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NETWORK NEWS

The CEA is committed to working with the network of other trade associations, agencies and government departments to promote the interests of the UK construction equipment sector.

Construction Forum - The CEA is participating in a Construction Forum, a new umbrella group for trade associations - with legal and financial experts - led by Trade Partners UK. Its aim is to plan a trade strategy, pan-industry, and to facilitate collaboration between the different industries in construction.

Trade Partners UK - The CEA met with TPUK's Head of Engineering, Aerospace and Mining, and was offered assistance with long-term strategy in markets from the TPUK machine. The CEA also had a meeting with the TPUK India Desk who are investigating grant of £400 per person to attend Baucon India in September 2002.

India - The CEA recently had a meeting with the India High Commission regarding an inward mission of contractors in June.

CECE - Tim Faithfull represented the CEA at the CECE Presidents Committee meeting held during the Samoter Fair in Verona on 15 February. Items discussed included a suggested new approach to political lobbying by CECE and moves towards a better communication process.

DTI - The CEA met with John Walker, successor to Ken Cooper as Head of the DTI Standards and Technical Regulations Department. Top of the list for discussion were progress with the proposed revision of the Machinery Directive and the pending enforcement of the Pressure Equipment Directive.

Trade with China - The CEA was represented at at meeting with the Export Action Group for Building Materials regarding trade with China.

BCCG - A meeting is being arranged between the CEA and the BCCG regarding further co-operation with consulting engineers and contractors.

BFPA - The CEA has been successful in securing SESA grant aid for the British Fluid Power Association for their stand at Conexpo-Con/Agg in Las Vegas (South Lobby, SL-8506). The BFPA represent the interests of hydraulic and pneumatic manufacturers and distributors in the UK.

MACH 2002 - promoted by the Machine Tools Technology Association, will take place at the NEC from 29 April to 3 May. It is the leading machine tool exhibition in the industry and runs alongside Metalworking 2002. Complimentary tickets available from the CEA offices.

CECE AND THE VDMA LOSE

UDO KÖSTLIN

a tribute from David Barrell, former FMCEC Director General

Udo Köstlin passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on 22 February, in Zaragoza, aged 60

Many members of the Association, particularly from OEM companies, who have taken part in FMCEC (now CEA) and CECE activities will undoubtedly have met, or certainly heard about, Udo. Udo was my counterpart in the German Association VDMA. He was over six feet tall, spoke excellent English and appeared at exhibitions, trade missions and CECE meetings all over the world. Very little was decided before Udo had made the German position clear and he died in a hotel in Zaragoza on his way to the SMOPyC exhibition and CECE Executive meeting, at which Rob Oliver represented the CEA.

I first met Udo in 1972 when he was appointed Director of the construction and building machinery division of the VDMA. I had just been appointed Secretary General of CECE, which was supposed to be a temporary job, but lasted 20 years! When I became Director General of the FMCEC I got to know a lot more about Udo, as we both fought to look after the interests of our respective members. Whilst on the surface he frequently seemed aggressive in seeking to control all situations, we invariably managed to find solutions to tricky situations. Whoever said membership of a "United Europe" would solve a lot of problems? Underneath, however, Udo recognised the importance of good relationships between the members of both our Associations.

The industry has lost a personality who will be missed, not only by his family, but the VDMA and his competitors/friends in CECE.