Hannover. For the first time in its 70-year history, Deutsche Messe will market an event outside of Germany under the HANNOVER MESSE brand. HANNOVER MESSE USA runs 10–15 September 2018 parallel to IMTS–International Manufacturing Technology Show at McCormick Place in Chicago. Together, IMTS and HANNOVER MESSE USA represent North America's largest event for manufacturing technology, attracting more than 115,000 visitors.

"HANNOVER MESSE USA is based on the format we use in Hannover, focusing not only on individual machines and components, but also on complete solutions," said Arno Reich, Global Director IAMD and Digital Factory, Deutsche Messe AG. "We are introducing the HANNOVER MESSE brand in Chicago because we want to build on the awareness generated by Partner Country USA at HANNOVER MESSE in 2016. Chicago is the perfect place to introduce our content, topics and network to the U.S. market. At the same time, we will showcase U.S. innovation to a global audience and spotlight North America as an important manufacturing location."

HANNOVER MESSE USA features four main exhibit sectors – «IAMD–Integrated Automation, Motion & Drives USA», «ComVac USA», «Industrial Supply USA», and «Surface Technology USA» – plus three special display areas. China, Germany, Italy, Korea, and Taiwan are sponsoring country pavilions. More than 500 companies have registered to exhibit on 12,000 square meters of display area. LENZE, SEW, SAP and Fraunhofer are new exhibitors. Returning big names include THK, Wittenstein, Festo, Phoenix Contact, Harting, Rittal, B&R, Rittal, Mitsubishi, and HIWIN. A solutions theater and two conferences round out the program.

Exhibit Program

Customer demands change constantly. To meet these demands, manufacturers want integrated cross-sector and cross-platform solutions. Exhibitors at IAMD–Integrated Automation, Motion & Drives USA present products and services for improving the efficiency and reliability of production processes. Topics include Industrie 4.0, robotics, additive manufacturing, control systems, and security as well as mechanical and electrical engineering, drive technology, pumps, hydraulics and pneumatics, gears, and bearings.

Compressed air and vacuum technology play a key role in improving energy efficiency and reducing costs. ComVac USA brings together companies from both sectors. Topics range from generation, treatment, distribution, and storage to pumps, components, metering devices, and leak detection.

Smart workpieces, components and systems are the building blocks of the smart factory. Suppliers are increasingly viewed as development partners, working closely with customers to customize materials, processes and supply chains. Industrial Supply USA emphasizes this cooperative relationship, featuring companies, products and services in three main display categories: development, design and processes; parts, components and systems; and materials and technology expertise.

Surface treatment and coating technologies add value across the entire industrial chain, helping improve production and energy efficiency as well as durability. Surface Technology USA covers the complete range of products and services for surface treatment and finishing, including cleaning, pre-treatment, coatings, nano-technology, and equipment for measuring, testing, and analysis.

Digital solutions for manufacturing are in greater demand than ever, and more and more traditional IT companies offer solutions for industry. Such applications are rapidly changing manufacturing processes as companies everywhere seek to optimize operations, reduce production costs and develop new products. The new Digital Factory display focuses on integrated processes and IT solutions, covering topics like additive manufacturing, digital twin, ERP, MES, predictive maintenance, PLM, rapid prototyping, supply chain management, and virtual product development.

Fluctuating fuel prices affect operations, cash flow and profits, so energy is a significant variable cost for many manufacturing companies. Despite its strategic importance, many manufacturing companies do not consider energy management when developing strategies. The new special display Industrial Energy Systems helps manufacturers determine which technologies best serve their needs in area such as energy management, power supply, software and services, switches and circuit breakers, testing and measurement, and transformers.

Fluid power is essential to overall machine quality, efficiency and performance. Adding digital connectivity paves the way for intelligent, self-optimizing, autonomous processes. The special display Fluid Power spotlights the latest trends and innovations in the fluid power industry, covering everything from hydraulic actuators, drives, motors and pumps to pneumatic cylinders and valves, control and regulation systems, and sensors and monitoring devices.

Education and Networking

The Solutions Theater, HANNOVER MESSE USA's education and networking program, runs 10–14 September and features presentations, case studies, demonstrations, and special events. For example, the Manufacturing Leadership Council, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, the Industrial Internet Consortium, and Germany's Plattform Industrie 4.0 are staging the full-day forum "Industrie 4.0 Meets The Industrial Internet of Things".

Other highlights include a half-day program organized by the German Engineering Federation (VDMA), a hackathon, and a special appearance by teams from the American robot-competition television series, Battlebots. HANNOVER MESSE USA also hosts two conferences: the Global Automation Manufacturing Summit, co-organized by CFE Media and Hannover Fairs USA, and the Integrated Industries conference, co-organized by GIE Media and Hannover Fairs USA.

Exhibitor Statements

"As a force of technological advancement for well over half a century, the HANNOVER MESSE brand means a great deal to so many people around the world. For me, it is a coming together of the world's industrial community for a vibrant exchange of new ideas and technologies. Moreover, impactful developments unfold in this rich, innovation-charged environment, which is why Beckhoff Automation is a proud exhibitor at the inaugural HANNOVER MESSE USA in Chicago," said Aurelio Banda, President and CEO, Beckhoff Automation North America.

"HANNOVER MESSE is an iconic brand that everyone in the global manufacturing sector knows. As the world's largest industrial technology driven tradeshow, HANNOVER MESSE symbolizes innovation," said Peter Riehle, President and CEO, WITTENSTEIN North America. "Co-locating the HANNOVER MESSE brand at IMTS is the perfect combination of technology and international scope – on display in the heartland of America. We look forward to engaging HANNOVER MESSE USA attendees who want to learn more about the competitive advantages new technology brings and the future of manufacturing in North America."

"Since we first started exhibiting at the industrial automation tradeshow co-located with IMTS in 2012, we have successfully showcased our advanced automation solutions to our target customers at this event," said McKenzie Reed, Industry Segment Manager for Automation, HARTING North America. "Now more than ever, HANNOVER MESSE's presence in North America is vital to promoting Industry 4.0 concepts, and we are excited to again connect with our customers at the HANNOVER MESSE USA show in September. HARTING will be showcasing our latest solutions on the show floor and will be discussing how we build entire custom engineered solutions that our clients can sell to their ecosystem at large," added Reed.