wire 2014 – Proven structures, new prospects

Photo © Messe Düsseldorf / Constanze Tillmann

Looking back: exhibitors and visitors at wire 2012

wire is continuing its history of successful trade fairs. In 2012 the number of exhibitors was 1,313, compared with 1,217 in 2010. This means that exhibitors have more than doubled since 1986. wire has an excellent global reputation: 75 per cent of exhibitors in 2012 were international companies, coming from 50 countries, including all the market leaders.

In all, 38,500 visitors came to find out about innovations in the wire and cable industry – around 1,400 more than in 2010. Here, too, the trade fair covers a wide range, as 60 per cent of all visitors came from outside Germany – mainly from France, the UK and Italy.

wire 2014 - the hub and cornerstone of the wire industry

The financial crisis at the end of the last decade also affected the wire industry. However, businesses are now experiencing economic recovery again. The wire industry is currently focusing on economic and emerging countries such as China, India, Turkey and also the Arabic world.

The prosperity of the industry depends above all on developments in the automotive and mechanical engineering sectors, as these have the largest number of wire customers. But the energy sector and telecommunications are also of immense importance to the wire and cable market.

wire 2014 – looking ahead

wire is expected to continue this positive trend in 2014. After all, it is the ideal platform for the entire industry in all matters of wire and cable. A wide range of innovative machinery will be presented in wire manufacturing and finishing. Exhibitors will be showcasing tools and auxiliary materials in process engineering as well as mesh welding machines and special cables and wires. Also, new processes will be shown in measuring, control and test engineering and in other specialist areas.

Photo © Messe Düsseldorf / Constanze Tillmann

New in 2014: all within a single exhibition hall: mesh welding machines

For the first time, at wire 2014, mesh welding machines will be presented in Hall 16 and will no longer be scattered around different halls. Concentrated on 2,000 square metres, the world market leaders in this subsector will be presenting the latest machinery and equipment, enabling visitors to gain a comprehensive overview within a short time. Expertise will be presented in condensed form, thus helping towards an even clearer structure of wire. Other special topics will be spring making technology, also in Hall 16, and metal forming equipment in Hall 15.

Visitors at wire 2014

Traditionally, experts from the wire and cable industry are always well represented at this trade fair. Overall, however, wire is also attended by representatives of numerous other industries, such as automotive, iron, steel, non-ferrous metals, electrical and electronics.

Moreover, wire is indispensable for the construction industry, the chemical industry and measurement and control engineering. Other sectors that need the products and know-how of the exhibitors at wire are the retail trade, manual trades, the service sector, logistics and environmental engineering. These industries, too, will be the focus of wire 2014 again and will be widely represented.

wire 2014 – Proven structures, new prospects

Photo © Messe Düsseldorf / Constanze Tillmann

Urbanisation and energy management – tomorrow’s growth engines

Urban structures are growing especially in the threshold and developing countries, while rural areas offer very few employment opportunities nowadays. Seeking to secure a livelihood, people are driven into the cities – a trend that requires a response from businesses. Moreover, this development is accompanied by an increasing emphasis on eco-friendly solutions, especially in the industrial nations, and it is therefore an area where manufacturers can score considerably towards their customers.

In many countries environmental considerations are already playing a major role in the energy sector. Cable systems are becoming increasingly important here. While conventional vehicles are still based on the mechanical transmission of energy, this will be handled electrically in the future. Cables – as it were, the lifeblood of tomorrow’s mobility – offer clear opportunities for growth to the relevant manufacturers.

Leading trade fair – supported by international associations

Although the large number of exhibitors from the wire and cable industry is impressive, Messe Düsseldorf can also be rightly proud of the many international associations supporting the aims of the two trade fairs, wire and Tube.

wire supporters include the International Wire and Cable Association (IWCEA), the Verband der Draht- und Kabelmaschinenhersteller (VDKM, Germany), IWCEA France & Pays Francophones (France), the Verband der österreichischen Draht- und Kabelmaschinenhersteller (VÖDKM, Austria), the International Wire & Machinery Association (IWMA, UK), the Associazione Costruttori Italiani Macchine per Filo (ACIMAF, Italy) and the Wire and Cable Industry Suppliers Association (WCISA).

Global expertise: subsidiaries and international representatives in 132 countries

With 8 subsidiaries and 69 international representatives, Messe Düsseldorf can talk to exhibitors and visitors throughout the world. Exhibitors benefit from access to contacts in their own countries who can help them in their own language with any questions they may have about their participation. The subsidiaries and international representatives are also pleased to help exhibitors plan their journeys to Düsseldorf or to reserve hotels for them.

In Düsseldorf itself, the Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre is ideally placed for logistical purposes, as it is close to Düsseldorf Airport and to two long-distance train stations. Another convenient feature for exhibitors and visitors is that the centre has its own railway station, Stadtbahnhof Arena/Messe Nord.

As well as the many benefits of the Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre, the city itself has numerous benefits of its own and is well worth visiting. As the capital of North Rhine Westphalia, it’s a great place to spend time with friends and colleagues and to enjoy culture and relaxation in the historic part of Düsseldorf on the river Rhine. Moreover, the city has many elegant shops, renowned museums, an opera and a wide-ranging concert programme.

Photo © Messe Düsseldorf / Constanze Tillmann

All the details at a glance: www.wire.de

What else should you know about wire 2014? What innovations are there in the wire and cable industry? The online trade fair portal www.wire.de provides information about exhibitors’ businesses and products, with special services for visitors, exhibitors and the media. The website offers a direct opportunity to network with other experts and interested individuals via Xing, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Also, users can easily get from the wire site to the Tube online portal, which is similar in structure. And of course the Tube site www.tube.de has similar services and special features – for instance the Plastic Tube Forum.

join the best!

wire 2014 and Tube 2014 are good places to gain new contacts and to exchange experiences and knowledge. Do make use of this opportunity to initiate and conclude new business. Join the best! We look forward to seeing you!

Frank Lindner