2011 takes place next month - and with more than 75% of stands already allocated, the region's largest manufacturing and engineering exhibition looks set to be better than ever.

The XCEL Centre, in Newton Aycliffe, will provide the backdrop for the event, which takes place on Wednesday, October 19, from 9.30am to 4pm.

Now in its fourth year, Oktoberfest sees the private sector taking the lead to provide manufacturing and engineering companies with a wealth of opportunities to showcase the range of skills and services that gives the industry such a good reputation regionally.

More than 90 exhibitors are expected to attend the event, with Hitachi Rail Europe (Hitachi) and Merchant Place Developments (MPD) just two of the high-profile names participating.

Hitachi and MPD wish to take the opportunity to bring the audience of exhibitors and event visitors up to date with the development of the Intercity Express Programme and to give initial indications of the potential supply chain requirements that may arise at various stages of the project timeline between late 2012 – when construction at Amazon Park is due to commence – and early 2016 – when the first customer delivery will occur.

Both organisations will have exhibition stands where other exhibitors and visitors can discuss the project with company representatives, and both will give short presentations following the official opening.

The one-day event not only gives exhibiting companies the opportunity to promote their products and services but also participate in ‘meet the buyer’ sessions where they will have the opportunity to meet, one to one, with some of the biggest buyers from the defence, automotive, consumer electronics, lighting and power industries.

The North East Engineering and Manufacturing Alliance brings together many of the region’s sector-based clusters and industrial forums to ensure the event is a huge success.

John Lyle, of Engineering Clusters in County Durham, said: “The North East is lucky enough to have an outstanding number of top-class engineering and manufacturing firms.

“We organise Oktoberfest to shine a light on the wealth of talent on offer in these sectors, facilitate networking, promote inter-trading and attract international buyers.

“In just one day, exhibitors are given the chance to promote themselves to hundreds of relevant contacts, which is why the event has grown in size and reputation.”

One of the companies that didn’t hesitate to sign up again for this year’s event is m.b.air systems limited.

Based in Seaham, with offices in Aberdeen, Wisham and Fareham, m.b. air systems are compressed air specialists as well as energy efficiency systems consultants.

Anthony Shields, area sales manager, said: “Last year’s event was a huge success for us. We had been targeting a company for quite some time and took the opportunity to speak to them at the exhibition.

“This resulted in us signing them as a client and carrying out a substantial amount of work on their behalf.”

Anthony went on to explain that this year, the company will be taking advantage of everything Oktoberfest has to offer, adding: “Although we didn't participate in the ‘meet the buyer’ sessions, footfall to our stand was excellent and we made some great contacts as well as picking up a number of leads from visiting stands ourselves.

“This year we’ll definitely be signing up for some ‘meet the buyer’ appointments to fully exploit the range of opportunities on offer.”

Another company signed up for this year is Husqvarna, leaders in the manufacture of lawn care equipment for the consumer market.

Husqvarna also manufacture plastic components and assemblies for external customers, an area of the business that has seen substantial growth.

Operations director Caraline Robinson said: “Oktoberfest is a brilliant marketing tool for us. We see the event as the perfect platform to promote our capabilities to local companies.

“We also take advantage of the ‘meet the buyer’ sessions, not just to meet new contacts but to reestablish ourselves to old ones. Oktoberfest is a not to be missed opportunity.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about how to get involved in Oktoberfest should contact Engineering Clusters, in County Durham, on 01207 585816, email info@durhamoktoberfest.org.uk  or visit the website at www.durhamoktoberfest.org.uk