Major players return to Intermat for 2012

Five major equipment manufacturers have booked space at next year's Intermat exhibition, following an absence the last time the show was held in 2009, due to difficult market conditions. Atlas Copco (including Dynapac), JLG, Sandvik, Terex and Wacker Neuson will be present at the show, which will be held in Paris from 16 - 21 April, 2012. However, two other notable absentees from the last show, Manitou and Metso, have not yet signed-up for Intermat and may not attend.

According to Comexposium, the show's organisers, 90% of the space available for Intermat has already been sold, including all of the outside area. Some 1500 companies are expected to exhibit at the show and the gross area will be 375000 m2. This includes a 30000 m2 demonstration area.

The organisers also hope for an increase in visitor numbers to more than 200000 people , following a dip in 2009 when 184519 people attended Intermat. This included more than 62000 international visitors, with 162 countries represented.

The relatively poor attendance in 2009 - 209000 people visited Intermat in 2006 - has been generally attributed to the difficult market conditions at the time. However, the organisers are putting a particular emphasis on international visitors for the 2012 event.

Intermat communications director, Maud Carcy said, "We have a strong focus on the North African countries for example, because of the shared history and language with France. We are also in contact with more people in the Gulf region, following Intermat Middle East [held for the first time in March this year].

"Of course we also have a strong focus on other European countries. In 2009 we really promoted Intermat in Eastern Europe for the first time, and we will continue that. 2009 was a very difficult edition for us, and in 2012 we want to focus on all our assets and the things that has made Intermat successful."