INTERMAT 2012: forecasted growth bodes well for world's 2nd largest construction industry exhibition
A 90% occupancy rate and anticipated 11% growth herald a successful upcoming INTERMAT exhibition
Positive construction machinery and equipment sector growth forecasts, and 90% of exhibit space sold eight months before the show, are promising signs for INTERMAT 2012, which is set to be held from the 16-21 of April, in Paris, France.
The forecast for 2011, more favourable than for 2010, shows that the sector is recovering its dynamism, with growth anticipated to reach some 11% this year, according to 2011 statistics from the Committee for European Construction Equipment. Emerging regions such as China, India and Latin America are recording sustained growth, and are stimulating the dynamics of the global construction industry. In 2010, these markets posted more than 10% growth, which very few European markets were able to boast for the same period. It now remains to be seen whether Europe will benefit from this good performance.
Growth in Europe
In the wake of the major crisis of 2009, the European construction equipment industry grew by some 18% in 2010. Nonetheless, the picture differs from one country to the next: Germany is in excellent shape with 19% growth and the United Kingdom recorded +57% development for 2010. Conversely, Spain sustained losses of 19% in turnover and Italy saw its construction sales stagnate throughout the year.
A prelude to INTERMAT 2012
Pre-INTERMAT is to be held January 12-13, 2012, and will provide more than 150 exhibitors with the opportunity to give a sneak preview of their news and innovations to more than 200 journalists from the world press. An exceptional conference, taking place during two days, sessions will assemble the three leading global construction groups (in the Top 10), the FNTP Chairman & CEO, eminent European personalities and a world-renowned architect/town planner who will talk about the sector’s future competitiveness in terms of innovation, training and sustainability.
Innovation will be also be showcased with Intermat's Innovation Awards. For the very first time, a European jury will be formed of users and construction and rental company representatives.
According to show organizers, S.E. Intermat, INTERMAT 2012 will be the key event of the year for all players in the construction industry, with:
· 375,000 sqm exhibition area, including a 20,000 sqm outdoor demonstration area
· 1,500 exhibitors, 67% of whom are international
· 4 national pavilions: China, Korea, United Kingdom (including Northern Ireland) and USA
· More than 200,000 visitors expected, including 40% international visitors
“Eight months before INTERMAT 2012, we have excellent participation rates. Industrialists are showing confidence in their sector, which is a good omen for a business-inducing show. Moreover, the market is up to scratch and booming, with a stable number of jobs, especially in France, where 15,000 people work in the construction materials industry and 1,500 jobs are created every year,” says Maryvonne Lanoë, Exhibition Manager.
Intermat takes place every three years. The show is located at the Parc des Expositions de Paris-Nord Villepinte – France and covers 375,000 sqm (exhibition area). Show organizers say Intermat is the only show to provide a 20,000 sqm outdoor demonstration area, and that in 2009, there were 1,470 exhibitors (67% of whom were international, representing 44 countries).
Exhibitors at the show will include: machinery and equipment manufacturers, components, equipment and accessories manufacturers, distributors, equipment rental firms, and service companies working for the construction and materials industries.
From the construction sector, in 2009 (33% of whom were international, representing 162 countries) visitors totalled 184,519.
Visitors to the show will include: contracting authorities, construction and civil engineering companies, design offices, architectural firms, surveyors, equipment rental and distribution firms, lifting and hoisting equipment specialists, traders in construction materials, mine and quarry operators, financial organisations and service companies.