The Tool Industry Association (FWI) has noted with respect the decision to postpone this year’s International Hardware Fair. “In the light of recent developments, this decision is absolutely comprehensible,” says FWI Managing Director Stefan Horst.

In recent days, the FWI has been in constant contact with member companies that wanted to continue exhibiting, but also with those who had already cancelled their participation. “That’s why we were very aware of the arguments for and against a presence in Cologne, but also the widespread uncertainty about how to deal properly with this previously unique situation, and we found full understanding,” Horst continued.

“We very much welcome the fact that the decision of the Koelnmesse has now created clarity for all parties involved,” emphasises FWI Chairman Michael Kleinbongartz, who was one of the supporters of a trade fair participation until the end.

The FWI welcomes the announcement of Koelnmesse that the most important fair for many FWI members will be made up in February 2021.

Around 110 tool and dowel manufacturers with production in Germany are organised at the FWI. The tool industry generated sales of 4.9 billion euros in 2018 and employed around 31,500 people. Maintaining the wide variety of German manufacturers, designing fair competition and strengthening Germany’s production location are the main objectives of the association.

In addition, there are 50 extraordinary members of the FWI. They are, in some cases, industrial companies close to the tool and its distribution channels, but also service providers and foreign companies.

 

Contact:

Stefan Horst, Managing Director FWI

Elberfelder Str. 77

42853 Remscheid

Telephone number: 02191 438-21

Fax: 02191 438-79

E-mail: Stefan.horst@werkzeug.org

www.werkzeug.org

www.deutscheswerkzeug.de