The award winning Nineteen Group today announces that it has acquired the Drives and Controls Show and its co-located manufacturing events (Plant and Asset Management, Fluid Power systems and Airtech) www.drives-expo.com

Drives and Controls has been the voice of the industry since 1991 when it launched at The Motorcycle Museum. Ian Atkinson and Ryan Fuller acquired the event in 2004 and relocated the show to the NEC where it has become the market leading event within a growing industry driven by the adoption of automation and Industry 4.0.

Ian Atkinson and Ryan Fuller will retain the publishing assets of DFA Media Group and will work closely with Nineteen as lead media partner for the event. Haf Cennydd has joined Nineteen Group as Exhibition Director and will lead the integration of the exhibition. Haf has a strong track record in major scale business to business trade shows both in the UK and overseas and has led some of the world’s leading event brands.

Peter Jones, CEO of Nineteen Group said, “Drives and Controls is another exciting addition to the Nineteen family and fits with our strategy to create the leading platform for manufacturing events in the UK. The UK is the 9th largest manufacturer in the world and is facing a period of unprecedented change which is always the major ingredient for trade show innovation. This event is completely synergistic with the rest of our rapidly growing manufacturing portfolio.”

Ian Atkinson, CEO of DFA said, “This is a fabulous opportunity for Drives and Controls to continue on its growth path and expand as part of a wider group of world class manufacturing events. Peter Jones and his team have strong exhibition experience and will invest in the Drives and Controls brand. As lead media partner, we will work closely with Haf and the team at Nineteen to ensure the sector has lots of touch points throughout the year”

 About Nineteen Group

Nineteen Group is a dynamic and rapidly expanding trade show organiser based in the centre of Wimbledon. Backed by Phoenix Equity Partners, Nineteen connects tens of thousands of people across a number of trade shows, publications and digital products, inspiring our communities to grow. Operating across several markets including security, cyber, fire safety, energy, manufacturing and engineering, emergency response and retail, Nineteen Group is more than just a number with a successful team on an exciting journey of growth to become the UK’s leading organiser.

About DFA Media Group

DFA Media, publishers of Drives & Controls, Plant & Works Engineering, Hydraulics & Pneumatics, Smart Futures, Aftermarket, Offshore Engineering & Equipment and Power Electronics Europe, are a renowned for being at the centre of UK Manufacturing. As an independent industrial publisher, engineers and manufacturing professionals from across the UK and Europe turn to their portfolios to for the latest technologies, new strategies and to keep up-to-date with new products. 

For further queries contact – vnoon@nineteengroup.com