Student visits machinery show in China

Posted 10 December 2014

Harper Adams engineering student, Alexander Kay, learnt about the latest developments in Asian construction equipment during a trip to a Chinese trade show.

Alex, who is currently completing a sabbatical at Beijing University of Agriculture (BUA), visited BAUMA China 2014 – the 7th International Trade Fair for Construction Machinery, Building Material Machines, Construction Vehicles and Equipment.

The 20-year-old who studies BSc (Hons) Off Road Vehicle Design chose to attend the event as the flight is only 90 minutes from Beijing to Shangai – where the show took place. BAUMA is also Asia’s biggest construction machinery show, exhibiting some of the biggest and most established construction equipment manufacturers.

Alex from Douglas, Isle of Man, said: “It was not only a good opportunity for me to meet with the company that I completed a summer placement with before coming out to China, but also a chance to meet international engineers from around the world all working in the construction equipment industry.

“The show gave me the chance to see a lot of the brands that I wasn’t accustomed to, including many Chinese ones which have a large domestic customer base.”

During his sabbatical at BUA, Alex is delivering cultural awareness workshops, including rugby sessions. He is also helping to prepare the next cohort of students before they come to the UK in September 2015.

Sandra Turner, BUA Course Manager at Harper Adams, said: “Through the Hengyi Fund for Integration, which aims to enhance intercultural understanding and harmony between the UK and China, Alex has been given an opportunity to experience Chinese culture first hand.

“We are extremely pleased that he is making the most of the opportunity given to him, by networking at trade shows such as BAUMA.”