The North East Automotive Alliance's (NEAA) flagship Expo is to be held at the Beacon of Light, Sunderland for its seventh year.

The Expo, an industry highlight for companies operating within the region’s automotive supply chain, will take place on Thursday 29 September. The one-day exhibition is free for NEAA members and manufacturing delegates and is supported by a high calibre of sponsors.

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The 2021 event attracted over 670 delegates, 124 exhibitors, 14 sponsors and helped instigate over 110 meet-the-buyer appointments with ten of the region’s largest automotive companies.

These included, Nissan, Komatsu and their tier one suppliers, all of which helped to facilitate vital business connections for the automotive supply chain.

This year the keynote speaker is Alan Johnson, vice president of manufacturing at Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK (NMUK). Alan, who has over 30 years’ experience at Nissan, is responsible for all manufacturing aspects of the plant, and, as well as discussing digitalisation, skills and localisation, he will talk about Nissan’s drive towards net zero with its EV36Zero £1bn Electric Vehicle Hub.

Sunderland City Council is confirmed as main sponsor for a seventh year and Invest South Tyneside, Advance Northumberland, ThinkPrime, CMYK, Horizon Works, Masfix, Ekobox and Reliance High-Tech continue to show their support with repeat sponsorship.

New sponsor, Nokia, has come onboard as partner sponsor, whilst Manosun will sponsor the Technology Showcase and Smart Manufacturing Solutions and SMS Tech will sponsor the new Drinks and Networking Reception.

Alan Johnson, said: “Now is a key time for our industry and I’m looking forward to hearing from the wider North East automotive sector, as we look forward to our bright electrified future, together.”

Exhibition stands are already over 70% sold.

 

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