Greater International Influence at Productronica

More visitors than ever - 45% - came from countries outside Germany (2005: 41%), which, together with an increase in international exhibitors to 40% (2005: 38%) made Productronica 2007 a truly international event, a fact endorsed by many exhibitors.

Despite a 15% increase in the number of visitor pre-registrations, there was a slight decline in the number of visitors from Germany, which reduced the overall number of visitors to a little over 40,000 (2005: 43,113). According to organizer Messe Muenchen International, this small reduction can be attributed to a rail strike throughout Germany and the surprising arrival of winter weather during the event.

The general feeling during the event was very upbeat, helped by several sets of market figures presented by industry associations both before and during Productronica. According to VDMA, German manufacturers of electronic production equipment can expect a double-digit sales growth for the coming year while the ZVEI Association Electronic Components and Systems estimates that the global market for electronic components will grow by 6% to more than 410 billion US dollars in 2008.

From research conducted during the event, international visitors gave Productronica 2007 top marks. A total of 95% judged the scope and scale of the event as excellent to good, while 93% gave this assessment for the presence of market leaders, and 90% for the “internationality” of the exhibitor base.

The key specialist exhibition areas devoted to microproduction, photovoltaics and organic electronics proved very popular but Productronica’s continued appeal stemmed from the fact that exhibits on display encompassed every aspect of electronics production. These ranged from production technologies for semiconductors, displays and circuit boards to material processing and placement technology, product finishing and on through to measuring and testing technology and quality assurance.

Visitors also had the opportunity to learn about and discuss electronics production technology and techniques at the Productronica-Forum, the VDMA-Forum and the ZVEI Forum which, together, provided a comprehensive program with more than 100 user-related presentations.

The Productronica 2007 Executive Round Table, which took place on the first day, brought together many executives from leading global companies. They discussed the many varied challenges and opportunities for the electronics industry in China, India and Eastern Europe as well as future target markets for the industry. The conclusions were that China will continue in its leading role as a production centre and as a marketplace and now provides more opportunities than risks for those involved. Round Table participants have also noticed an increased level of R&D in China as well as a greater degree of service activities from global players in the region. India (still) has a strongly subordinate role when compared to China, but has much potential in software development and for overseas production in the near future. Eastern Europe is less significant in volume terms, but it has distinct advantages in its culture and its close geographic location to Germany and other parts of Europe.

The next Productronica will take place on the grounds of the New Munich Trade Fair Centre from 10 to 13 November 2009.