The HK24 heat treatment exhibition in Cologne, Germany was concluded last week and is now in our rearview mirror. As always, the exhibition gave us a great deal of insight into the heat treatment market in Germany and there is no other way to say it, except to say the market is not good. 

 

 

The exhibition itself was well organized and very professionally done but it was certainly clear that attendance was lower than last year. This in turn lead to a dramatic decline in “hospitality” events such as “group dinners” as exhibitors looked at ways of cutting costs. As an interesting addendum to this event we can say that the exhibition next year will return to its original locale in Wiesbaden, Germany although next year it will take the form of a “tabletop” show with approximately 25-30 suppliers in attendance.

 

These photos tell the tale of the exhibition;