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Spain’s international show of public works, construction and mining machinery - known as SMOPYC - is due to open its doors in April. ABE talks to the team behind the exhibition
With construction equipment manufacturers readying their products for launch at Spain's International Show of Public Works, Construction and Mining Machinery - the
From 5-9 April this year, the bi-annual SMOPYC show will cover 100,000m2 of indoor exhibition space and 200,000m2 of outdoor space at the Zaragoza venue drawing visitors from not just Spain but internationally too. With a special area set aside for new aggregate and concrete production equipment, there should be that SMOPYC has been in
"Despite the many years existence and long history, the initial enthusiasm and desire to work remain intact," said SMOPYC president of the organising committee Francisco Carrillo. "Added to this is the experience gained in the course of all this time. We are currently immersed in a period of intense work, during which signifi cant modifi cations will take place to enable the exhibition to continue meeting its original objective: that of being a landmark for the industry
"Our aim is to be capable of providing a response to this demanding sector, which we realise is going through a diffi cult period but which we are sure will have the best possible stage for emerging from the crisis at the Zaragoza Trade Fair Centre in the form of SMOPYC 2011."
Nonetheless, ANMOPYC president José Luis del Prim is realistic about the show beating previous attendance records, "It would be illusory to believe that an industry at its lowest point in decades will turn out en masse to attend a dedicated fair. But having said this, there are indications of a more favourable trend which causes us to believe that participation at SMOPYC 2011 is a must for those operating in the sector. In any case, we expect it to be a much better fair than if it had been held in April 2010 or 2009."
The organisers believe that proof of this is that 600 exhibitor companies have confi rmed their participation and 45 associations directly related to the sector plan to organise a range of activities at the show
"SMOPYC is the trade fair of the Iberian Peninsula. It is an integral part of the European trade fair circuit and also has great prestige in South America. It therefore offers equipment manufacturers added value that cannot be matched by other events," added del Prim
ANDICOP president Gerd Schreier said, "The strengths of SMOPYC that stand out most clearly are the years of experience, the enormous exhibition space, including the extensive outdoor area, the excellent drawing power demonstrated by the fi gures of previous editions and the sensitivity of the fair to the current circumstances of the sector refl ected in the effort to offer 'more at a lower cost'."
Carrillo believes that the show will offer new international opportunities too. "With respect to Europe and for the purposes of strengthening and promoting business cooperation and the internationalisation of companies participating at SMOPYC, we have put together - in cooperation with the Employers Confederation of Aragón (CREA) - a special programme to be held on the 5 and 6 April," he said. "This will take place within the framework of the Enterprise Europe Network. With a previously drawn-up working agenda, 200 buyers from 40 countries will participate in interviews with a view to opening new markets in which companies can sell their products. Because this forum has the seal of approval of the
Visitors to the show will benefi t greatly, according to del Prim. "At SMOPYC, the visitor can be sure of fi nding two very valuable elements," he said. "On the one hand, the world's leading manufacturers will exhibit their most recent technological breakthroughs as well as the processes and tools essential to development in the new situation in which we fi nd ourselves. In addition, because this is a unique event in terms of the time and place in which it takes place, the visitor will be privy to all the valuable opinions that will be voiced at SMOPYC. It is impossible to be an active part of the sector without being present at this event."
