SBL Shines at the NEC Materials and Finishes Show 2024: Innovating the Future of Woodworking

From May 19th to 22nd, Air Plants and Talbott’s, the manufacturing companies from the Smith Brothers Leicester (SBL) group proudly showcased their subsidiary companies, at the NEC Materials and Finishes Show 2024. Formerly W Exhibition & Elements, This trade show has been running for over 50 years and is a great platform for manufacturers and processors of timber. Attending the show highlights SBL’s commitment to innovative British manufacturing and solidifies our group’s position as a woodworking industry leader. We attended with an impressive central stand, and a great team including the Manufacturing Managing Director, Mick Johnson, Mike Quince our Sales Director, Raymond Johnson, Kim Rose and Matt Vernon.

Launch of Two New Products

And what better to mark our participation than with the launch of two groundbreaking new products designed to revolutionise the sector? Air Smart and The Bulldog Shredder were centre stage at the show with demonstrations and in-depth explanations from the team, bringing in the crowds over 4 full days. Here’s a little about each new product:

Air Smart by Air Plants Dust Extraction

Our first product is the Air Smart system which represents a leap forward in the smart management of airflow and energy use. Manufactured in the UK, this system is integrated into Air Plants equipment and manages dust extraction to operate only when machinery is active. This conserves energy and provides significant cost savings to customers.

The system’s efficiency lies in its ability to minimise energy waste by optimising dust extraction processes. This innovation promises reduced operational costs and a lower environmental impact.

Exclusively available through Air Plants Dust Extraction, you can find out more about this groundbreaking product, here: https://www.airplants.co.uk/products/air-plants-air-smart/.

Bulldog Shredder by Talbott’s

Our second launch product was The Bulldog Shredder, an industrial marvel manufactured in the Black Country, and is the only UK-made industrial shredder. It boasts motors up to 37KW, capable of shredding up to 1400KG of wood per hour, transforming waste wood into chips!

This shredder is ideal for companies looking to integrate an effective waste wood management system, reducing landfill dependence and promoting eco-friendly practices.

For detailed specifications, visit Bulldog Wood Shredders.

Reflecting on the event, SBL Chief Executive Martin Heatlie said: “The kit on show took my breath away… The quality of the product and professionalism of staff on the stand were second to none.”

He emphasised the products’ potential, stating: “With a potential payback of less than three years, every company generating wood waste should look to reduce their landfill and eradicate their dependency on fossil fuels for heating.”

Engaging with the Woodworking Community

The new products brought in the crowds, particularly from companies engaged in woodworking and those using fossil fuels for heating in their manufacturing processes. The Air Smart and Bulldog Shredder are tailored to meet the needs of businesses seeking efficiency and sustainability They are an absolute must for future business success.

The growing importance of efficiency and sustainability in modern businesses has many benefits, such as economic, compliance and environmental responsibility. By integrating efficiency and sustainability, businesses not only contribute to a healthier planet but also enhance their long-term success and resilience, making the latest products from Air Plants and Talbott’s a clear choice for leaders in the industry.

Our appearance at the NEC Materials and Finishes Show 2024 shows our proactive approach to business and innovation. And while the next show is planned for 2026, we have already expressed our intent to participate, building on a legacy of excellence and leadership in the industry.

The NEC Materials and Finishes Show 2024 was a resounding success for our subsidiaries, Air Plants and Talbott’s. The launch of the Air Smart and Bulldog Shredder marks a significant advancement in the woodworking industry, reinforcing SBL’s commitment to innovation and sustainable practices. As a proud British manufacturing group, our subsidiaries will continue to lead by example, setting new standards in efficiency and environmental awareness.

For further inquiries, prospective customers are encouraged to visit the Air Plants and Talbott’s websites or contact Mike Quince directly at Mike.Quince@talbotts.co.uk.

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