"This year's HANNOVER MESSE has resoundingly shown that Industry 4.0 is already making a contribution to profitability," said Dr. Heinrich Frontzek, Chairman of the HANNOVER MESSE Exhibitor Committee. Exhibitors presented more than 500 showcases at the fair. "This year's lead theme of ‘Integrated Industry – Creating Value' accurately reflected the thrust of conversations at the exhibitors' stands. Rather than talking about ‘if' and ‘when,' the focus was on real investments for projects aimed at generating real benefit," said Frontzek.

HANNOVER MESSE as a nucleus for future added value

"The world of industry is looking for orientation. It's not just a matter of new products; we're talking sweeping changes affecting the entire value-adding chain. HANNOVER MESSE gives you the big picture and shows how new technologies are redefining the system," said Frontzek. More than 70% of the firms represented at this year's show were exhibiting innovations and enhancements.

Exhibitors rate the event as a solid success

Exhibitors were pleased with the run of the show, citing the high caliber of its attending professionals, the number of business talks held and the overall promotional impact of their exhibition showcases. This adds up to upbeat expectations with regard to post-show business. "The top decision-makers come to HANNOVER MESSE to find out not only about individual products, but also about complete system solutions. The show once again impressively underscored this," remarked Frontzek.

Exhibitors highly optimistic about 2017

Companies continue to be optimistic about the road ahead, with more than 70% of participating exhibitors rating the overall business climate in their sector as good to excellent. Their own prospects were seen in an even more positive light, with 80% of all exhibitors stating them as ‘good' or ‘excellent,' while 71% anticipate a further brightening of the general economic climate in the course of 2017. Accordingly, 41% of exhibitors in Germany are planning to hire more staff.