bauma 2019, the world's leading trade fair for construction equipment & machinery, material handling, mining machines, construction & specialized vehicles, generated the best ever results in the exhibition's history. The number of visitors rose by about 40,000 over the previous event in 2016. More than 250,000 visitors came from countries outside Germany. The top 10 visitor countries were Austria, Italy, Switzerland, France, the Netherlands, Russia, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Poland and Great Britain. The trade fair also experienced a strong increase in attendance from overseas visitors, especially China, Australia and Japan. More than 5,500 visitors came from China alone.
Over 50 Indian Companies participate
The number of exhibitors totalling about 3,700 from 63 countries – broke all previous records. Participation from Indian equipment and components/spare part manufacturers has been increasing with every edition of bauma. In 2002, participation by just 3 Indian companies increased to over 50 in 2019. The Indian manufacturers exhibited their manufacturing capabilities and reported a good number of serious enquiries and dealership proposals.
Crane Manufacturers steal the show
Like always, this year too, material handling and specialized vehicles manufacturers like Manitowoc, Liebherr, Comansa, Terex, Goldhofer, TII, DOLL, Palfinger etc displayed an impressive line-up of new products and cutting-edge technologies.
Exhibitors unveiled a large number of innovations to global visitors. Business conducted at the exhibition was correspondingly good. Many exhibitors spoke of a willingness to invest and there was a strong impact on order books as exhibitors generated the highest sales in the history of their participation. Andreas Böhm, a member of the Board of Directors of Liebherr-International AG, said: "We took orders from all parts of the world and made a whole lot of new contacts." Amaia Susperregui, Managing Director, Jaso Tower Cranes, Spain, commented: "As usual, we chose bauma to show our newest products to the market. We are very satisfied with the results as we had many potential customers interested in our products. bauma is, without any doubt, the most important event we have prepared for this year and even if the cost is high, the effort is compensated by the high number of visitors."
Satisfied with the turnout and positive feedback, Klaus Dittrich, Chairman and CEO of Messe München, said: "bauma is by far the world's most important innovation platform and economic engine, something that we clearly saw this year. Particularly in these times of sweeping technological changes triggered by digitalization, bauma provides the industry with security and confidence, and also highlights the opportunities and tremendous outlook of the industry as a whole."
Franz-Josef Paus, Managing Director of Hermann Paus Maschinenfabrik and Chairman of the bauma Advisory Council, describing the trade fair's unique character, said: "bauma is an industry platform where technological variety, ingenuity and performance can be demonstrated to an immense international business audience."
Digitalization the Megatrend
The clear focal point this year was sustainable and digital solutions. All exhibitors agreed that digitalization is a "megatrend" in the construction machinery industry. Andreas Klauser, CEO, PALFINGER AG said that sensors and communication interfaces that collect and analyze data have become standard equipment. Overall, machines and vehicles are becoming cleaner, quieter and more efficient. Many now have electric and hybrid drive systems. "Customers' interest in electric drive systems has never been so high as it was this year," said Dr. Frank Hiller, Chairman of the Board of Management at DEUTZ AG. "It was a dominant issue at bauma 2019."
Some of the most interesting innovations were honoured with the bauma Innovation Award on the evening before the trade fair opened.
A World of Experience and Adventure
bauma's visitors added a strong new accent to Munich during the seven-day trade fair. There were people from all parts of the world – this was the defining feature of the fairgrounds in Riem - both in the halls and in the outdoor exhibition area. Visitors massed at the trade fair's hot spots, where the impressive vehicle and machine displays were set up by major exhibitors. In addition to its industrial focus, bauma was also a world of experience and adventure with a selfie tower and a Ferris wheel. Jorge Cuartero, Managing Director of the Spanish manufacturer association Anmopyc, summed things by saying that bauma was "the place to be."
The next bauma will be held from April 4 to 10, 2022, at the Messe München Exhibition Center.
