Windmöller & Hölscher (W&H) has reconfirmed its commitment to drupa 2021, saying that it will exhibit at the world’s largest industry trade fair in Düsseldorf.
Windmöller & Hölscher has been present at the tradeshow since it began in 1951 and as it developed into one of the largest exhibitors over the years.
In addition to the plastics trade fair, K, and interpack, the company said drupa is the industry’s most important trade fair at which W&H regularly presents its latest product developments and innovations.
“As one of our leading trade fairs, drupa remains an important marketplace for us. This is where new trends in packaging printing are regularly set. With our commitment to drupa, we are also committing ourselves to Germany as a business and trade fair location for the mechanical engineering industry,” W&H CEO Dr. Jürgen Vutz said.
“We are convinced that both, the hygiene and health concept presented and the shortened runtime from eleven to nine days, are the right measures to make this important trade fair possible for the trade public in times of COVID-19.”
The announcement follows a number of manufacturers dropping their attendance at drupa 2021, which got postponed following the COVID-19 pandemic.
German printing press builder Manroland Sheetfed and Japanese press producer Komori Corporation, in addition to Heidelberg and Bobst are some of those that have pulled out of drupa amidst fears surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
W&H joins Koenig & Bauer to confirm its attendance at the exhibition, normally held every four years in Düsseldorf, Germany.
Just like Koenig & Bauer, W&H recently organised its first Virtual Expo but says the tradeshow is necessary to keep businesses going.
“We have been able to accomplish a lot digitally over the past few months. Our first virtual trade fair was a great success and we gained a lot of experience and knowledge. Nevertheless, we cannot completely replace the close-up trade fair experience virtually,” W&H sales director Peter Steinbeck said.
“This includes personal meetings, which are indispensable for building and maintaining trusting customer relationships. Both, virtual and personal formats, such as drupa, have their justification and are important for us and the entire industry.”
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