A world of difference!

A world of difference!
A world of difference!

Frédérique Mutel, president and CEO of JEC Composites discusses with Ed Hill what visitors can expect to see at JEC World, being held at the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre from 8-10 March

In a Q&A session Frédérique Mutel, president and CEO of JEC Composites discusses with Ed Hill what visitors can expect to see at JEC World, being held at the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre from 8-10 March. Formerly JEC Europe, the sector's biggest trade fair dedicated to composites has a new name and new venue. With more than 1,300 exhibitors it promises to be the preeminent show to see the latest innovations.

Q: How has the show grown this year and what are your targets for the 2016?

All our activities grew in 2015 and we expect the same in 2016. Our business model is based on the synergy between our activity as a publisher and an exhibitions organiser. It means our customers find it very useful to get unique information content from us and share cutting-edge networking events constantly presenting innovation. For 20 years, the show has constantly grown, each and every year reaching 62,000m² of exhibit space in 2016. Also this year we are expecting a higher attendance with 1,300 exhibiting companies and organisations and 36,000 visitors from 100 countries.

Q: Why was the decision made to move the show to the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre and what improvements will visitors see?

The growth of the event has led us to move again. The Paris Nord Convention Centre is the largest in France. The new venue will, without doubt, improve the attendees' and exhibitors' experience with JEC World, as the modern and functional site is close to infrastructures like the airport Roissy Charles de Gaulle, the Roissy TGV high-speed train station and minutes away from Paris city centre thanks to the RER rapid transit system, and JEC shuttles providing our international visitors with easy access. Moreover, the attendee experience will be improved thanks to the infrastructures and many services that the venue provides such as free Wi-Fi connection, for example.

Q: Will there be any particular themes at this year's show? Can you explain more about the new ‘Planet' zones?

In 2016, particular focus will be made on aerospace, automotive, sports & leisure and automation. For the first time, JEC will launch its four ‘Planets' at JEC World, dedicated to these sectors. In these areas will be displayed innovative parts and solutions that composites have to offer to these specific industries. The Planets will also help the networking opportunities for attendees in these areas.

Q: How will the aerospace sector be represented at the event?

The aerospace sector has always been major element at JEC events. The main manufacturers participate every year. Our American and Asian networks help us reach more and more stakeholders in this field. That is also a reason why a ‘Planet' is dedicated to this sector.

Moreover, our second day conference on aeronautics promises to be a high point for the industry. The main topic is ‘Adapting to the CFRP part production ramp-up' and the partnership with the ONERA (French Centre for Aerospace Research) will provide outstanding developments. Indeed, speakers from Dassault Systèmes, Airbus and ESI will share their knowledge and developments in this field. For 20 years, we have been sponsoring SAMPE Europe (Society for the Advancement Materials and Process Engineering) and thanks to its aerospace expertise, a scientific conference will take place the day before JEC World to host eminent aerospace representatives from all over the world.

Q: What have been the biggest developments in the worldwide composites market and what will be the most significant developments in 2016?

The major developments we have seen are new primary materials, especially thermoplastic composites, nanocomposites and smart materials. Above all, the key growth driver for the composites industry is automation and production in large series.

Automation is developing fast in the composites market. The automotive industry is already able to produce high volume composites parts for everyday cars. The processes will be adapted to each industry. Automation is truly one of the biggest changes.

One third of our exhibition is composed of machines and equipment from manufacturers presenting different technologies for volume production. This is the growing segment and is one of the most important in the show. Finally, I believe recycling solutions and the usage of recyclates could lead to a new outlook.

Q: Who is the country of honour this year and why?

The Republic of Korea has been chosen as the Guest of Honour country for JEC World 2016. In recent years, South Korean firms have been at the forefront of several noteworthy composite material developments that have been recognised worldwide in particular for their carbon breakthroughs. Moreover, the close relationship of government, industry and research together with material sciences and engineering is vital in the development of composite technology in a country. These models of beneficial circles have proven to be positive and fruitful in many countries and South Korea is one very good example.

Q: What can people expect from the forum and conference programmes?

The conference programme promises to be one of quality once more. Our conference team works closely with our journalists to offer a programme that is at the heart of the composite community's interest.

This year, JEC Group has partnered with industry associations and professionals in every conference session to develop custom-made conference themes for each industry. Therefore, the programme has been built up with the ONERA, Inovev, TUM, Stuttgart University, CETIM, E-Xstream Engineering, Stanford University, the Composites Innovation Cluster, Dassault Systèmes and AZL.

Q: What is the importance of JEC World for the sector?

The composites market has a reasonable growth of 6% per year. JEC World has a double digit growth, which is not the case with other composites shows. The explanation could be our JEC ‘Excellence'. This excellence is based on three elements: technology expertise, sales and marketing knowledge and style. We have composites experts who bring their knowledge in content. Our sales and marketing team are result-oriented and dynamic. Finally, the way the JEC Group stages events is known worldwide. Our customers enjoy the style, spirit and soul. They regularly express they are pleased to be part of JEC shows and proud to show such an innovative platform to their own customers.

www.jeccomposites.com

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