The 20th biennial international exhibition of Fluid Power, Power and Motion Transmission, Drive, Control Equipment and Industrial Design took place at the Fiera Milano Exhibition Centre in September. The show took place over four days and attracted thousands of visitors from many countries including South Africa.
There was an air of anticipation as visitors thronged around the registration desks since there were a number of firsts. It was the first time the exhibition was hosted after the European summer vacations and it was also a first time hosting at the New Fiera Milano Exhibition complex.
Furthermore, it was also the only show of its type for 2006 for Italy and Europe.
Whilst it was not the scale of the premier Hannover Faire, one had to cover two large exhibition halls and browse through two other associated exhibition halls. There was plenty to absorb as exhibitors displayed their range of new offerings. Italian industry was well represented by over four hundred exhibitors in the field of hydraulics, pneumatics, electric and electronic components, compressed air use and treatment, and related materials. Most of the Italian manufacturers are well represented in South Africa by their local distributors. The show highlighted the ability of the South African distributors to obtain the latest in technology and innovations for our industry at a time when there have been increases in gross fixed domestic investment spending within South Africa.
The organising committee also did well in securing a number of manufacturing exhibitors from the Far East. One got a first hand exposure to the increased number of offerings from these Far Eastern manufacturers. Hose manufacturers from India exhibited quality products whilst a variety of components were on show from China. There was a silent consensus that the quality of these emerging competitors will soon meet the requirements of the global market. There was also general consensus of a continuing increase in manufacturing cost and resultant prices as the price of steel continued to increase at the manufacturing level in Europe.
The South African visitors I met enjoyed and benefited from the visit as it not only gave them an opportunity to visit the exhibition but also spend time with their principals at their respective facilities.
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