Hardware/DIY Trade Fair in Cologne Again Sets Global Standard in 2008

Billed as the most significant, all-inclusive, world's largest trade platform for global buyers, industry professionals, installers, wholesalers, retailers in the tools, locks, fittings and DIY (do-it-yourself) sectors, the International Hardware Fair/Practical World (IHFPW), held from March 9 to 12, 2008 in Cologne, Germany, once again headlined media, industry that promoted the event.

The IHFPW is recognized within the industry as the best marketplace for foreign companies to explore not only the European market, but also find new opportunities that may be offered by some of the most exacting standard-bearers anywhere: German makers of tools and DIY products. Living up to its reputation as a trendsetter, the show every two years showcases the world's newest developments and inventions, hence attracting to the venue all the right people, such as authorized senior executives, professional designers, etc. and other industry professionals who may positively influence the show and hardware and DIY sectors by offering new input, ideas, and insights culled from field work.

The biennial IHFPW this year occupied 247,000 square meters of exhibition area, on which 3,375 exhibitors from 61 countries displayed their products and services across nine venues according to product categories, all of which drew some 74,890 visitors from 143 countries to the show grounds. Noteworthy was the apparent eagerness of the Chinese collectively: for the first time 918 Chinese exhibitors took part, exceeding the 611 German counterparts, with 495 Taiwan-based companies trailing in third as a group. Undoubtedly the steadily growing visitor and exhibitor numbers reflect the show's unparalleled global influence.

Three Major Product Categories

The show management this year aimed to organize the IHFPW to maximize user-friendliness, especially for foreign visitors: three major product categories were set up, including tools and fastening technologies; security, locks and fittings; and home improvement/ DIY products. Besides, big-name suppliers and brands as Bosch, Henkel and Tesa-Obi, Toombaumarkt and Bay WA held in Hall 7 a series of activities, such as New DIY Mension Mouse and Forum New DIY Mension to promote the newest DIY products.

Wide-ranging Product Lineups

Likely the most memorable aspect for the visitors at International Hardware Fair/Practical World 2008 was the enormous range in product lineup, which included hand tools, electric tools, pneumatic tools, auto and motorcycle repair tools, high-pressure cleaning equipment, warehouse facilities and ladders in the tools and fastening technology zone; security products, locks, household hardware products and accessories in the security, locks and fittings zone; and bathroom fittings, fasteners, building materials, kitchenware, home decorations, and plumbing tools in the home improvement/ DIY zone.

With eco-friendliness and global warming being increasingly urgent issues in the background, more than ever exhibitors debuted products, technologies that not only addressed such needs, but also featured designs that improved on efficiency, safety and convenience.

Innovative Products

One innovative product at the show that captured attention was the HC 10 Pressure Washer introduced by Germany-based Karcher, Alfred Vertriebs-GmbH: the world's first battery-powered high-pressure washer. Karcher says that the washer features hybrid technology and is dual power capable-able to run on AC or battery, enabling it to be used easily outdoors without household outlets. Also the long-lasting lithium cells assure stable power supply during use. Best of all, the innovative pressure washer can tap barrels and other receptacles filled with rainwater, enhancing its eco-friendly and resource-saving list of advantages.

Another eye-catching product was the dual-mode, multifunctional flashlight launched by U.S.-based Bayco Products Company, a product that meets the growing demand for energy-saving, convenient-to-use designs. The flashlight is versatile: working as both flashlight and flood light via the adoption of energy-stingy LED (light-emitting diode) and state-of-the-art microprocessor technology for high performance and reliability, resulting in optimized cost efficiency.

Many products and technologies shown at IHFPW featured genuinely eco-friendly design features. One such product was the cork-leather grip or handle for tools and other handheld devices showcased by Stubai Werkzeugindustrie, a product that effectively achieves enhanced work efficiency by integrating ergonomic design and improved anti-slip grip with the combination of cork and leather, both natural materials that fully meet eco-friendly requirements in Europe.

Another green product was an eco-friendly paint brush showcased by Great American Marketing, Inc., from the U.S., a brush that features a mixture of ecologically-blended and synthetic bristles, a combination that assures users of extended lifespan and great performance in either oil or water. In addition, the U.S.-based Chattahoochee Pencil Company debuted the world's first environmentally-friendly carpenters' pencil, which is made of revolutionary graphite composite instead of wood. The supplier claims that the innovative pencil is comparatively durable, resistant against rain and water, and proven non-toxic.

Creativity Shown by Taiwan Suppliers

More than being well-known as dedicated developers of hardware, hand tools and DIY products, Taiwan-based exhibitors also showed their capacity for building added-value into products, in this case catchy novelty: Chin Ho Fu Co., Ltd. showcased a variety of creative toilet seats printed with humorous, eye-catching motifs, made possible with the company's independently developed printing technology; while Lang Hwang Corp. unveiled its ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, a high-grade, impact-resistant polymer) Economic Safety Handrails, one designed for easy DIY installation at home or elsewhere that is anti-slip and ideal for the elderly, mobility-impaired and children.

Protecting IP

Showing that substantial steps are taken to minimize copycatting and exhibitors' intellectual property rights, the show management this year asked exhibitors to sign agreements accordingly, as well as dispatched monitors to walk the show grounds to deter piracy. Such strategy proved successful and was highly praised by exhibitors, especially global leading brands and suppliers.

Remaining focused on its mission to help Asian suppliers to tap global markets, CENS again organized a sizable group of 122 Taiwan-based exhibitors to take part in this year's International Hardware Fair/Practical World. Being an export-oriented media, CENS offers a variety of dedicated magazines serving global buyers. Its Guide Book to Taiwan Hand Tools and Hardware, featuring news and practical information on Taiwan-based suppliers of hardware and hand tools, drew ample attention among foreign buyers at the show.

Continuing to wield heavy influence on the hardware and DIY sectors globally, the International Hardware Fair/Practical World is scheduled to repeat its success from February 28 to March 3, 2010 in Cologne.