Ssafety and security were at the top of the agenda as leading users and suppliers of industrial controls equipment converged on Industrial Automation and Control (IAC) works in Newport.

The well-established two-day event, at IAC’s headquarters in Queensway Meadows, showcased ground-breaking control technology including some of the latest developments in robotics.

Training sessions from industry leaders such as Siemens, Eaton, Pilz, ABB and Routeco and Rockwell Automation, presented details on up to the minute trends in machinery safety and energy management.

Talks on industrial cyber crime and security highlighted the growing potential hazard to businesses from computer hackers and offered ways to keep ahead of the threat.

Peter Lewis, managing director of IAC Ltd, said: “I’m extremely pleased with the level of interest we generated for this year’s IAC open days. The technology in the industrial controls and automation industry changes all the time and events such as this helps operators in the industry to keep abreast and up to date with developments.

“World leading players in the automation and controls sector were represented during the open days which also covered the rapidly developing world of robotics and the challenging area of cyber security and the multitude and expanding risks inherent in computer controlled technology.

“We were able to have a number of fruitful conversations with customers and clients which in due course we’re confident can be converted to major announcements for IAC Ltd. I also know a number of others who attended over the two days also found the event similarly productive.”

The supplier’s exhibition featured more than 30 displays of equipment including variable speed drives, motors, sensors, programmable controllers, communications, motion control and machine safety.

Included among the big hitters who attended and exhibited were Siemens, ABB, Routeco, IFM Electronic, Pepperl + Fuchs, Pilz, Parker and Eurotherm.

Customers at the event included Tata Steel, Welsh Water, Eastman, Evoqua Water Technologies and Mabey Bridge.

Event organiser Kath Lewis, of IAC Ltd, said: “The two days provided educational seminars, displays of exciting new technologies, provided product demonstrations and hands on workshops. Those attending were able to see equipment in real world applications and try their hand at number software and practical demonstrations.

“We’re glad to be able to say that among the foremost companies working in the fields of metals, bulk materials handling, paper, defence, nuclear, chemicals, oil and gas and water, were represented at our biennial event.

“The event is South Wales’ only control systems exhibition. The two day open day offers exhibitors and attendees an unrivalled platform to meet and do business with engineers, managers and key decision makers not just from the region but much further afield.”

Celebrating its 11th anniversary, the event has proved to be successful at precisely targeting end users. IAC, now in its 27th year, has been hosting this event since 2004.

A principle aim is to provide a platform for various businesses to demonstrate their capabilities and products as a focus for customers, buyers and engineers.

The two-day event, which included a dinner for exhibitors and guests on the first evening at The Coldra Court Hotel, Langstone, with entertainment from The Noise Next Door, showcased the experience and expertise of IAC which is recognised as one of the United Kingdom’s leading systems integrators. In addition attendees and exhibitors were able to see the latest offerings from the World’s major equipment suppliers and learn about the latest developments in engineering and technology.

Exhibitors included: IFM Electronic, Routeco, ABB, Siemens, Rittal, Sick, Underwoods, ABB Low Voltage, Pepperl + Fuchs, Wittenstein, Parker, Pilz, Westermo, Eldon, Eurotherm, Mersen, Parmley Graham, Cembre, PR Electronics, Danfoss, Eaton, Impulse Corporation, Schneider Electric, Omron, Vega, Euchner and Kawasaki Robotics.