Sense of caution

Over the last few months there have been numerous fairs aimed at the machine tool sector. We have not arrived in time to report on the Euroblech before the close of this Edition, but yes we echo of what happened at Maquitec, the IMTS in Chicago and the Bimu in Milan. The truth is that, in this fair, too often we rely on sensations when issuing a value judgement to weigh 'if it was okay or if it went wrong'. It is obvious that we also have objective elements to assess them, such as the number of visits to the booth, transactions or open operations... Finally, each will have its own way of doing things. But there is no doubt that those feelings that we mentioned earlier are often what prevails in our discussions and even in the perception of a fair or another. In this regard, for example, the assertion of those who moved to Chicago is quite unanimous: it was a disaster. Few visitors, empty spaces from companies who decided to not go at the last minute...

It was not so much the Italian Bimu, where, while the first few days did not appear that many professionals had come close to the fiera Milano, final data from the Organization say the opposite and place the number at a figure similar to the previous edition.Quite an achievement, given the circumstances. It should be however that fair organizations elites give more value to the numbers of visitors and exhibitors who claim. There are a series of rules that force to unify criteria when it comes to counting, but nobody can escape that sometimes is played to the confusion, mixing, for example, direct exhibitors with indirect, and that is used with excess 'tricks' with the visitors.Perhaps for this reason that very rarely a fair officially lose visitors or exhibitors.

But in recent months, the feelings or even the facts have been stubborn. The situation is delicate and the precaution is the dominant note. In relation to the Bimu, the Association of manufacturers of machine - tools (AFM), says that "it has been in line with the overall results seen at national exhibitions that have taken place previously." "In other words, found the situation of uncertainty and caution that currently have business investment in equipment and technology." The best sensations perceived possibly in Maquitec, accepting of course subjective in this statement.

Upon completion, we interviewed Josep Morell, President of the Organizing Committee, who accepted criticisms by the same dates, but at the same time is very satisfied with the results. "Assistance, exhibiting surface, stands and business data have been above forecasts, taking into account the present time".

Más allá de pessimisms or optimismos, subjective assessments or objective facts, the truth is that we are in a time of restraint and good expectations of the sector pointed a few months ago are being postponed.