IMHX

IMHX
Name	IMHX
Genre	Logistics and Materials Handling Exhibition
Venue	National Exhibition Centre
Location	Birmingham, England
First	1960s
Organiser	[Placeholder Organiser]
Frequency	Biennial

IMHX

IMHX is a major United Kingdom trade exhibition for logistics, warehousing, materials handling, and supply chain professionals, bringing together companies, institutions, and visitors from across Europe and beyond. The event functions as a platform for manufacturers, distributors, research centres, and service providers to display equipment, technology, and solutions used in distribution centres, ports, airports, and industrial sites. IMHX attracts delegates from sectors represented by institutions such as British Retail Consortium, CILT (Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport), Institute of Mechanical Engineers, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, and international bodies like European Commission-linked initiatives.

Overview

IMHX showcases integrated systems including automated storage and retrieval systems, conveyor technology, robotics, pallet racking, lift trucks, and warehouse management software. Exhibitors range from global conglomerates linked to Toyota Motor Corporation, Kion Group, Jungheinrich, Caterpillar Inc., and Siemens to specialists associated with ABB Group, Honeywell International, Bosch Rexroth, Schneider Electric, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The exhibition intersects with standards and certification organisations such as ISO, British Standards Institution, and trade associations like UK Warehousing Association and Federation of Private Business. IMHX often features demonstrations relevant to infrastructure projects tied to Port of Felixstowe, London Gateway, Humber Freeport, and logistics corridors connected to Channel Tunnel operations.

History

IMHX originated in the mid-20th century amid post-war industrial expansion and the mechanisation trends that included firms such as Crown Equipment Corporation and Hyster-Yale Materials Handling. Over successive decades it reflected technological shifts seen in events like Hannover Messe, CeMAT, and additions from automation pioneers represented by Fanuc, KUKA, and Yaskawa Electric. The fair evolved alongside policy developments influenced by institutions like Department for Business and Trade, trade agreements involving World Trade Organization frameworks, and funding initiatives tied to European Investment Bank. Historical attendees included multinational logistics operators such as DHL, UPS, FedEx, DB Schenker, and retailers like Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Marks & Spencer, and John Lewis Partnership that drove demand for warehouse innovation.

Exhibition and Events

IMHX programmes conferences, live demonstrations, panel discussions, and product launches with speakers drawn from companies such as Amazon (company), Walmart, Zebra Technologies, Cisco Systems, and consultancy firms like McKinsey & Company, Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, and Ernst & Young. The schedule has included sessions on automation led by representatives of GE Transportation, Hitachi, Rockwell Automation, and software enterprises linked to SAP SE, Oracle Corporation, Microsoft, and Blue Yonder. Workshops often feature academic partners like University of Warwick, Cranfield University, University of Cambridge, Loughborough University, and Imperial College London. Trade media such as Logistics Manager, Supply Chain Digital, Warehouse & Logistics News, and broadcasters like BBC provide coverage.

Exhibitors and Products

Exhibitor lists span manufacturers, integrators, and service providers including Dematic, SSI Schaefer, Elettric80, Toyota Material Handling, Rocla, Jungheinrich, Manitou, Konecranes, Terex Corporation, Caterpillar Logistics, Palletways, WABCO, ZF Friedrichshafen, Renault Trucks, Volvo Group, Scania AB, Iveco, and component suppliers such as SKF, Timken Company, NTN Corporation, and ABB Robotics. Product categories seen at IMHX include automated guided vehicles from firms like Seegrid, warehouse control systems from Honeywell Intelligrated, power solutions by Exide Technologies, safety equipment by 3M, and data capture from Honeywell Scanning & Mobility and Datalogic S.p.A..

Visitor Information

Attendees typically include logistics managers, procurement directors, operations leads, and facilities planners from organisations such as Royal Mail, Network Rail, National Health Service (England), British Army, and corporate supply chains at Procter & Gamble, Unilever, Diageo, Cadbury, and Nestlé. Visitor services connect with transport hubs like Birmingham New Street station, Birmingham International Airport, and hotel groups such as Hilton Worldwide, InterContinental Hotels Group, and Marriott International. Ticketing, accreditation, and CPD opportunities often align with professional development offered by CILT (Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport)],] Institute of Engineering and Technology, and continuing education at regional colleges including Birmingham City University.

Industry Impact and Significance

IMHX influences procurement cycles, technology adoption, and standards across supply chains affecting ports like Port of Southampton and distribution clusters near East Midlands Airport and Manchester Ship Canal. It drives conversation on sustainability with exhibitors linked to Siemens Gamesa, Vestas, and low-emission transport solutions relevant to policy agendas connected to Department for Transport and programmes inspired by Paris Agreement climate goals. Economic impacts resonate with regional development agencies such as West Midlands Combined Authority, investment groups like British Business Bank, and export promotion via UK Export Finance.

Awards and Recognitions

IMHX has featured industry awards recognising innovation, safety, sustainability, and service excellence with judges from bodies like Institute for Supply Management, Royal Society of Arts, and trade publications such as Logistics & Materials Handling Awards. Past award categories mirrored achievements by companies including Dematic, SSI Schaefer, Kion Group, Jungheinrich, ABB, and technology innovators associated with University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre.

Category:Trade fairs in the United Kingdom