The INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR will take place for the 39th time from March 9 to 12, 2014. Around 2,600 suppliers from 50 countries will provide a comprehensive overview of products for the hardware industry. Trade fair visitors will be able to view and place orders for products in these categories: tools, industrial supply, fixing and fastening systems, fittings and home improvement.

“The INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR is among Cologne’s most longstanding trade fairs, and impresses again and again with the internationality of both exhibitors and visitors, and the high level of innovation “, explains Katharina C. Hamma, Chief Operating Officer of Koelnmesse GmbH. “It’s a one-stop buying platform and therefore the ideal meeting point for buyers and decision-makers from the industry.”

In addition to the extensive product display, trade visitors can look forward to an attractive supporting programme. After its successful premiere in 2012, the presentation of the ‘EISEN Innovation Award powered by ZHH’ will again be part of next year’s programme. But that is not all: there will be a new award in a new category in 2014, the ‘EISEN CSR Award powered by BHB’.

Clearly structured – well positioned

As in 2012, hall layouts will be arranged according to product groups at the INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR 2014. Each industry sector will benefit from this combination of product groups and the potential synergies.

With around 142,000 square metres of gross exhibition space, the tools section features the largest product range at the fair. In halls 1 to 3, 4.1 as well as 10.1 and 10.2 1,500 suppliers present their latest new products and innovations. From hammers to complete fitted workshops – the unique depth and breadth of products on display covers every possible need.

In this edition, compressed air tools, high-pressure cleaners, welding and soldering equipment, shop and storeroom fittings, ladders, scaffolding and industrial safety products will be located in halls 4.1 and 4.2.

A total of 500 companies will present their latest products in the industrial supply section. In hall 5 of the Cologne Trade Fair grounds, 400 suppliers will exhibit fitting and fastening products. 200 companies from the home improvement/DIY sector complete the range in hall 5, where trade visitors will find the latest products in building chemicals, interior fittings and fixtures, sanitary fittings, building materials, building elements, building accessories, outdoor facilities, automotive and two-wheeler accessories.

In addition to the enormous range of products on display, the internationality of the INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR is also impressive. In this year, more than 80 percent of the exhibitors in Cologne will come from outside Germany, seeking new business partners and meeting up with established global contacts.

The many exhibitors from Germany are joined by a strong participation from Europe. Italy, Great Britain, Spain and France are the strongest exhibiting countries. Form overseas China, Hong Kong, India, Korea (Rep.) and the USA are the strongest participations.

One award is followed by another: the EISEN 2014

Fittingly for the INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR – ‘the industry’s innovation hub’ – , the Zentralverband Hartwarenhandel e.V. (ZHH/Central Association of the Hardware Trade) and Koelnmesse will honour the best products in the areas of tools, fasteners and fixings/fittings and industrial supply with the ‘EISEN Innovation Award powered by ZHH’. The ‘EISEN CSR

Award powered by BHB’ is a new award. Sponsored by the Handelsverband Heimwerken, Bauen und Garten e.V. (BHB/Federal Association of the German DIY, Building and Garden Specialist Stores ) and Koelnmesse, the award will recognise companies that combine economic success with social responsibility and environmental compatibility.

CSR stands for ‘Corporate Social Responsibility’. Applicants for both awards not only have the chance to win one of the coveted awards – each nominee will also be prominently displayed in a specially dedicated feature area at the EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair 2014. The winners will be announced at the ‘Welcome Party’ on 9 March 2014 at the Theater am Tanzbrunnen.

EISENWARENMESSE 2014 will be open to trade visitors from 9 to 12 March from 09:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.

Further information is available at www.eisenwarenmesse.com