Oktoberfest is launchpad for new engineering businesses
22-09-2009
Durham Oktoberfest will be the venue for the launch of two new manufacturing and engineering businesses in the region, much to the delight of the organisers Engineering Clusters County Durham. In its second year, the event is proving to be an attraction for large multinationals and regional start-ups alike, and will be opened by Margaret Fay OBE, Chairman, One North East, and Nicki Clark, Assistant CEO, Business & Enterprise North East.
David Franks of Aycliffe Filtration Limited (AFL) and Peter Kirton of Icetree Business Integration Services have both decided to use the Oktoberfest as a launchpad for their new engineering businesses, capitalising on the fact that many of the region’s big hitters in the industry will be there on the day.
AFL founder David Franks set up the company after working in filtration for over 25 years and has already begun sending out orders. “Working at my previous company, I spotted a gap in the market for high quality filtration products, particularly oil removal filters and I decided that I could manufacture them here in the North East. There is a great local supply and support network, and the region has a wealth of engineering and manufacturing knowledge and expertise.”
AFL’s products could be used by any company in the world which has a waste water problem, although a typical application would be ships which are not permitted to dump dirty water overboard – AFL’s products ensure that they meet legislation requirement. The company also suppliers a whole range of third party filtration products. David explained his involvement in the Oktoberfest “I joined the South Durham Engineering & Manufacturing forum to help leverage the local expertise and networks and was then told about the Oktoberfest. It seems like the ideal opportunity to showcase my company, speak to customers and suppliers and do real business. ”
John Lyle of Engineering Clusters County Durham is impressed by the sheer number of high quality businesses in the region. “We have already sold 80% of the stalls at Oktoberfest and we have businesses covering the whole spectrum of manufacturing and engineering expertise. AFL is just one example of a great manufacturing company which has chosen to set up in our region. Oktoberfest is going to bring together some formidable regional companies which are helping to drive the regional economy and put the North East on the map as a centre of manufacturing and engineering excellence.”
Peter Kirton’s Icetree Business Integration Services will also be using Oktoberfest as a launchpad. Peter, a Chartered Mechanical Engineer has specialist knowledge in the Management of Innovation and New Product Development. Ice Tree will focus on Design and Innovation Consultancy, Product Lifecycle Management and Far East Supplier Management Services and will be helping businesses in the region to become and remain competitive in the global market.
Peter explains “‘We now live in a very competitive global economy. Our future prosperity is dependent upon our ability to design and manufacture new products. The local engineering clusters promote and support local collaboration which is imperative if we are to compete nationally and internationally -I'm therefore delighted to be able to launch Icetree Business Integration Services Limited at Oktoberfest.”
A number of big-name companies have already pledged their support and commitment to the Oktoberfest and to sourcing local suppliers wherever possible. The impressive list of confirmed attendees already includes Husqvarna, BAE Systems, Caterpillar Peterlee and Northumbrian Water. Oktoberfest is becoming known as a great place to do business and planning for this year’s event on the 1st of October at Rainton Meadows Arena, Houghton-le-Spring is well underway. Attendance at Oktoberfest is free of charge but you do have to register via the website.
To find our more and register your attendance please contact Engineering Clusters County Durham on T: 0191 300 6959, email info@durhamoktoberfest.org.uk or visit www.durhamoktoberfest.org.uk.
