AMHSA reflects on a buoyant year at its AGM

At its recent AGM, the Automated Material Handling Systems Association (AMHSA) celebrated a healthy year of business for its members in what is the organisation’s 30th anniversary year.

Following a networking opportunity the night before at the nearby real ale venue, Beerhouse, the AGM was held at AMHSA’s headquarters in Market Harborough on 20th April. Martin Elliott, AMHSA President, kicked off the event by offering a warm welcome to the five new members – SSI Schaefer, NORD Drivesystems, Qubiqa, WRH Global UK and Stockrail International – that have joined the association since the start of 2016. He then outlined the committee’s plans for the strategic development of AMHSA in the coming years.

Opportunities

Then Dave Berridge, AMHSA Secretary, gave a review of the marketing, networking and training opportunities that AMHSA had offered during the year.

These included the two-day Intralogistex 2016 show at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena in March, at which AMHSA not only had a stand but also provided a private meeting room for the exclusive use of the 11 members that exhibited. In addition, last summer AMHSA arranged a free webinar with social media expert, Libby Langley, who demonstrated to members how they could use social media to generate more sales. Dave Berridge also informed the AGM of progress with BSI and FEM standards during the year and AMHSA’s input into the development of these.

Apprenticeship scheme AGM attendees were updated on the AMHSA apprenticeship programme after its first year of operation.

Organised in association with car manufacturer, Toyota, the scheme enables members to take part in a four-year programme under which apprentices spend the first two years learning a range of hands-on, high-tech engineering skills at the stateof- the-art Toyota Academy in Burnaston and the remaining two years building on this with industry-specific skills and knowledge at the premises of the AMHSA member. Kelvin Sanders of Toyota reported that the current apprentices in the scheme – from members KNAPP and George Utz – were progressing well so far and invited members to visit.

Subsequently, AMHSA has organised an Open Day for members at the Burnaston facility on 11th May (details are on the AMHSA website).

Rob Fisher of Informa Exhibitions then brought members up to date on plans for the forthcoming IMHX 2016 show, at which 34 members are currently signed up to exhibit. The AGM was rounded off with a buffet lunch and further opportunities for networking.

30-year anniversary

“The AGM was well attended,” commented Martin Elliott, “and provided a useful platform to discuss the strategic direction of AMHSA in its 30th year. We are planning to celebrate this milestone with a drinks reception in the AMHSA Pavilion at IMHX immediately after the show closes on the penultimate day, Thursday 15th September.”

www.amhsa.co.uk