So far Reed Exhibitions has organised the European Trade Fair for Composites, Technology and Applications alternately in Düsseldorf and Stuttgart. By changing over to this annual cycle at the Stuttgart location Composites Europe responds to the exhibitors’ wishes and the advisory board’s unanimous vote.
Composites Europe’s event director, Olaf Freier says the decision has been taken because of the proximity to the sectors of industry where fibre-reinforced materials are employed. This applies particularly to the automotive sector, car makers, aviation and space travel as well as the electrical industry.
“The region around Stuttgart and Baden-Württemberg as a whole are innovation drivers in many fields of application,” he stated. “This is the biggest and most dynamic industrial region in Germany and one of the most important manufacturing and technology locations in Europe.”
This is also underscored by Peter Egger acting as a chairman of the Advisory Board of Composites Europe.
“The future will be about driving mass production with the latest manufacturing and automation solutions with the aim of tapping into further market potential,” he said. “Here the industry hopes for additional impulses generated by this location decision.” After all, 25% of machinery and plant manufacturers are headquartered in Baden-Württemberg.
Strong approval also comes from the industry and partners of Composites Europe. Since its debut in 2006 with 143 exhibitors and slightly more than 3,000 trade visitors, Composites Europe has developed into one of the leading events in Europe’s most important market and more than tripled in size. Composites Europe experienced a particularly dynamic development in Stuttgart, where 470 exhibitors were represented lately. This year in Düsseldorf over 350 exhibitors from 27 nations will be showcasing the complete manufacturing chain of fibre composites. With this Composites Europe reflects the strong dynamism governing the market for innovative lightweight engineering in Europe.
“Boasting a total of 48 national and international associations and industry clusters in which 13,000 enterprises are organised worldwide, Composites Europe already musters one of the biggest international networks today,” added Freier.
At the same time, Hans-Joachim Erbel, CEO of Reed Exhibitions Germany, is keen to emphasise that the decision “pro Stuttgart” is not an “part-with decision”: “Düsseldorf is a very good host and ideal location for ALUMINIUM. But market proximity is also crucial for this decision because North Rhine-Westphalia is by far the most important German land and at the heart of Europe for both the production of primary aluminium and for semi-finished products. Almost 60% of the German industry turnover is generated between the rivers Rhine and Weser.”
The next Composites Europe, 12th European Trade Fair & Forum for Composites, Technologies and Applications, will be held in Stuttgart from 19-21 September 2017.
