Key world fair in Cologne

Following the decision to stage the International Hardware Fair/Practical World in a two-year cycle, it will again be opening its doors to visitors from 5 to 8 March after last year's break. The organisers expect 3 600 exhibitors from 60 countries who will occupy a space of 255 000 m². The international presence will come to around 70 per cent. Completion of work on the new halls has resulted in giving the fair a new structure and has made it possible to create a clearer layout system.
Asian suppliers in their own halls
Suppliers from Asia will be organised together in halls of their own. As Koelnmesse announced, “The high-quality ranges mainly from Europe and the aggressively priced ranges from Asia will be displayed separately, each in their own halls – right across the Tools segment, Locks & Fittings and DIY and Builders’ Supplies as well.” Only Asian companies from the Tools sector or Locks & Fittings will be exhibiting in the newly numbered Halls 1 and 2. Asian suppliers in the DIY sector will be presenting their companies and their wares in Hall 6.
The Practical World segment of the fair will be held entirely in the four newly constructed North Halls. The existing halls, in which the remaining segments are located, have been totally renovated. A new boulevard with a conference and press centre provides the link between the new North and South halls.
Biggest segment: Tools
Tools account for the biggest fair segment with a gross exhibition space of approx. 120 000 m². About 1 900 exhibitors are showing a broad range of products. On display are hand and power tools, machinery, machine tools, pressure cleaners, welding and soldering equipment, automotive tools and scaffolding (Halls 1 to 4 & 10).
The spectrum of products in the Security, Locks + Fittings segment ranges from builders’ hardware and furniture fittings through to mechanical locks as well as electronic access control. About 400 suppliers will be showing locks and keys, security pro-ducts, alarm and burglary prevention systems, and much more on an area of more than 50 000 m² (Halls 11.1 and 11.2).
The Builders’ and DIY Supplies segment will have about 1 300 companies exhibiting on approx. 85 000 m². The categories range from chemical products, building materials, ceramics and tiling, through to painters’ requisites, timber products, self-assembly furniture, plumbing, bathroom and kitchen furnishings, as well as lamps, lighting, electrical installation materials, small items of hardware…