With less than 8 weeks to go the countdown has begun for this year’s largest combined trade only industry event – the Materials Handling & Logistics Expo (MHL) running alongside Foodtech Packtech (FTPT).

Event organisers, XPO Exhibitions have already confirmed in excess of 200 exhibiting companies across both shows and are expecting thousands of industry attendees across the three days.

This is a unique industry opportunity to view latest products and cutting edge technologies across food & beverage manufacturing, food and industrial packaging as well as materials handling and logistics solutions.

This year’s Materials Handling and Logistics Show already has 50 exhibiting companies – a number that’s well up on the previous event in 2013. We’ve had a great deal of interest from forklift providers right through to 3PL providers.

“MHL is under new management and back alongside FTPT where it all began more than 10 years ago. Food specific materials handling and logistics solutions have always been popular exhibitor features within FTPT so the formal alignment of MHL is simply helping the combined show grow. The materials handling and logistics side of things completes our ‘New Zealand pasture (or sea) to plate’ capability story which is so important to realise our export market potential.” Says Tony Waite Events Director of XPO.

“Now we’ve got MHL onboard we’ll also be cross referencing our database of close to 300,000 industry professionals registered for other successful trade shows we run – to send out relevant invites to a wide variety of industry interested in materials handling and logistics solutions.

“Examples will include general engineering and manufacturing, homewares importers, retail and even the construction industry – anyone storing, moving or distributing good in New Zealand or internationally.”

The organisers are quick to point out that Foodtech Packtech itself has grown a great deal since the past event too – with a growing pipeline of exhibitors onboard. “We’ve grown the show into another hall since our 2014 show” explains Waite.

“The interest has no doubt been helped along by our long time supporters and show partners including (but not limited to) the NZ Institute of Food Science & Technology, The New Zealand Food Innovation Network, Massey University and their successful NZ Food Awards whom have aligned their national awards night dates to coincide with our show).

“The food manufacturing industry as a whole is continuing to enjoy high growth rates – hence a growing need for our event to empower food manufacturers to network, learn, research and procure the latest food technology solutions.”

Across three very busy day’s visitors will enjoy free seminars led by industry experts. On the MHL side of things the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport will be running a series of sessions, and the NZ Institute of Food Science & Technology have arranged a very full schedule for the Foodtech side of the show. “We’ll be releasing full details of the schedule shortly on the show websites www.mhlexpo.co.nz and www.foodtechpacktech.co.nz “

There’s going to be a full schedule of VIP networking events, show features, education and prize draws, all of which are entirely free to attend.

A combined audience across FTPT & MHL Expo of 4,000+ industry professionals and 200+ exhibitors showcasing the very latest innovations and technologies, 3 days of industry lead seminars, special features, show specials, and visitor prizes including the chance to win a brand new Ford, exclusive VIP networking events. the MHL Expo is an event not to be missed.

Other industry organisations supporting the event include: CILT, AIP, Plastics NZ, NZFIN, Pride in Print Awards, What’s New In Food, Food Technology Magazine, NZ Manufacturer, FTD Magazine, APPMA.

The Materials Handling & Logistics Show and Foodtech Packtech runs from 11-13 October at the ASB Showgrounds, Auckland.

Industry professionals can register to attend for free at www.mhlexpo.co.nz