Showtime for 2014

Hoist is a keen advocate of tradeshows. Granted, the form these events often take is slowly transforming but that, if anything, is a sign of exhibitors, and organisers, adapting to meet market demands.

When speaking to a major manufacturer recently, one message was clear. There is still a significant commitment to major tradeshows but in 2014 and beyond, interactive displays and presentations will increasingly take the place of massive cranes, vehicles and other machinery.

There are inevitable cost and time savings that come with a smaller show presence and these firms are looking at tailored, bespoke open house events where they can invite existing and potential customers to check out the latest innovations. In a controlled environment, both the customer and client benefits from the face-to-face dialogue such situations present.

With that in mind, I am intrigued to see how the material handling sector is represented at this month's Modex in Atlanta. The major intralogistics event will no doubt impress and I look forward to presenting the show highlights in the coming months.

Then in May, CeMAT descends on the Hannover Messe in Germany. "There is no other comparable event anywhere else in the world," says Dr. Andreas Gruchow, a member of the Deutsche Messe Managing Board. Commenting on the event, Gruchow says such events are a platform where companies can showcase its products in an internationally representative environment and attending professionals can network on all the latest trends. I have no doubt the event won't live up to that billing.

In this month's Hoist, we take a look at the changing role material handling companies play in the power sector. The turbines and generators on most modern power stations are big beasts that need some hefty lifting work for their manufacture, installation and routine servicing. The big rotors alone can weigh over 100t so the cranes and hoists for the job have to be big too.

We also put the spotlight on North America and look at the business performance of firms operating this part of the world. "When consumers spend more on homes, automobiles, appliances, and related goods chances increase for expansion on the part of companies manufacturing these goods. Crane companies benefit from this expansion," says Gorbel's Rob Beightol, who pinpoints a key growth catalyst for companies such as his.

Until next time, enjoy the issue.

Tim Sheahan, Deputy Editor