Intermach 2017 being held in conjunction with Subcon Thailand at Bitec 

Intermach 2017 is being touted by its organiser UBM Asia (Thailand) as the region's biggest showcase of industrial procurement and machinery parts to inform Thai industries about new technology and innovations. 
This showcase has been held continuously for three decades, and this year has been organised in conjunction with “Subcon Thailand”, in collaboration with the Board of Investment (BOI) and the Thai Subcontracting Promotion Association. 
After chairing the opening ceremony of Intermach 2017 on Wednesday, Industry Minister Uttama Savanayana said the government would continue to move forward the “Thailand 4.0” policy, which aims to make the country a value-based and innovation-driven economy by moving from producing commodities to innovative products in order to ensure sustainable economic growth so that Thais will not need to worry much about uncontrollable external factors.
“The government this year will continue to put emphasis on promoting technology, creativity and innovation in focused industries, moving from a production-based to a service-based economy,” he said. 
“Major investments in infrastructure are under way including airport upgrades, high-speed rail, roadways and the Eastern Economic Corridor, all of which are part of government efforts to make Thailand one of the most preferred investment destinations in Asia. The country will also develop skilled labour to make Thailand the most desirable destination for investment, particularly in future industries to ensure sustainable growth.” 
Hirunya Suchinai, secretary-general of the BOI, said Subcon Thailand aimed to increase opportunities for enterprises as well as to promote joint-venture businesses between Thai with foreign entrepreneurs.
“This year, Subcon Thailand is expected to achieve 6,000 business matches, while business value is expected to surge beyond Bt10 billion,” she said. 
“More than 350 subcontracting companies from Thailand and worldwide [including] Taiwan and Japan and other regions will join in, while more than 24,000 buyers are expected to take part in the event.” 
Manu Leopairote, chairman of UBM Asia (Thailand), said Intermach 2017 would be more outstanding than in previous years as more advanced technology and new innovation could be shown and presented with creativity. Altogether more than 1,500 machinery and equipment brands from 45 countries will be on display for the first time in Asean.
Moreover, Intermach 2017 will feature new machinery, technologies and innovations such as OTC Daihen, Omron and Nachi robotic and automation systems, as well as Bystronic cutting and bending systems from Switzerland. The event will also gather the largest number of brands of fibre-cutting machines such as Amada, Mazak, Mitsubishi And Hankwang.
Also coinciding with Intermach 2017 and Subcon Thailand will be “Sheet Metal Asia”, an international exhibition of sheet-metal fabrication technology and machinery. Sheet Metal Asia will display state-of-the-art fibre-laser machines, press brakes, punching machines, and water-jet technology. 
Intermach 2017 will create a knowledge base for small and medium-sized enterprises through the first Intermach Forum, a seminar on “Prepare Thai Industries Towards Industry 4.0”, which will be held on Thursday from 9am to noon, while a workshop for SMEs and start-ups will be another highlight of the event.