The Australian Bulk Handling Expo will showcase a range of emerging technologies and automation products, providing valuable solutions for engineers in the bulk solids sector
The Australian Bulk Handling Expo (BULK2024) will present various equipment that is essential for handling bulk solids – including silos, conveyors and dust control systems – but automation is increasing as a theme in the industry.
With safety being a top priority for those in the bulk handling industry, due to its hazardous work demands, emerging technologies such as automation could be key to making work safer.
As Australia’s only dedicated exhibition for the bulk solids handling industry, BULK2024 show director Lauren Chartres says the event promises to showcase the latest automation technologies that provide ongoing solutions for bulk handling.
“Automation can make bulk handling work cheaper and more efficient,” she says.
“Even though it may remove a manual job, it can provide opportunities for workers to be trained to use technology that they haven’t used before.”
Work in this sector presents hazards such as heavy loads and dust, with Chartres reiterating that repeated manual work can cause wear on tear on workers’ bodies. Due to this, Chartres hopes that the exhibition will showcase new automated solutions for worker safety, whilst also contributing to the success of the industry.
“The more we can use these types of technologies, the safer people will be,” the show director says.
To be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, the event will focus on everything from agricultural workers handling grain, wheat and sugar, construction workers handling cement and stone, and commodities workers in mining and resources.
Managers that procure new equipment will find the exhibition beneficial as they will be presented with potential technologies that can be used in their own business, Chartres says.
“People that understand these types of technology, such as engineering managers and project managers, are going to find that the expo is very useful,” she says.
On the show floor, attendees will have the opportunity to meet with new clients, learn about new markets and connect with customers they might never have met elsewhere.
Already confirmed to be at the event, one key exhibitor that will be showing its bulk handling solutions is Martin Engineering.
Some of its bulk handling solutions include belt cleaners, dust management solutions and industrial vibrators.
“Martin Engineering will have a big presence throughout the exhibition,” Chartres says.
As well as showcasing all the latest solutions in the bulk handling industry, BULK2024 also offers attendees access to a two-day conference, free-of-charge – discussing how businesses can take the next step to remain up to date in a constantly changing industry.
“We are going to be hosting a really useful and informative conference, that will focus on how emerging technology – such as automation – can be taken to the next level,” Chartres says.
“In addition to automation presentations, the conference will cover safety and compliance.”
To add even more value for attendees, showgoers get access to one of Australia’s biggest transport, logistics and supply chain events – MEGATRANS – and its conference as well, with one ticket granting access for both events.
The 2024 Australian Bulk Handling Awards will also be hosted at BULK2024 – the only awards program specifically dedicated to the bulk handling industry.
Nominations are currently open for the awards night and can be submitted online at the Bulk Handling Awards website. Winners will be announced at a gala dinner to be held on the opening night of the expo.
Chartres said the awards are an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding achievements and successes of companies and individuals that have demonstrated innovative practices and superior performances across the year.
“We’ve updated the awards to better reflect the themes of the event, rather than having two programs in isolation,” Chartres says.
“We’ve seen how impactful bringing the industry together was at BULK2022 and are excited to see the industry continue to grow.”
BULK2024 will be held from 10am – 5pm, September 18–19 in Melbourne. For more info visit: www.bulkhandlingexpo.com.au