The second edition of IMTEX International Forming Technology Exhibition is happening at a time when the statistical data pertaining to the output of the manufacturing sector revealed in the Index of Industrial Production shows telltale signs of a slowdown. But there is hope as an opportunity presents itself in every adversity. Let us hope that the New Year brings in good tidings for the beleagured industry.

IMTEX is organised by IMTMA - Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers Association, the apex body of the industry in India, which is as old as the country itself, having established in 1947. Today, IMTMA is recognised as the sole voice of the Indian machine tool industry - its membership constituting over 90 per cent of this strategic sector in the country. IMTEX is a showcase of manufacturing technology and automated solutions that took place every three years until 2007 when it became biennial and now is an annual event, with the alternating theme of Metal Cutting and Metal Forming machines. All odd years are dedicated to Metal Cutting machines, and the even years represent Metal Forming machines. Tooltech remains a concurrent event each year.

Together, the IMTEX shows demonstrate live, an exclusive range of contemporary and newest manufacturing solutions, for a wide and varied range of users, from India and abroad. IMTEX symbolises truly business-oriented exhibition, showcasing the competitive mode of this strategic industry, the world over.

IMTEX2012 is scheduled from January 19-24, 2012 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre, Tumkur Road, Bangalore. Tooltech 2012 as always is the concurrent event. The event focus would be on a comprehensive display of metal forming machine tools, cutting tools, tooling systems, machine tool accessories, metrology and CAD/CAM. A niche business-to-business exhibition, the uniqueness of IMTEX is its focus - the exhaustive range of forming technologies available for varied engineering applications. IMTEX Forming 2012 is a greatly expanded fair from its previous edition in 2010 that showcases its exclusivity to include all forming manufacturing technologies predominantly metals; as well as robotics & automation; welding & joining; and wire-forming & drawing. Manifestations of these technologies have the ultimate objective of enabling manufacturing excellence through superior technologies, world-class productivity and cost-competitiveness.

Billed as South and South-East Asia's largest B2b exhibition on forming manufacturing technologies, IMTEX Forming 2012 will layout the very latest machines, equipment, processes, tools, accessories, software and raw materials as well as feed stocks required to manufacture formed parts in given engineering application. Key emphasis of the six-day exhibition will be to showcase the contemporary technologies and equipment in metal-forming machine tools. The fair will have the presence of the entire metal-forming machine tool industry from India and from all corners of the world.

IMTEX Forming 2010 and Tooltech 2010 played host to 44,000 business visitors from India and all across the world. Key attraction of the turnout was visits by high-level delegations from user industries, manufacturing MNCs and several Indian and international business delegations. The exhibition recorded confirmed business orders worth Rs 2,552.30 million and generation of high potential business enquiries to the tune of Rs12, 201, 40 million.

Organiser & Venue

IMTMA is deeply committed to support its membership to increase competitiveness, enhance efficiency, improve productivity, and ensure growth and prosperity. It does so with the aim to assist the membership to become cost effective, technology driven, and ever responsive to customers changing needs. And that is precisely why IMTMA is today recognised as the sole voice of the Indian machine tool industry - its membership constituting over 90 per cent of this strategic sector in the country.

A word about the venue: Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) offers its exhibitors services and amenities of the highest quality on par with international standards. Beautifully landscaped over 34 acres this multi-purpose facility is a common ground for industry exhibitions, conferences, product demonstrations and training pro- grammes.

BIEC complements its 40,000 sq.m of covered space in three aesthetically and functionally designed exhibition halls, with a 5000 sq.m of open display area, perfectly suitable for showcasing large and heavy machines. VIP Lounge and Business Centre are attached with every hall, in addition to exhibition management facilities. The Conference Centre, The Food Court and other support services for exhibitor and visitor comfort, all within the same complex, make BIEC a unique and most sought after exhibition centre in India.

(Contact: Bangalore International Exhibition Centre, 10th Mile, Tumkur Road, Madavara Post, Bangalore 562 123. Tel: 080-66246600. Fax: 91-80-66246661. Email: imtma@imtma.in, imtma@del2.vsnl.net.in)