Upcoming Trade Shows Düsseldorf, Germany for Metal Working Industries

The Bright World of Metals is an internationally acclaimed trade fair series that unites the global leaders in metallurgy, foundry technology and thermoprocessing and greatly boosts the economic performance of the metalworking industry in Düsseldorf. The event, which includes METEC, GIFA, THERMPROCESS, and NEWCAST, brought together 2,188 exhibitors and over 63,000 visitors from 116 countries. In 2023, sustainability was a dominant theme with exhibitors focusing on ecoMetals, circular economy, and artificial intelligence as integral components of the industry’s future. The ecoMetals Trails (a popular feature of the event) allowed visitors to see firsthand how industry players are transforming their manufacturing processes to become more energy-efficient and environmentally responsible. The urgency of sustainability in the metalworking sector is driven by rising energy costs and regulatory pressure to reduce emissions. Germany’s energy-intensive industries, particularly the metalworking sector, face soaring costs that threaten their competitive edge. Addressing these challenges, key industry leaders met with Mona Neubaur, North Rhine-Westphalia’s Minister of Economy, Industry, Climate Protection, and Energy, to discuss potential solutions, including the proposal of a globally competitive electricity price for industry. The aim is to enable German companies to sustain growth while progressing toward green goals, which will ensure stability for the metalworking industry in Düsseldorf. Digitalization and artificial intelligence (AI) were also significant focus areas at the fair. With the metalworking industry’s complex supply chains and high resource demand, AI and digital tools offer solutions to optimise production, reduce waste, and streamline operations. Many companies demonstrated digital innovations aimed at making processes more efficient and adapting to evolving regulatory and environmental demands. Manufacturers increasingly view recycling and reusing materials as not only an ethical responsibility but also a profitable venture, aligning with the global push toward sustainable practices.