Exhibition News

Organisers of the International Fastener Show China (IFS China) state that the show is already one of the three largest fastener industry events in the world, and the largest in Asia. With this in mind, Editor Will Lowry travelled to Shanghai to see first-hand how the show has developed such a status.

Taking place at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Centre from 11^th – 13^th June, IFS China has clearly been heavily supported by the Chinese fastener industry with the opening ceremony including representatives from a wide selection of associations, such as the China Anhui Fastener Association, Chongqingshi Jingujian Hangye Xiehui, Fastener Association of Guangdong China, Fastener Association of Hebei – China, Jiangsu Fastener Industry Association, Zhejiang Fasteners Industry Association, China Wenzhou Fastener Association, Fastener Association of Shenzhen – China, Hanzhou Fastener Industry Chamber of Commerce, Jiaxing Association of Fastener Imp. & Exp. Companies, Ningbo Fastener Industry Association, Pinghu Fastener Hardware Industry Association, Office of Shahe General Machine Components Industry, Xingtai Fastener Industry Association, Yue Qing Fasteners Association, Yongnian Fastener Association, Jia Shan Jingujian Hangye Xiehui, Haiyan Fastener Industry Chamber of Commerce and the Ningbo Zhenhai Fastener Industry Association.

The official organisers – China General Machine Components Industry Association, China Fastener Industry Association (CFIA), Hanover Milanno Fairs Shanghai Ltd and Shanghai Afastener Exhibition Co Ltd – reported that the show covered an exhibition area of 42,000m², across two halls, which was an increase of 24% compared with 2018.

The show undoubtedly represented the key players within the Chinese fastener and machine building sectors – all of whom presented their competitive technologies and products at the show. Over 725 companies participated, with numerous large ‘space only’ stands attracting a lot of attention in the centre of both halls. The more traditional shell scheme stands were placed around the edges of each hall.

Hall 1 focused on fastener manufacturing equipment, auxiliary equipment, inspection devices, measurement instruments, fastener moulds, consumables, and raw materials, with almost every stand showcasing machinery – with demonstrations being carried out continuously.

Exhibitors included Hyodong, Nedshroef, Carlo Salvi, ASAHI, National Machinery LLC, WAFIOS, CPM, SACMA, Sakamura, Ningbo Sijin, Ningbo Haixing, Zhejiang Yeswin, Marposs, 3View, Quanying, Yuhai/Tengfeng, Shanghai Chunzu, Huangshan Shengrui, Shanghai BiauLi, Yanghzou CANAAN, Shanghai Feiyu, Foshan Wanwei, Dongguan yingxing, KunShan Dongwei, Masteel, Baosteel, Ansteel, Xingtai Iron & Steel, Kunshan Daobao, and Taicang Minghao.

Hall 2 concentrated on manufacturers of standard and specialised fasteners, with special zones focusing on automotive and high strength fasteners, brand fasteners, export oriented fasteners, comprehensive fasteners, as well as pavilions for different provinces of China. Key exhibitors in hall 2 included Tenglong Group, Changshu City Standard Parts Factory, Shanghai Prime, Shenzhen Dahe, Zhejiang Santie, Hangzhou Yougongpin, Zhejiang Dongming, Jinshang, PATTA, Jinan/Xinderun, Shanghai SQB, Eagle, and Shanghai High Strength.

Official visitor numbers show 36,080 visitors, including 4,212 overseas visitors from 53 countries and regions, attended the show – predominately purchasers, dealers, traders, end users, manufacturers and other industrial professionals.

“IFS China attracted manufacturers, machinery builders, fastener purchasers, distributors and wholesalers at home and abroad to join the show,” stated show organisers. “The show provided a good platform for enterprises to build relationships, to show ingenuity and pursue dreams.”

The aisles were undoubtedly busy throughout both days of the show, but exhibitors commented on the lack of western visitors, especially from Europe. Many highlighted the Fastener Fair Stuttgart show in March as the reason why there were less European visitors, as most had met customers during the German show. However, the overall mood was definitely positive and there was a clear pride in having a show representing the ‘best of China’.

Mr Xue Kangsheng, president of China Fastener Industry Association of China General Machine Components Industry Association, commented on the show: “This year’s edition of the International Fastener Show China showcased its authority and influence in the industry.” Whilst Olaf Daebler, global director of industrial supply, research & technology of Deutsche Messe AG, said: “The significant increase in both exhibition area and number of the exhibitors, reflects the very high-level of internationalisation and great international influence the International Fastener Show China has in the industry.”

In addition to the show there was also the ‘Third Session of the 8th Standing Council of China Fastener Industry Association’, as well as face-to-face international purchasing meetings that took place throughout both days. Plus, there was an invitation only Appreciation Banquet on the first night of the show – at the Pudong Shangri-La hotel – which was a spectacular dinner and once again underlined the professionalism of the organisers.

From visiting the show there is no doubt that it has quickly established itself as the leading Chinese fastener event, encompassing every part of the fastener industry. It has also been adopted by the Chinese industry and visitors. For western visitors looking to find out more about the Chinese market and suppliers, it has become a must attend event.

The next edition of the International Fastener Show China will take place from 22^nd – 24^th June 2020 once again at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Centre.