The companies reported a host of new leads, many of which already led to closed deals over the eight days of the trade fair. Ulrich Reifenhäuser, chairman, advisory board, K 2016, said, “I have never seen such a vast number of decisive customers willing to buy at a trade fair before. The number and magnitude of deals, some of which were concluded here spontaneously, as well as the many concrete enquiries about new projects by far, exceed our expectations. It was clear from day one that customers wanted to not only find out about new technologies but also purchase them. There is strong investment in all our customer industries and in all regions of the world.”

Total 2,30,000 trade visitors from over 160 countries were welcomed to the exhibition halls over the eight days of K 2016. Werner Matthias Dornscheidt, president and CEO of Messe Düsseldorf, said, “Just the sheer number of experts visiting K 2016 confirm the appeal and importance of the trade fair – since this number is once again clearly higher than at the previous event in 2013. However, what is more important: the breakdown of trade visitors was of an exceedingly high standard. We can register a constantly good level of demand from Germany and a disproportionately high level of interest from abroad, especially from overseas. It is known the world over that K in Düsseldorf is the innovation platform for the entire sector. A visit here is simply indispensable for everyone wanting to stay ahead of the competition.”

The previous event in 2013 was attended by 2,18,000 visitors and 3,220 exhibitors.

The results from the visitor survey underpin the exhibitors’ view that the proportion of international guests has risen once again 70% came from abroad. More than 40% of all foreign visitors hailed from overseas – even from as far away places like Bangladesh, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, the Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Oman, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Surinam. The experts from Asia accounted the largest group of among foreign guests, which grew yet again: nearly 30,000 experts came from South, East and Central Asia and the visitors from India again constituted the biggest group.

Energy, material and resource efficiency were the dominating themes at K 2016. Reifenhäuser said, “The possibilities of the Internet of Things brings strong, serious interest – especially among younger, IT-savvy customers from throughout the world. Industry 4.0 is a theme of the future that will keep us busy for years to come.”

The machine and plant manufacturing, which occupies the biggest exhibition area at K 2016 with over 1,900 exhibitors, was also the centre of attraction for visitors.

The next K in Düsseldorf will take place from 16 to 23 October 2019.