Final report: Cologne once again at the focus of the international hardware and DIY sectors

The hardware and DIY sectors from around the world again came to Cologne to participate in the four-day INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR / PRACTICAL WORLD from 9th to 12th March 2008, which drew to a close today. A total of around 70,000 visitors from almost 130 countries attended the world's leading trade fair to gather information on current trends in the tools, fastening technology, locks and fittings sectors as well as builders' and DIY supplies, find new business partners and strengthen existing contacts. Oliver P. Kuhrt, Executive Vice President, Koelnmesse GmbH: "We are delighted to have played host to the Hardware and DIY world once again. Unprecedented international character, high decision-making authority among trade visitors and the unique combination of product ranges make the INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR / PRACTICAL WORLD vital to the sectors." For the first time, Halls 6 and 7 were also open to end consumers. The trade visitors were joined by some 7,000 private visitors.

Many tool suppliers in attendance
In total, 3,375 companies from 61 countries presented their new products and services in the "Tools", "Security and fastening technology, locks and fittings" and "Home improvement / DIY supplies" segments, occupying 195,000 m2 of the Cologne exhibition centre. The "Tools" segment once again was represented most strongly, by over 2,600 companies. Some 310 suppliers exhibited their products in the "Security and fastening technology, locks and fittings" segment. However, there was also lots of action for the DIY market: around 450 manufacturers presented their new products and services.

Strong international character
The general feeling in all product segments of the INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR / PRACTICAL WORLD was that "the trade fair is vital to international business". Dr. Michael Lucke, Managing Director of Eduard Wille GmbH and Chairman of the fair's Advisory Committee summed it up: "A wealth of new products and services, business partners from around the world, good contacts and discussions: Once again, the INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR / PRACTICAL WORLD was the top platform for domestic and international trade and industry in 2008." The group participations at the fair were mainly satisfied, too. Timothy S. Farrel, President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Hardware Manufacturers Association: "The International Hardware Show/Practical World is the best place to bring US quality products to reach the world's markets." The response from Italy was equally positive: "We established very good contacts to traders from Germany and abroad. The INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR is a marketplace you simply have to attend." The Israeli group participation added: "We are delighted to have participated in PRACTICAL WORLD 2008 - one of the most important shows of its kind."

Sectors largely optimistic in terms of economic development
Overall, the sectors involved in the trade fair were confident regarding current economic development. In particular, the German tool industry, which anticipates growth of five percent in 2008, used the Cologne fair to further increase its international significance. Rainer Langelüddecke, FWI Executive Director: "For German tool manufacturers, the INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR /PRACTICAL WORLD was once again exactly the right event to demonstrate the impact of products ‘made in Germany' to the world." Not only the host of new products and services presented in all product segments was at the focus of interest. The Cologne exhibition centre is still in great demand as a business platform. Thomas Dammann, Chief Executive of the Central Association of the Hardware Trade (ZHH): "The interesting new products and the commitment of many manufacturers deserved stronger participation from the German trade. Despite this, the trade fair has proven its worth as a communication platform. This was demonstrated by many interesting discussions and the good atmosphere." The opening of PRACTICAL WORLD to end consumers came in for a mixed reception: Dr. Peter Wüst, Managing Director of the Construction and DIY Manufacturers' Association BAU + DIY: "The hardware fair has proven itself to be the central ‘hardware meeting place‘ in Europe! Koelnmesse's construction work and the new events and activities have very positively motivated and moved trade visitors. The reduced Practical World showed innovative topics and innovative media fireworks. However, the new concept was not accepted by the market participants and will have to be adapted." John W. Herbert, Managing Director of the Federal Association of the German DIY, Building and Garden Specialist Stores (BHB), commented: "The reorientation of PRACTICAL WORLD was an experiment. All the parties involved - the trade, industry and Koelnmesse - should get together again after the trade fair to discuss the concept." However, in his capacity as General Secretary of the European DIY Retail Association EDRA, he added: "Despite this, it was very well received by many international top players in the home improvement / DIY centres sector. Thanks to Koelnmesse's service, the guests from around the world felt very much at home at Cologne exhibition centre."

Decision-making authority still very high among trade visitors
The praise of exhibitors in all product segments for the very high decision-making authority of trade visitors is confirmed by the initial results of a neutral visitor survey. 88 percent of respondents are involved in procurement decisions or work in an advisory role, whilst 42.3 percent even play decisive roles in purchasing. In addition, almost 40 percent of trade visitors came from different retail channels, whilst over a quarter of trade fair visitors worked for the industry. 71.1 percent of the respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with achievement of their trade fair objectives. High marks were given to the services provided at the fair: 80.8 percent of the visitors who took part in the survey rated them as "very good" or "good". Almost 70 percent stated that they are planning to either definitely or probably come to Cologne for the INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR / PRACTICAL WORLD 2010, whilst 24.1 percent are still undecided. 90 percent of the respondents said they would recommend a visit to the trade fair to an important business associate.

Products and innovations - the trends
Tools
Efficiency, safety, versatility and comfort of use in work - these are the criteria used to assess today's innovative tools. At the INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR / PRACTICAL WORLD, new problem-solving devices were in stronger focus than simple additions to product ranges or enhancements. These provide an extended range of applications, significantly assist in making work more comfortable and ultimately in saving time; for example, a new ratchet enabling significantly more rapid screwing than previous product solutions. Or: ergonomically-angled pliers to deploy the available strength optimally, as they create a natural extension of the hand/arm system. Ease of operation is the philosophy behind the sustained trend towards the use of rechargeable tools - whether the battery-powered electric stapler, the new rechargeable high-pressure cleaner or a soldering gun suitable for all simple soldering jobs. In the accessories segment, a new patented cooling and quick clamping system for the use of fibre grinders caused a stir. In addition, toolboxes are highly popular, recording annual growth well in excess of ten percent. Mobile toolboxes, also known as tool carts, are a current trend. They significantly reduce workloads in service operations.
Products and services in the tool segment ranged from hand tools, electrical tools and accessories, workshop and factory fittings, industrial supplies, ironmongery and fastening technology to sector services.

Security and fastening technology, locks and fittings
Modern locking systems that compile and save locking data, which can be accessed by authorised persons at all times, were in focus at the trade fair. Access rights for certain groups of people are now standard depending on security areas. Helpful functions range from data transfer and import via Clipboard or from CSV files to extended order management enabling direct allocation of cylinders and keys to orders and integration of a small customer database. Extended search and sorting functions, easy entry of simultaneous locking and simple scaling functions for printing the locking scheme are additional convenient features. However, key authorisation alone is insufficient. The focus is increasingly turning towards safekeeping.
Whilst only closed, secured windows were safe in the past, even tilted windows or patio doors can now be protected effectively against burglars. Flexible door locking systems that keep the door in any open position at the touch of a button combine comfort with security. High-frequency sensors which react to even the slightest movements turn light sources on and off as required, saving electricity as well as increasing security. The same applies to mobile LED lights, which are operated via remote control.
Considerable strides to improve ease-of-use have also been made in the fastening segment. For example, "intelligent" plugs adapt to different building materials such as concrete, brick or sandy limestone, or rapidly bore into gypsum plaster board, where they are fastened resistant to vibration and impact at the rear of the wall. Innovative round timber connectors create stable, professional joints between round timber and between round timber and square timber. Ladders are safe, stable and extremely easy to use.
The segment featured construction and furniture fittings, window and window door fittings, door locks, door fittings and keys, and security equipment and services for the sector.

Builders' and home improvement / DIY supplies
Renovation and do-it-yourself home improvement are popular pastimes. In addition to standard home improvement activities such as wall papering and painting, do-it-yourselfers are now increasingly taking on complicated interior construction tasks. Women are increasingly becoming active in this field, and there is also a trend for entire families to engage in home improvement. In response to this development, the sector is now offering instructions to help people of all ages perform challenging renovation and interior design tasks. Complete DIY product ranges are now available for dry construction, for example, which not only explain how to mount plasterboards, but also include all of the required work materials. The Red Toolbox, for example, allows parents to work together with kids aged eight to 15 in making birdhouses, CD storage cabinets, picture frames and lots more.
Improving safety and ease of use has top priority for the manufacturers. Compact folding ladders are easy to transport and very versatile since they can be exactly adjusted to the required height and are secured by an innovative hinge system.
Ergonomic lightweight tools made of high-quality foam material make grinding a breeze. The foam material keeps hands and fingers from making contact with the ground surface while ensuring a firm grip on the sandpaper.
Visitors to the area for builders' and home improvement / DIY supplies found products from the fields of construction chemistry, interior components and decorations, sanitary and wellness furnishings, electrical supplies, construction materials, construction components and accessories, and outdoor facilities. In addition, exhibitors in this segment presented home improvement and construction services.

"Zero Tolerance for Pirated Products" - "The Advantage of ‘Made in Germany'"
At the INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR / PRACTICAL WORLD, Koelnmesse once again showed the "red card" to manufacturers of pirated products. An assistance and consulting centre was set up at a prominent location to provide comprehensive support to exhibitors seeking advice. Goods counterfeiting was also the subject of a panel discussion titled "Zero Tolerance for Pirated Products", which was held on the "Tools live" stage, and of a presentation on way to combat product piracy. The topic was discussed by high-ranking experts such as Professor Rido Busse, founder of the "Plagiarius" initiative, and Claudia Mayr, customs inspector at the Centre for the Legal Protection of Commercial Property of the Federal Customs Administration in Munich. Meanwhile, the Association of the German Tool Industry centred its trade fair presentation on its own event titled "The Advantage of ‘Made in Germany'", in which seven companies showed at the FWI stand and during a panel discussion why Germany is so important for them as a production location.

Event programme: Service and know-how for trade visitors
At the sector forums "Security live - Highlights on stage" in Hall 11.1, and "Tools live - Highlights on stage" in Hall 4.1, trade visitors at the INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR discovered an exciting mix of information and entertainment focusing on the topics security and tools. With panel discussions, hands-on activities, trends and innovations, topics ranged from customer relationship management to police advice on how to prevent break-ins.

Activities and tips for end consumers
Plenty of DIY action was also found at the "forum new DIYmension - Shape your own future!" in Hall 7. At the event, trainers from the DIY Academy used new products to show in an entertaining way how quickly and easily DIY problems can be solved at home. And on Sunday, 9th March, Charlotte Engelhardt ("SOS - Do-it-yourself") awarded the title of Miss DIY 2008 to Sandra-Tamara Casties. What's more, a woman was also named DIY Person of the Year. The award, which is given by the magazine Selber machen, was presented to Uta Schwarz by event host Ingolf Lück. Another magazine, Selbst-ist-der-Mann, invited trade visitors to try out new power tools. The event was organised in cooperation with TÜV Rheinland. Visitors also had the opportunity to employ a hammer or test their knowledge of DIY topics on the Boulevard, where they had the chance to win DIY centre vouchers worth up to €1,000 each day. Last but not least, several home improvement/DIY centres also were on hand at the fair. ToomBaumarkt, OBI and BayWa had their own stands at which they provided information on a variety of topics, including career opportunities and franchising.

The INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR/PRACTICAL WORLD COLOGNE 2008 in figures:
A total of 3,375 companies from 61 countries, 77 per cent of whom came from abroad, participated in the INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR / PRACTICAL WORLD Cologne in 2008 on a gross exhibition space of 195,000 m². By way of comparison, the fair in 2006 was attended by 3,475 companies from 58 countries, who exhibited on a gross exhibition space of 247,000 m², with 77 per cent of the exhibitors coming from abroad. This year's participants numbered 602 (2006: 712) exhibitors and 33 (76) additionally represented companies from Germany as well as 2,680 (2,550) exhibitors and 60 (137) additionally represented companies from abroad. Including estimates for the last day of the fair, the INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR / PRACTICAL WORLD Cologne 2008 attracted more than 63,000 trade visitors (74,890) from 129 (143) countries, 58 (56) per cent of them from abroad. In addition, 7,000 do-it-yourselfers visited Halls 6 and 7.

In 2010, the INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR / PRACTICAL WORLD will be held in Cologne from Sunday, 28 February to Wednesday, 3rd March.

INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR / PRACTICAL WORLD - Feedback from the sector:

Detlef Seyfarth, marketing director, tools manufacturer WERA:
"For us, the INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR / PRACTICAL WORLD is the ideal platform to present our innovative products to well-qualified trade visitors from Germany and abroad."

Thomas Möller, head of marketing at Steinel:
"The fair was sensational for our company."

Jörg Frommeyer, marketing and product management, drill manufacturer ITW Heller GmbH:
"The INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR / PRACTICAL WORLD will continue to be important because it offers us the opportunity to meet a majority of our international customers in a compact time window."

Ralf Putsch, managing director of the pliers specialist KNIPEX:
"We always look forward to the International Hardware Fair because Cologne is by far the most important meeting place for the sector, and it attracts our customers and sales partners from around the world."

Günter Steudle, managing director of Element System :
"We met all of our most important customers at the trade fair."

Sven Zacharias, DIY marketing manager, Hettich
"We succeeded in reaching exactly the target group of the decision-makers in the home improvement/DIY sector. We also strengthened our partnerships with trading partners and established new business relationships, particularly at the international level."

Jürgen Henschel, head of marketing STABILA:
"We exhibit at this Koelnmesse event because it is where we meet our customers from around the world."

Udo Schnauder, head of marketing PFERD-Werkzeuge:
"The International Hardware Fair in Cologne is the international forum where we also plan to meet the German production-associated trade and our international dealers in the future."

Dirk Domkowski, head of sales, PARAT tool boxes:
"Finally - it is time again for the the International Hardware Fair in Cologne! As in the past, we have something special to offer our customers in Germany and abroad."

Sean Movsowitz, Red Toolbox, DIY tools for fathers and children:
"There is no better location in the world than Cologne when it comes to presenting the world debut of our new product to an international public."

Siard D. Aris, Director of the fasteners specialist company Toggler Anchor System:
"We came to Cologne for this fair because we are looking for German trading partners for our innovative plugs and anchors, and to establish new international contacts."

Diethard Schmale, BURG-WÄCHTER KG:
"The trade fair was great for our company. Unfortunately, however, the range of security technology products presented was not comprehensive. We benefited immensely from the international contacts we made - also because many manufacturers of quality products failed to take advantage of the opportunity to use this event. We would be extremely disappointed if this area isn't offered in the future."

Jürgen Schwerter, owner of the Hermann Schwerter company:
"Our particpation at the fair was a success. It is important that the International Hardware Fair remains the leading event for this sector because it allows us to establish contact with the customers and interested parties. We were quite impressed by the quality of the visitors, however the number of visitors in attendance was not as high as we had hoped for."

Walter Mörtl, BESSEY Tool GmbH & Co. KG:
"As an internationally operating company, BESSEY considers the International Hardware Fair in Cologne the forum par excellence for presenting our innovations and an important venue for meeting representatives of the trade."

Andreas Oemkes, EXACT GmbH & Co. KG:
"Top quality and innovative strength are permanently in high demand, but they should always be clearly evident to the customer. Practical World 2008 offers our company, an established producer of brand products, an outstanding platform to present these products to an international group of visitors."

Carsten Scholz, HAZET-WERK Hermann Zerver GmbH & Co. KG:
"In our anniversary year, we are especially pleased to have this opportunity to present to our partners from all over the world our enhanced innovative power, our company's 'Made in Germany' achievements and our many innovations and marketing concepts - in a compact way at the International Hardware Fair."

Michael Kleinbongartz, KUKKO-Werkzeugfabrik Kleinbongartz & Kaiser oHG:
"We exhibit at the International Hardware Fair because Cologne is the optimal platform for presenting our innovations to trade visitors from all over the world."

Bernhard Vogel, VOGEL GERMANY GmbH & Co. KG:
"The International Hardware Fair in Cologne is the most important global trade fair for our sector. As a global player, Vogel Germany exhibits here because this is where we reach our customers from all over the world."

Thomas Glockseisen, WEZAG GmbH tool manufacturer:
"We exhibited in 2008 because Cologne has become a meeting point for our customers from all over the world."

Wilfried Hahn, WIHA Werkzeuge GmbH:
"We exhibited in 2008 because we are a brand-name manufacturer looking to sharpen our international presence and strengthen our partners with our innovations."

Digital press service
The Final Report, further press releases, the lists of new products, photos of the INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR / PRACTICAL WORLD 2008, the fair logo and the exhibitor press compartments are available on the Internet, at www.hardwarefair.com under "For the Press".

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