Handling the show

Organisers claim the CeMAT exhibition is a key barometer of the logistics industry's performance worldwide. From 27 to 31 May the industry returns to the Hannover Messe exhibition site in Germany. There will be 1,100 exhibitors, up from 948 in 2005. Display area is 80,000 m2, up from 72,400 m2 in 2005. The show has grown more than 10% since the last event in 2005, reflecting the pace of growth in the industry.

About half of the exhibitors are from outside Germany and there are many first-time exhibitors from other countries. First time exhibitors this year include, Gottwald Cranes, Germany, SauerDanfoss, Denmark, FKI Logistex, Great Britain, Kito Corporation, Japan, and SEW-Eurodrive, Germany.

CeMAT 2008 is not only larger than its 2005 predecessor, it also covers a wider range of themes. One new theme for 2008 is logistics real estate. Another is port handling equipment. Dynamic growth of the world's major coastal and inland ports needs state-of-the-art technology and sophisticated logistics to handle the growing volume of freight. Many of the exhibitors this year will be showing new technology and products for dockside cargo handling.

Also new is the Job & Career Market, which presents displays for job-seekers and employers. Exhibitors include companies with job offers, employment agencies, training institutions, temporary work agencies, colleges and universities.

Showing innovation

Product highlights include a new Kito electric chain hoist from the ER2 series. It has a frequency inverter drive for dual lifting speeds. The 6:1 speed ratio is preset in the factory but can be adjusted individually up to a ratio of 12:1. This is to allow more precise load placement.

It also has a new load sheave design and “advanced chain processing technology” for reliability, safety and longer load chain life, according to the manufacturer. The load sheave has five or six pockets for the lift chain, depending on the model. More pockets helps get smoother and low-noise operation. Another highlight is the new electro-magnetic brake. Service life is longer, only needing a service after two million brake applications, Kito says.

TGW will present its new Mustang high-speed stacker crane. It is described as an automated storage and retrieval machine that accelerates to 4 m/s² and a top speed of 6 m/s. The crane has a maximum height of 18 m and a maximum payload of 100 kg, which allows its use in very high-volume small-parts storage applications.

A full list of the exhibitors is available on the CeMAT web site www.cemat.de