GrindingHub 2024 is poised to be the leading event in the grinding technology industry, scheduled from May 14-17 in Stuttgart. Prior to the main exhibition, 14 exhibitors offered a preview of their latest advancements to 30 international trade journalists on March 21. This exclusive event highlighted innovative products and technologies that will be featured, underscoring GrindingHub’s role as a global innovation hub.
“We are thrilled that so many international firms, ranging from start-ups to established global players, have taken this opportunity to connect with prospective visitors early and showcase their key innovations,” stated Martin Göbel, Head of Trade Fairs and Events at VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Association), the organizer of GrindingHub.
Prominent participants included Adelbert Haas GmbH (Germany), Amiad Machining Fluid Filtration (Israel), Anca Europe GmbH (Australia/Germany), CemeCon AG (Germany), DMG Mori (Japan/Germany), Erwin Junker Maschinenfabrik GmbH (Germany), Fives Group (France), Meister Abrasives AG & Alfons Schmeier GmbH & Co. KG (Switzerland), Mitsubishi Electric BV (Japan/Germany), Pureon AG (Switzerland), STA Separatoren-Technik & Anlagenbau GmbH (Germany), Spanflug Technologies GmbH (Germany), and United Grinding Group Management AG (Switzerland). The preview also highlighted umati, a joint connectivity initiative by VDW and VDMA, and the ‘Grinder of the Year’ competition aimed at young professionals.
Peter Breuer from the Manufacturing Technology Institute (MTI) at RWTH Aachen University, presented a keynote on ‘Digital Assistance Systems in Grinding Technology,’ stressing the importance of linking research with industrial applications. His address emphasized GrindingHub’s dedication to promoting the practical use of scientific advancements.
Significant Growth and International Engagement
Since its inception, GrindingHub has quickly gained significant attention. Göbel mentioned that exhibitor interest remains strong, with 487 exhibitors from 31 countries already registered, covering 40 segments of the grinding process chain. The largest groups of exhibitors hail from Germany, Switzerland, China, Italy, and Japan.
The grinding technology sector saw remarkable economic performance in 2023. German production surged by 15% to €1.1 billion, surpassing the overall growth of the machine tool industry, which was 9%. Exports increased by 15%, imports by 11%, and consumption by 13%, positioning Germany as the world’s second-largest market for grinding technology. These figures highlight the sector’s robustness and the vital role of events like GrindingHub in driving growth.
A Boost for Recovery
Despite the positive 2023 figures, the forecast for 2024 is less optimistic due to a slowdown in new orders. Göbel highlighted the crucial role of GrindingHub in stimulating recovery and growth within the sector. The exhibition offers an essential platform for companies to display their innovations, establish partnerships, and stimulate economic momentum during challenging periods.
GrindingHub 2024 is a must-attend event for anyone involved in the grinding technology sector, providing a glimpse into the latest advancements and opportunities to network with leading industry figures. Don’t miss the chance to witness the future of grinding technology firsthand.
