Both LOGISTICS & AUTOMATION and EMPACK were exceptionally well-attended on the first day of the trade fair duo in Zurich. "We had a very successful start," says Easyfairs project manager Stefan Voegele. An increase in visitor numbers compared to last year is expected in Bern.
79 exhibitors at the packaging industry event and 83 at the logistics sector event, held in the two adjacent halls, already made a positive impression on the trade fair organizers yesterday. In a preliminary press summary, Voegele noted that sustainability, recycling issues among packaging companies, and training were the main topics of discussion and debate among the trade visitors, who also showed great interest in the lecture program.
The exhibitors were also in good spirits, anticipating interesting orders and an eventful new year despite the challenges of the overall economic situation. Critical questions from the trade press concerned the recently overused term "sustainability," which, according to one participant, is now used by almost every manufacturer. The term "circular economy" might be more precisely defined in this context. The question of whether the trade fair duo should continue to alternate between Bern and Zurich appears to be beyond discussion. The late January date, whose business is somewhat subdued by the more contemplative Christmas season and the period between Christmas and New Year's, will also be retained.
Overall, Zurich seems to be "a touch" more attractive to visitors than Bern, according to insiders, although they can't directly substantiate this with precise visitor numbers. Visitor flows are carefully monitored thanks to the numerous electronic systems now available, such as badge and code scanning at the booths visited. This allows for tracking and providing potential customers and contacts with further information and contact details. Easyfairs is at the cutting edge of this technology.
Although the exhibition stands in Zurich are not cheap, but are reportedly still more affordable than in Lucerne, there are numerous opportunities for unconstrained customer meetings on the first floor of the hall complex.
Wegmüller's Box for "Autonomous"
Frei Fördertechnik (booth ILS9) is demonstrating hygiene solutions for the food industry with stainless steel components, as well as more robust solutions for bulk and unit load transport in the processing industry. New polyurethane belts allow for continuous connections through butt welding and, according to the manufacturer, are also suitable for direct food contact. The engineers have also addressed the issue of belt tension. Thanks to the positive locking mechanism, the belts no longer need to be retensioned, which offers advantages during operation and cleaning.
Taracell (booth J24), showcasing its cold chain containers, among other products, also offers protective and storage pallets for medical technology. Zetes (booth P19) presents its new ID image processing technology for goods receiving and loading docks. Jungheinrich (booth ILS1) is entering the event in a slightly smaller format this time, featuring the ultra-compact PowerCube. SSI Schäfer is also opting for a more modest approach, offering a multimedia range in its virtual presentation instead of investing more in the "Weasel" or setting up a physical shuttle system. Stöcklin (booth ILS4) is showcasing eleven products, from the "world's best hand pallet truck" to sophisticated retrofit solutions and seven new products, providing insight into its steadily expanding product range.
At Westfalia (Stand ILS7) René Giger has been acquiring valuable contacts for almost three decades to realize impressive projects such as the Aviator at the corrugated cardboard manufacturer Bourquin in Oensingen, the Migros subsidiary Midor, the milk storage facility at Estavayer Lait, or the meat production facility at Suttero.
While the world is already pondering complex calculation programs for emission values and CO2 limits, Zehnder (booth H20) is presenting its still highly effective air filters, which – installed under the hall ceiling – often appear to float freely. In dusty logistics environments, they reduce particulate matter pollution and employee sick leave through the use of flicker, compact, and HEPA filters.
Fanuc robot at indoor golf
Specially decorated wooden boxes and crates, used by logistics provider Wegmüller from Attikon (EMPACK booth G36) to transport valuable cargo such as an autonomous handling and transport robot – additionally secured with polystyrene – to China or India, never fail to bring a smile to visitors' faces. Bachmann Engineering (booth H08) presents its robot grippers and automation cells, the Agilox Dolly Mover, and a "PalletizingMaster." Bito (booth ILS16) showcases static and dynamic racking systems, platforms, and workshop equipment, as well as its familiar plastic boxes and containers. Fronius (booth P20) continues to refine its "Perfect Charging" technology. Gilgen Logistics (booth ILS15) is among the few companies that also make an appearance at LogiMAT. And among the major players, for whom their presence in Stuttgart is simply beyond question, is of course Linde Material Handling (Stand H21), with Swisslifter President Stefano Ghilardi already in a strategically advantageous "catch-up position" in the entrance and transition area to EMPACK.
In the area of training and professional development, SVBL, GS1 (booth K36), and Sulser (booth L16) with its "Logistics Academy" will be present. Maxon (booth M07), Rocklog (booth J30), Utz (booth P33), and Swisslog (booth J28) complement LOGISTICS & AUTOMATION, creating a multifaceted overall picture of an industry that is constantly evolving in every respect. Those who didn't manage to see everything on the first day of the trade fair can look forward to another opportunity on the second day.
