Wolfgang Pech

In an interview with Processing & Control News Europe+, Wolfgang Pech, Senior Vice President responsible for Hannover Messe, gives us a preview of this year’s trade show (Hannover Messe 20 to 24 April) PCNE Europe+: “Why should professionals make sure they don’t miss Hannover Messe 2009?“

Wolfgang Pech: “They shouldn’t miss the Hannover Messe, because many technology trends, innovations and new products will be showcased. Those can contribute to an improved economic viability of enterprises and optimised processes. A variety of main topics will be presented, from energy and automation, the full range of motion and fluid engineering, to transferable technologies. Especially in economically challenging times it is important to invest in new technologies and to open the dialog. New technologies can offer major market opportunities and allow for diversification into new applications. Even when one industry is weak, on Hannover Messe companies have the opportunity to sell into other industries. Hannover can offer an impulse in areas that weren’t considered before.” PCNE Europe+: “Hannover Messe consists of 13 flagship trade fairs. How many exhibitors will present their products and services, and how do these numbers compare to the reference year 2007?”

Wolfgang Pech: “We can’t give exact numbers yet, but more than 6,000 exhibitors will be present on more than 200,000m2 exhibition area. The economic crisis is influencing us of course, but generally we have the commiment of the industry, the major part takes the line that presence on the market is important right now. Some reduce their stand area, and some former exhibitors will not be here in 2009. On the other hand there are first-time exhibitors which want to secure new markets now. For example is diversification into other markets very important for automotive supplier. The industry needs to invest in energy efficient and value adding products to be able to move into the future succesfully. That makes it so important to be present on the market.” “The community-stands for example, which are generally looked after by bigger organisations, offer small- and medium-sized companies the possibility to participate at Hannover Messe at short notice.” PCNE Europe+: “What will be the thematic priorities of Hannover Messe 2009?“ Wolfgang Pech: “The full spectrum of the industrial automation will be presented: for manufacturing, processing as well as for buildings. Furthermore the mechanical and electrical drive technology, fluid engineering, the full range of the energy-related subjects, future technologies as well as subcontracting and materials.” PCNE Europe+: “What are the highlights of the supporting programme and the special events?“ Wolfgang Pech: “The central presentation Energy Efficiency in industrial processes in hall 26 offers visitors the possibility to receive information from advisors and see examples from different areas. Furthermore we will publish an ‘energy efficiency guide’ and offer an energy efficiency bus tour.” “The Mobile Robots and Autonomous Systems area in hall 22 has only been started in 2008. We are convinced it holds a high market potential. The added value comes from the fact that the industry can utilize these systems flexible in different production areas, contrary to the big stationary robotic systems. Furthermore these systems are getting more intelligent all the time through modern software, controls, image processing, sensorics, this increases the field of application.” “I would also like to point out the area of Laser in Micro Material Machining. The continuing trend towards miniaturization requires ultra precise manufacturing. In hall 6 visitors can machine their own work pieces and experience how laser machining works on their own materials. On the stand “Laser in the micro material machining” an exchange with experts will be possible.” PCNE Europe+: “Global economic crisis and an ACHEMA year. How was the companies’ response regarding the INTERKAMA+?” Wolfgang Pech: “The ACHEMA trade fair has no negative effects on the number of exhibitors for the INTERKAMA+, but more so the economic crisis. The INTERKAMA+ addresses a much bigger and more diverse target group.” PCNE Europe+: “What will be the dominating topics in the processing area in 2009?“ Wolfgang Pech: “Operational Excellence is of course one of the important topis, closely related to the area of Energy Efficiency. The focus is also on Asset Management, controlling and monitoring of processes especially in realtion to the reduction of CO2. The INTERKAMA+ Lounge offers a dialog platform for exhibitors and visitors away from the show and stands, where discussions and networking will be possible in a lounge atmosphere.” PCNE Europe+: “Thank you for the interview Mr. Pech“