Intermat show looks strong

Forward bookings for the upcoming 242 INTERMAT construction equipment exhibition in French capital Paris are extremely bullish. The organisers say that the show already has a 90% occupancy rate for its exhibition space, a full eight months before the 2012 event, which runs from 16h April to 21st April. The Intermat 2012 event will feature 375,000m2 of exhibition area, including a 20,000m2 outdoor demonstration area. In all 1,500 exhibitors have booked, 67% of whom are international and there will be four national pavilions for China, South Korea, the United Kingdom and the USA. Over 200,000 visitors are expected, with 40% being international. The forward bookings reflect positive growth forecasts and worldwide growth in the construction machinery and equipment sector. According to Intermat's organisers, the forecasts for 2011, more favourable than for 2010, show that the sector is recovering, with growth expected to reach some 11% overall this year. Emerging regions such as China, India and Latin America record higher rates of growth. In the wake of the major crisis of 2009, the European construction equipment industry grew by some 18% in 2010. However, the picture differs from one country to the next. Germany is strong with 19% growth, while the United Kingdom recorded +57% development for 2010 (albeit from a very low base. But Spain sustained losses of 19% in turnover and Italy saw its construction sales stagnate throughout the year. The organisers of Intermat will hold a preview event on 12th and 13th January 2012 for trade journalists. This will provide more than 150 exhibitors the opportunity preview news and innovations to more than 200 journalists from the world press. The Intermat organisers are also developing the Innovation Awards. For the very first time, a European jury will be formed of users and construction and rental company representatives.