Growth market China focuses on major industry topics

6 to 10 November 2007 – Industrial Automation Show and Energy Show in Shanghai It makes no difference whether you are in Shanghai or Hannover – energy technologies and industrial automation are top of the agenda for industry all over the world

This year, Deutsche Messe is joining forces with its subsidiary Hannover Fairs China to stage the Energy Show and the Industrial Automation Show in Shanghai from 6 to 10 November. Held in parallel with the China International Industry Fair and Metal Working and CNC Machine Tool, the Energy Show and the Industrial Automation Show will occupy the entire exhibition grounds of the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) in Shanghai Pudong, covering more than 100,000 square meters in nine halls. The Energy Show is taking place for the sixth time, the Industrial Automation Show for the fifth. China’s booming economy makes it a highly attractive location for trade fairs. Its GDP has been increasing steadily for a number of years now, totaling 11.1 percent in 2006. There is great demand in China for international customer contacts, export opportunities, and high-quality products to help the country’s industry achieve long-term success on an international level.

The concept of a central trade fair event for industry in the Asia Pacific economic zone with several complementary specialist shows under one roof is proving a great success. This year, organizers expect the number of visiting trade professionals to increase significantly compared to last year (2006: around 40,000). The key sectors behind China and Asia’s economic boom will be brought together under one roof, creating dynamic energy and synergies for exhibitors and visitors alike. A survey carried out last year revealed that most visitors come from the mechanical engineering, mechanics, electrical engineering and electronics, automotive, and aviation industries, as well as various sectors relating to energy technologies.

Industrial Automation Show Shanghai
For the first time, topics focusing on automation will fill two halls in Shanghai, spanning an area of 24,000 square meters (2006: 11,500 square meters). Some 300 exhibitors are expected. The visitors are particularly interested in national pavilions, such as those from Germany and Italy, and the international pavilion. Automation solutions play a central role in all up-and-coming national economies. Demand is targeting end-to-end automation solutions that integrate all processes. Therefore, this year’s Industrial Automation Show will focus primarily on comprehensive automation solutions that combine and harmonize all processes. The trade fair is the best location for showcasing innovations for the Asian market and exchanging expertise on various industrial applications. After establishing itself as one of the top importers of mechanical engineering products worldwide, the country has managed to increase its exports in recent years. Therefore, key technologies are playing an increasingly important role.

Sensor technology is one topic that will feature strongly at this year’s Industrial Automation Show. ifm electronic Gmbh from Essen in Germany is just one of the manufacturers who will be represented in this area. The company is a leading supplier of sensor and control technology for industrial automation and has been operating in China for three years with four sales offices and 25 employees. Today, the company’s customers include leading international and Chinese firms from a wide range of sectors, such as the automotive, semiconductor, food and mechanical engineering industries. “For ifm electronic, the Industrial Automation Show Shanghai is the ideal platform to showcase innovative automation technologies to a broad trade audience in an appealing environment. The high proportion of international exhibitors and visitors shows how important this trade fair has become outside Shanghai too,” says Frank Spitzer, Regional Export Manager Asia/Pacific at ifm electronic GmbH. Other leading companies in the industry, such as Weglor, Pepperl & Fuchs, Turck or Phoenix Contact, will also be represented at the show.

Energy Show Shanghai
The Energy Show is the only energy trade fair in China to cover all the sectors of the energy industry. It includes transfer, distribution, conversion and storage technologies for both conventional and renewable energies. In the past few years, the Energy Show has become an important marketplace, providing impetus for significant investments. Its close proximity to the Automation display offers many exhibitors and trade visitors valuable opportunities for cooperation.  

Countries throughout the world are focusing on energy technology at present, and China is no different. Improving energy efficiency is not just relevant to industry, it is also a goal of China’s energy policy. The country also wants to increase its production of renewable energies and use new technologies to cut energy costs. The existing energy infrastructure in China is in need of urgent renewal. For example, electricity losses due to technological problems in the power transmission and distribution networks in China are around ten percent higher than in western industrial countries. Consequently, new technologies are in great demand.

The Energy Show in Shanghai expects to attract some 200 exhibitors from China and neighboring countries, Spain, France, Italy, the U.S. and Germany. Exhibitors include important industry representatives such as Finder, Jean Müller, Eaton’s Electrical Group, Shanghai Electric Group Co., Shanghai Liangxin Electrical Co. Ltd. and CHINT. Last year’s show occupied an area of around 6,500 square meters. This year, it is expected to fill a whole hall, spanning some 10,000 square meters.