PEIE to organize Smart Manufacturing Conference 2009

Held under the patronage of His Excellency Maqbool bin Ali Sultan, Minister of Commerce & Industry and with the theme of 'Survive and Thrive', this year's conference will take place 2 - 3 November at Muscat's Grand Hyatt Hotel. The focus of the conference is on contemporary and emerging trends, developments and problems in manufacturing.

Professor Steve J. Culley, Head of Design, Department of Mechanical Engineering at Bath University and the conference keynote speaker, said, "Omani manufacturing today must adjust to the current global recession and the demanding markets facing international businesses, both large and small. I believe this important event will give delegates an unrivalled independent insight into current best practices and state-of-the-art manufacturing."

PEIE's Mulkie Al Hashmi and Conference Co-ordinator is equally upbeat, "We aim to help local industry in a time of economic downturn by bringing together expertise within the manufacturing environment to look at production improvements in the next decade. For example, we want to help generate new markets and expand on established communications by networking between suppliers, producers and designers. I'm looking forward to showing the delegates Oman's industries and establishing a vital network to help local firms."

Supported by Reem Batteries, Al Mudhish and Oman Cables, and now in its 4th year, the Smart Manufacturing Conference and is very popular with Oman's industrial sector.

"This is the conference and networking event at which to find out the answers to the key questions affecting manufacturing. The innovative two-day program not only offers a top notch keynote session and panel discussions but important networking opportunities, it's a must attend event for companies like mine,"

says Shatha Abbas of local luxury candle and soap manufacturer The Nejd.