Better Together Expo showcases innovation in the North West

Willmott Dixon’s Better Together Expo drew to a close earlier in the month, having showcased some of the North West’s most promising supply chain innovations.

With the Better Together Expo, Willmott Dixon aims to give supply chain innovation a platform in the North West. This year the annual two day event took place in Rochdale, with 35 regional companies taking part to showcase their innovations to potential buyers, alongside a varied programme of guest speakers and seminars.

Hundreds attended the expo held at Willmott Dixon’s Rochdale Riverside regeneration; one of the most significant schemes to be undertaken in the town for over a generation. Pupils from nearby Hopwood Hall College were also given an opportunity to get to grips with some of the new technologies on display.

Among the innovations was a high-tech upper body exoskeleton designed to provide arm support during heavy lifting. The vests are currently being trialed by Willmott Dixon in partnership with robotics firm, Eksobionics, to better protect and support the company’s workforce.

“Innovation is in the DNA of Willmott Dixon and our supply chain partners,” said Anthony Dillon, Managing Director of Willmott Dixon in the North. “I have been amazed and inspired by the ingenuity on display. After the success of our first event in Blackpool last year, this event is now a staple of the northern construction calendar and it was great to see such a fantastic turnout over both days, which created a buzzing atmosphere and a really exciting forum for new ideas.

“As we look to the future of construction and to inspire a new generation, visitors needed only take one look outside at the live Rochdale Riverside project to see how, together, we are all shaping the future of our communities.”

Developed by a Genr8 and Kajima joint venture in partnership with Rochdale Borough Council, Rochdale Riverside will provide 200,000 square foot of retail and leisure space once complete.

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