ABMEC has launched its new Member Meets programme with a successful inaugural visit to FUCHS UK Ltd in Stoke-on-Trent, generously hosted and facilitated by John Stirland. ABMEC representatives joined members for the first event in this new initiative. The programme is part of ABMEC’s commitment to creating more opportunities for members to engage, connect and collaborate. Regional meetings and networking events will complement larger gatherings, including the annual conference, and help strengthen relationships across the membership.

The Member Meets format offered an engaging way to learn, exchange expertise and identify new opportunities for collaboration, while giving participants a deeper understanding of one another’s businesses.

FUCHS UK’s impressive site brings together historic and modern facilities. Following refreshments, guests gathered in the boardroom for a presentation on the company’s UK and global operations, product portfolio, international reach, sales performance and worldwide market presence.

Members also learned that the UK operation is one of the company’s centres of excellence for mining and research and development. The presentation highlighted FUCHS’ investment in R&D, as well as current ventures and product developments in key areas of the business.

A closer look at the product portfolio revealed the breadth of specialist industries and sectors served by FUCHS. Members received an in-depth introduction to SOLCENIC GM 20, a specialist fire-resistant hydraulic fluid for longwall mining, including its applications and benefits.

The visit continued with a full site tour. Highlights included the fully automated warehouse and its robotics, the production facilities, transportation and loading operations, the quality control and quality assurance laboratories, and a demonstration in the R&D labs.

Throughout the day, members heard how FUCHS has evolved, adapted and responded to changing markets. The company’s long-standing customer relationships and plans for the future provided further valuable insight.

ABMEC extends a huge thank you to John and the team at FUCHS for making the first Member Meets event such a success. Their time, hospitality and generosity were second to none.

Attendees left with fresh insight into FUCHS UK Ltd and the wider group, along with a stronger understanding of fellow ABMEC members and their work—exactly the kind of connection the Member Meets programme was created to encourage.

Could your organisation host a future ABMEC Member Meets event? Contact the ABMEC team to find out more and help showcase your expertise to fellow members.