Manufacturing industry continues to innovate despite economic challenges

METAVAK 2024 in Gorinchem once again brought together a diversity of companies and innovative solutions from the metal industry. From October 1 to 3, the Evenementenhal Gorinchem opened its doors to professionals from a variety of sectors, including sheet metal working, machining, automation, 3D printing, cleaning and surface treatment and joining techniques. More than 160 exhibitors from 7 different countries presented their latest products, including more than 30 groundbreaking innovations. In addition, visitors could participate daily in 6 knowledge sessions in the knowledge theater, which focused on current topics.

In addition to the extensive exhibitor list, which included manufacturers, importers, and suppliers of industrial machinery, software solutions, tools and automation technology, among others, METAVAK also offered a knowledge center. Here, visitors could participate in various sessions to further explore current topics such as digitization and sustainability within metalworking.

ECP, leading training institution

During the trade fair, the Expertise Center for Precision Technology (ECP) received the recognition as Scholingpool en Bedrijfsvakschool Metaal from the Training and Development Fund for Metalworking (OOM). This recognition underlines the high quality of the training offer in precision engineering and machining technology and reinforces ECP's position as a leading training institution in the South Holland region.

Welding Week

The event also distinguished itself through its cooperation with Welding Week, which ensured that visitors could not only see the latest developments in machining and sheet metal working, but also become acquainted with the latest welding techniques. This combination made METAVAK a complete experience for everyone active in the metal industry.

Balancing between growth and stability

Many exhibitors talked about the challenges in the current market, such as uncertainty due to high interest rates and a reluctance to invest. Niek de Boer of Kipp Nederland bv referred to the market as "volatile" and stressed that stability in 2025 should be the main goal. "Before, we were constantly talking about growth," he explained. "But if the market remains stable, we can already be happy with that. But despite this caution, a family business like Kipp continues to invest in innovation, think countercyclical investments in automation and clamping technology."

Never a second chance

A notable theme at the show was the increasing focus on automation and smart technologies. Penta Laser Benelux, represented by Jeroen Carmiggelt, went big with their high-power welding machines. "You never get a second chance for a first impression," said Carmiggelt, who emphasized the importance of going big at trade shows to create brand awareness. Penta Laser focuses primarily on high-power cutting solutions, which sets them apart from the established players. "Cutting is cutting," he explained, "but with our experience in high-power technology, we offer something others have not yet fully mastered. Certainly not in our price-quality range."

Safety, sustainability and efficiency

Manuel Schippers of Dormatec spoke about the reluctance to invest, especially in capital equipment, but emphasized that solutions that promote a safe and clean working environment are still in high demand. Dormatec has positioned itself as a leading player in extraction and filtration technology with solutions that go beyond traditional systems. "Today we offer solutions that are suitable not only for standard machines, but also for complex gantry milling solutions," Schippers told me proudly.

Innovation in lubrication technology

Optimol, represented by Leon Verschuren, also stressed the importance of innovation, in this case lubrication technology. Optimol has developed a universal lubricant suitable for different machines and industries. "The Netherlands is a market where one product is desired for multiple applications," said Verschuren. Optimol responds to this with a product that meets the stringent requirements of major players such as ASML, among others.

From visibility to sales

Bart van 't Leven of Baleco - a visitor to this fair - gave a nuanced view of the market, emphasizing that while finding new customers at METAVAK is not always easy, the visibility the fair provides is essential. "You may not hope to find many new customers right away, but visibility and being able to maintain contacts with existing suppliers is very important," Van 't Leven said. Paul Barendse of Rolan Robotics spoke about their latest development, the PhotoTeach technology, which bridges the gap between cobots and industrial robots. He emphasized how important it is to bring out the unique features of your product in a competitive market. "With the market shrinking a bit, it's up to us to show why customers should choose us in particular," Barendse said.

The man of the shop floor

Many exhibitors mentioned that trade shows such as METAVAK are not only a place to promote new products, but also an opportunity to deepen existing relationships. Marcel Schut of CSBX emphasized that the contact with both professionals and decision-makers is a major advantage of this fair. "Here comes the man from the shop floor," he said, "and I like to talk to them because they are often the ones who work with our cutting machines."

Relaxed environment

METAVAK's informal atmosphere was appreciated by exhibitors, such as Manuel Schippers of Dormatec, who noted that the relaxed environment provided an ideal setting for in-depth conversations with customers and potential new contacts. The fact that the fair took place in Gorinchem, close to many companies in the Netherlands and Belgium, meant that the southern Netherlands and Belgium were also well represented, contributing to lively interactions.

Invest or be left behind

Despite the challenges facing the market in 2024, many companies are cautiously optimistic about the future. While some companies are still taking some time to invest-
erations, many exhibitors expect 2025 to be another year of growth and innovation. "You have to keep investing in innovation and automation," emphasized Leon Verschuren of Optimol, "because if you don't, you'll fall behind the competition."

METAVAK 2024 showed that despite economic uncertainties, the metal industry continues to innovate and reinvent itself. It is clear that companies that make targeted investments in automation, sustainability and smart technologies can differentiate themselves in this increasingly competitive market.