The decision to increase its stand size to allow a wider and more diverse range of grinding technology to be exhibited proved to be the right decision for Erith-based RK International Machine Tools Ltd (www.rk-int.com).

The company recorded record levels of enquiries over the five days of the exhibition and made some significant sales; it also identified a growing air of confidence among visitors from UK manufacturing companies.

Director and general manager Simon Rood said: “There was a great deal of uncertainty at the last MACH exhibition, but this show could not have been more different.

“We witnessed strong positive signals from our visitors, and grinding currently seems to be a hot topic.

Another area that saw increased interest was that of automation, with the Jainnher centreless grinder and its automated load/ unload system proving particularly popular.

“That machine went straight from the show to be installed at a customer.”

Confirming the positive mood were Mark Ward and Paul Ballin from Chesterfield-based Precision Products, a leading manufacturer and supplier of piston rings and metallic seals, who confirmed an order for two Delta Rotax 12 rotary-table horizontal-spindle grinding machines (pictured).

RK International director Dick Aldrich said: “While this order wasn’t a surprise, as we had been talking with Mr Ward prior to the exhibition, it is always nice to receive an order on an exhibition stand, as it justifies the time and effort that the team has put into delivering what was an excellent MACH for us.”