Following the remarkable success of METALEX 2022, which attracted over 70,000 visitors, RX Tradex is gearing up to host METALEX 2023. As ASEAN's premier machine tools and metalworking event, METALEX 2023 will feature over 2,500 leading brands of cutting-edge metalworking technologies from 50 countries. This year's exhibition promises to be even more exciting, with three new special zones dedicated to introducing groundbreaking eco-friendly and user-friendly innovations for the first time in Asia. Additionally, seven international pavilions from technologically advanced countries will be featured. The 37th edition of METALEX is expected to draw more than 95,000 participants, making it larger than ever before and projected to generate over 7 billion baht in turnover. The event's opening ceremony will be presided over by Mr. Nattapol Rangsitpol, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry.
Mrs. Varaporn Dhamcharee, Managing Director of RX Tradex (formerly Reed Tradex), ASEAN's foremost trade fair organizer, shared insights into the industry's growth. She noted that imports of machinery and parts for January-September 2023 reached 555,252.56 million baht, marking a 2.9% increase from the previous year. Of this, 23,478.79 million baht came from machine tools imports. Japan, China, Taiwan, Germany, and South Korea were the top five countries contributing to these imports. These figures reflect the growing demand for innovative machinery and parts to enhance production efficiency, cost savings, and environmentally-friendly manufacturing.
Mrs. Varaporn also emphasized Thailand's role as a vital production base, attracting continuous investments from international countries. She cited statistics from the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) investment promotion status in 2022, showing that investments returned to pre-Covid levels, totalling 262,982 million baht. Japan, the US, Hong Kong, China, and Taiwan were the top five main investors, with key sectors including automotive and auto parts, petrochemicals, chemicals, and electrical appliances.
Addressing the evolving landscape, Mrs. Varaporn mentioned the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which imposes levies on carbon-intensive products. This presents a challenge for exporters, urging them to adopt more eco-friendly machinery while enhancing production efficiency and cost control.
METALEX 2023, themed "The Innovators," will take place from November 22-25, 2023, at BITEC, Bangkok, between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM. The event will not only showcase diverse innovative metalworking and machine tools but also serve as a platform for industrialists seeking collaborative networks, especially within ASEAN. The focus will be on addressing challenges and complexities in the industry, emphasizing sustainability and finding solutions for enhanced production efficiency and eco-friendly practices.
Mrs. Varaporn stressed the importance of skilled labour to efficiently plan, set up, control, and inspect technology. The event aims to inspire innovation and cultivate an innovator mindset among visitors, believing that everyone can contribute to innovation.
Key technologies to be unveiled at METALEX 2023 include:
- A state-of-the-art servo system metal folding machine from AMADA Thailand, Japan, known for its precision, speed, voice command system, and user-friendliness.
- A new laser machine from GF AgieCharmilles, Switzerland, imported by Sahamitr Machinery, offering automatic operation and space-saving features for laser-based metal surface carving and marking.
- A horizontal machining centre from Brother, Japan, imported by Yamazen (Thailand), designed to increase production efficiency while being environmentally friendly and capable of cutting large steel pieces.
- A collaborative robot (Cobot) from Nachi Technology Thailand, offering high performance, speed, and accuracy for metalwork, ensuring maximum safety during operation.
- A compact, high-precision machining centre with an innovative switchable tool magazine from Fanuc Thai.
METALEX 2023 will also feature three special exhibition zones:
- Smart Materials: Highlighting smart and lightweight materials for modern manufacturing, including alternatives like aluminium.
- Additive Manufacturing: Focusing on additive manufacturing approaches to add value to products and boost businesses.
- Artificial Intelligence: Showcasing AI technologies that play a significant role in various industries.
Seven international pavilions from countries such as South Korea, China, Japan, Germany, Singapore, Italy, and Taiwan will further enrich the event.
Additionally, over 35 seminar programs, presented by RX Tradex in collaboration with 29 associations and featuring around 50 esteemed speakers, will be conducted at the event. Notable forums include the METALEX AI Forum 2023 on November 23, discussing the successful use of artificial intelligence in business, and other forums addressing topics such as the future of Thailand's aluminium industry, emerging businesses in the EV ecosystem, and opportunities in new industries through additive manufacturing.
Interested individuals can pre-register at www.metalex.co.th or register at the event from November 22-25, 2023. METALEX 2023 will take place in halls 98-104 at BITEC, running from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Proper attire is required, and attendees below the age of 15 will not be permitted for safety reasons. For more information, visit Facebook metalexpage, LINE@metalexpage, or contact the organizers at contactcenter@rxtrasex.com or call 0 2686 7222.