The INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR COLOGNE will take place from 28 February to 3 March 2010. Koelnmesse says “around 2,500 exhibitors …will show the trends in the sectors: Tools, Industry Supply, Fastening & Fittings, Locks & Fittings and Home Improvement.”
In 2008 there were 3,360 exhibitors, only a marginal reduction on the previous fair but gross exhibition space fell markedly, from 247,000 to 195,000 square metres. Koelnmesse has announced that the 2010 hardware fair will occupy Halls 1 to 5 and 10, implying a further reduction in exhibition space. In 2008 70,000 visitors came from 132 countries.
The focus for the 2010 fair “is clearly on addressing the specialist trade, hence the restructuring of the product ranges,” says Koelnmesse. The Tools segment has been ‘strongly positioned’ and will present a broad range of hand and power tools, as well as accessories. Tools will occupy both levels of the largest Hall 10, plus part of Hall 4.1. “Hardware from Asia” will occupy all of Halls 1 to 3. For the first time industrial supplies, workshop and factory equipment will come under the ‘Industrial Supply’ banner, in Halls 4.1 and 4.2. Fastening & Fittings will all be on one level in Hall 5.2. The other level will hold Locks & Fittings and Home Improvement.
Explaining the focus of the coming hardware fair, Oliver P. Kuhrt, executive vice president of Koelnmesse, said: "The trade must meet the daily changing demands of its customers. At the 2010 trade fair we aim to present a range of products and services oriented more than ever before to meeting the needs of the qualified specialist trade." At around 50% of overall turnout, specialist suppliers traditionally form the largest visitor group surpassing the number of industry buyers.
Referring to fastening technology Koelnmesse says, “A new trend is emerging in the area of screws, especially those used for hardwoods. The current generation of screws is of excellent quality and features impressive material hardness, giving them unprecedented strength. These products make the work processes of the skilled trades far easier because now one can, in theory, even leave out the pre-drilling process, as the screws don't break any more during insertion. This innovation will also make construction of terraces significantly easier.
Nevertheless, manufacturers continue to advise people to pre-drill, especially when working with hard woods, as it helps to prolong the life of cordless screwdrivers and ensures shorter insertion time. Furthermore, many manufacturers will be presenting an even broader product range than before. Thanks to so-called accompanying product ranges, such as dowels, other fastening elements and chemical products, customers will receive evenmore added value from their specialised suppliers. Another trend among manufacturers is towards smaller packaging. In this way, the suppliers are deliberately and consistently focusing on the presentation of products in the trade.”
