Retrospect on METAVAK 2023: Successful meeting of the metalworking manufacturing industry and technology

We have another successful edition of METAVAK 2023 behind us. "We look back on three busy days when the metalworking manufacturing industry came together again in Evenementenhal Gorinchem. Visitors could immerse themselves in a total offer and with one visit be prepared again for the near future, both in terms of materials, machines and knowledge," says Jessica Eijkelenboom on behalf of the organization.

Versatile exhibition floor

More than 5,650 people visited METAVAK in Evenementenhal Gorinchem. During their visit they discovered more about the latest machines, technologies and came in contact with over 130 exhibitors, who presented themselves during this exhibition. METAVAK participants were spread across six areas: machining, sheet metal working, automation, cleaning and surface, 3D printing and joining. Already more than 50% of the participants have joined for the edition of METAVAK and Welding Week 2024 on October 1, 2 & 3.

The visitors look back on a positive trade fair visit. "After all, it is an accessible fair with ample opening hours where you can also walk around a second time if you want and it is a versatile technical fair with new developments for the manufacturing industry," Eijkelenboom said.

Well-stocked free-access knowledge program

For three days, visitors were able to brush up on their knowledge about the challenges of today and tomorrow. For example, Binder 3D explained how 3D printing can be of value in your manufacturing company and TNO / Produmize gave three power sessions on working smarter, making more profit: the digital future of industry! Each day the knowledge theater was well filled, as the sessions provided answers to the challenges they can work on tomorrow.

Student Meet & Greet

For future employees within the metalworking manufacturing industry, there was a Student Meet & Greet. Here students could spar with each other, but there was also a "Wall of Fame" where companies could present their vacancies. Eijkelenboom: "As an organization, we are happy that we can already get the employees of the future more excited about the future."

Joining techniques

This year METAVAK was not in conjunction with Welding Week, therefore this edition had a joining area on the show floor. In addition to welding and soldering techniques, several other joining techniques were on display on the show floor focused on metalworking. These varied from the use of glue to attach materials together to the use of riveting, nailing and screwing. In addition, the trade show floor provided an opportunity to meet and exchange ideas. This has led to valuable connections and collaborations.

In addition, the Netherlands Institute for Welding Technology (NIL) organized a one-day welding event to open the fair on Tuesday, October 10. This was a great success! The NIL will again contribute to the next edition of Welding Week to fill the welding event.

The next edition of METAVAK, simultaneously with Welding Week returns again on October 1, 2 and 3, 2024 at Evenementenhal Gorinchem.