SED replacement show to launch in 2013

The replacement for the closed SED show in the UK is being lined up for May, 2013 at Stoneleigh Park near Coventry. It is likely to be a three day show and has been given the provisional name Plant Works.

The UK’s Construction Equipment Association (CEA) has been coordinating efforts to create a new exhibition and held a meeting with potential exhibitors at Stoneleigh on Monday.

The proposals will be considered at a CEA board meeting on 17 December and an official announcement could be made near the end of January.

The CEA favours a biennial event, alternating with the Hillhead mining and quarrying show. IRN understands that CEA believes that there is not enough time to organise a successful first event in the summer of 2011, so will wait until after Hillhead 2012 to launch the new show.

A major feature of the exhibition will be the outdoor demonstration areas. The show will be targeted at construction equipment, including plant and tools, although detailed questions such as whether aerial platforms and cranes will be included have yet to be confirmed.

IRN understands that sectors such as recycling and commercial transport will not be included in a significanat way.

SED was closed by its owners last month after a history of more than 40 years. The CEA has since been facilitating discussions about the new event, although CEA's final role in the exhibition has yet to be confirmed.

Companies attending the Monday meeting at Stoneleigh included Wacker Neuson, Volvo and Thwaites.