SMT attracts more than 1,200 interested people to Emmeloord and takes a step toward the future!

What will the future hold for the earthmoving world? Autonomous running, hybrid technology or all-electric? What are major brands like Volvo Construction Equipment and Sennebogen doing with this issue, and how is SMT as importer dealer dealing with this? Many issues that were reviewed during the SMT event "the road ahead". During 10 sunny and warm days various target groups were invited to take a look into the future. Customers, business relations, dealers, students, operators and mechanics; everyone was welcome in Emmeloord!

During the 2-week event, for example, SMT was able to welcome 1,200 visitors. Our principals Volvo and Sennebogen gave various presentations on the topic of future models, electromobility, autonomous running and its impact on customer and dealer. Visitors could also experience how it is to work with the latest techniques. Especially for this, a future stand was set up. Visitors could use a "Microsoft holo lens" to view a Volvo CE machine virtually and in 3D. Sennebogen had developed a virtual game especially for the event in which people with 3d glasses could control a machine.

Youth has the future!

In addition to the opportunity to run themselves on "real machines," there were also 2 Volvo simulators available where, in addition to safe practice, people were given explanations about productivity and economical running. Remarkably, a young visitor of 13 years old (without experience) was able to beat almost all experienced operators by loading more (virtual) tons in 3 minutes with the lowest TCO (total cost of ownership). Again, it shows, youth is the future! Therefore, SMT in collaboration with SOMA colleague invited all 2nd year student mechanics to a master class. A full-day program where the students were introduced to 'the mechanic of the future'.

Enthusiastic visitors enjoy machine show

For the first time ever, SMT introduced a "mechanics day." The objective was to introduce mechanics from various sectors to our sector in an approachable way. As a result, we were able to welcome over 50 interested mechanics to our facility! During the customer days on Thursday 27 and Friday 28 June, we were able to welcome more than 450 relations whom we were able to offer a delicious BBQ in addition to the activities on offer. Each day was closed with a machine show. A complete demo team of 8 people had created a choreography with machines and music over the past months. Visitors responded positively and full of praise to this banging and spectacular show! The week ended on Saturday, June 29, with the now famous machinists' day. More than 250 operators traveled early to SMT to participate in the national finals of the Volvo Operators Club. Here Danny Smits and Jelmer Bosman were the happy winners, they may travel to Volvo CE in Sweden in October.

SMT looks back happily and enthusiastically on "the road ahead" and thanks all visitors who made these 10 days a great success!