The thirteenth Railtex, which took place successfully at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham from 9 to 11 May, attracted 9,755 attendees. This total comprised 7,052 visiting rail industry managers, engineers and buyers, with a further 2,703 professionals present as members of exhibiting companies.
Over 13% of our visitors were non-UK nationals from 50 different countries, whilst almost 100 exhibiting companies came from 23 countries outside of the UK reflecting strong interest both in opportunities in the UK rail market and in the capabilities of the country’s supply sector.
A total of 475 exhibitors took part, more than at any Railtex event over the last decade. Of these, 152 were exhibiting at Railtex for the first time, as the market continues to grow.
This year’s show registered high approval ratings by exhibitors. Ralf Warwel of Stadler Rail said: “We are very happy to exhibit our products at Railtex, this is the first time that we have the chance to introduce our rolling stock to the market in the UK.â€
Summarising his satisfaction with the exhibition, Luca Giantin of Italian seating manufacturer FISA commented: “The UK is our most important market right now and for this, Railtex is definitely the place to be!”
Show opened by RDG’s Paul Plummer
Paul Plummer, Chief Executive of the Rail Delivery Group, formally opened Railtex, accompanied by Darren Caplan, Chief Executive of the Railway Industry Association, and Stephen Brooks, Chairman of Mack Brooks Exhibitions, organisers of the event.Paul Plummer also delivered a keynote speech, one of six such presentations in an extensive programme of Railtex supporting activities
There were also keynote speeches by Dr Francis Paonessa, Managing Director Network Rail Infrastructure Projects, Gordon Wakeford, Chair of the Rail Supply Group, discussing the Midlands Engine initiative, and David Clarke, Technical Director at the Railway Industry Association. And Professor Andrew McNaughton, Technical Director at HS2 Ltd made two keynote presentations.
Together with technical seminars, project briefings and discussion forums, the programme was the most extensive ever, drawing large audiences throughout all three show days.
Exhibition Manager Kirsten Whitehouse says: “There was a real buzz throughout all three days of the show. It looked good, with many great stands, and most importantly they were always busy. A lot of work went into producing the programme of supporting events, so it was pleasing to see those so well attended. We thank everyone involved – and the exhibitors and visitors that played their part in making Railtex 2017 such a successful and enjoyable event.â€
Focus is now on Infrarail 2018
During Railtex many exhibitors reserved their stands at Mack Brooks’ next UK rail show, Infrarail 2018, the UK’s definitive rail infrastructure event. The twelfth in this successful series of exhibitions takes place at ExCeL London from 1 to 3 May next year and will include the CITE Hub for companies supplying products and services for the wider civil infrastructure sector.
For more information visit www.infrarail.com
For general enquiries on both Railtex 2017 and Infrarail 2018 contact:
Kirsten Whitehouse, Natalie Parker or Emma Preston:
Tel: (+44) (0)1727 814 400
Fax: (+44) (0)1727 814 401
Email: railtex@mackbrooks.co.uk
For further press information contact:
Ken Harris
Tel: (+44) (0)1273 300 434
Email: ken.harris@mackbrooks.co.uk
Railtex 2017
Railtex is the essential showcase for products and services for the all sectors of the rail market in the UK. The show is held biennially and has successfully served this market for more than 25 years. It is organised by Mack Brooks Exhibitions (www.mackbrooks.com), which also runs the Infrarail series of railway infrastructure technology shows. Outside the UK, the company’s regular rail industry exhibitions include SIFER in France and EXPO Ferroviaria in Italy.
