New fair – new prizes

The dates are known: from 4 to 7 March 2012 the International Hardware Fair is being staged in Cologne once more. It is also clear that, after the DIY’Tec and Practical World events of previous years, it will be a new fair that presents itself to the trade public this time. The Home Improvement section is being shown apart from the three core segments of Tools, Industrial Supply and Fasteners & Fixings plus Fittings. It will be interesting to see what sort of a reception the new fair is given. According to Metin Ergül, a member of the Koelnmesse management team, the exchange between industry and commerce has never been so great as it is now. The Hardware Fair brings both sides together in a neutral environment. Awaiting the trade visitors is an interactive supplementary programme and an exhibitor field of some 2 600 suppliers from 50 countries. Moreover, a new concept has been developed for an innovative product prize in recognition of the innovative power of the industry. A new slogan has also been created to express the spirit of this repositioned Hardware Fair: “Rock Your Business!” The biggest segment is dedicated to tools. Here more than 1 500 companies will be showing their range of hand and power tools, complete with accessories. Another strong showing comes from industrial supplies. Some 500 companies will be introducing products for equipping workshops and factories, as well as occupational safety ranges. About 400 suppliers will be showing their innovations in the field of fasteners and fixings and fittings. Hardware and tools will also be found in Halls 1 to 3, where the Asian product offer is concentrated: some 200 suppliers will be showing their DIY-oriented products there. The International Hardware Fair, with about 80 per cent of foreign exhibitors, once more occupies a leading position in terms of internationality. Italy is the biggest supplier country in Europe, followed by Britain, Spain and France. Overseas countries represented by large contingents include China, Taiwan, India and the US. The 2012 event will introduce the first “Eisen” prize for innovation, with the aim of focusing attention on the highlights of the industry. The top products will be selected for the awards from the three categories of Tools, Industrial Supply, and Fasteners & Fixings plus Fittings jointly with the ZHH (central association of German hardware dealers). What is more, organisers Koelnmesse, in partnership with the BHB (DIY Retailers’ Association…