Wisconsin businesses join WEDC to attend Hannover Messe trade fair

MADISON, WI. April 25, 2016 – The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) will lead a global trade venture to Germany to participate in Hannover Messe, the world’s largest industrial trade fair, in Germany April 25-29, 2016.

For the first time since the show’s 1947 inception, the U.S. is the official partner country for Hannover Messe in 2016. The trade show is expected to draw more than 200,000 attendees with more than 6,600 exhibitors from 62 countries. With focus areas including industrial automation, the digital factory, industrial supply, energy, and research technology, the show represents the complete industrial value chain, from components to the finished product and everything in between.

“Wisconsin’s manufacturing sector combines a long and rich history with current-day innovation that is influencing the course of the entire field,” said WEDC Secretary and CEO Mark Hogan. “Our state is an ideal location for advanced manufacturing, and we want the world to know that. The Invest In Wisconsin exhibit at Hannover Messe will allow us to engage with a key audience of industry decision-makers.”

Germany is consistently among Wisconsin’s top export destinations, and placed sixth in 2015. This healthy volume of trade reflects a history of German immigration in Wisconsin; mutual strength in manufacturing; and shared emphasis on quality, productivity and a strong work ethic. Like Wisconsin, Germany has a strong historic manufacturing base that has evolved to be on the leading edge of innovation and technological advancement.

Recognizing the importance of German trade to Wisconsin’s economy, WEDC has launched a dedicated foreign direct investment website in German: http://invest.inwisconsin.com/de/. WEDC officials will also lead a delegation to the German state of Hessen on April 27 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Wisconsin-Hessen sister state relationship. Representatives from Hessen will return the favor in May with a visit to Wisconsin.

WEDC’s Invest In Wisconsin® exhibit at Hannover Messe, part of the USA Investment Pavilion, will educate attendees about Wisconsin’s strengths. The booth focuses on talent and technology, with key messaging points including:

  • Wisconsin has the highest number of manufacturing jobs per capita of any U.S. state.
  • Our talented workforce, specifically, in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.
  • Wisconsin has more than 10,000 manufacturers and suppliers, and ranks in the top 10 U.S. states for precision machining.

Four Wisconsin companies are using grant funds from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to exhibit at the Hannover Messe industrial trade fair in Germany this week. The funds were made available as part of a grant administered by WEDC to enable smaller companies to exhibit at the show when they otherwise would not be able to.

“Hannover Messe offers a unique opportunity for advanced manufacturing companies, and those that support advanced manufacturing, to meet with potential distributors and buyers in international markets, all in one place,” said Katy Sinnott, WEDC vice president of international business development. “At this trade show, companies can also check out the competition and learn about the latest developments in their fields.”

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About the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) leads economic development efforts for the state by advancing Wisconsin’s business climate. WEDC nurtures business growth and job creation by providing resources, technical support and financial assistance to companies, partners and communities in Wisconsin. WEDC has four focus areas: business and industry development, economic and community development, entrepreneurship and innovation and international business development. Together with more than 600 regional and local business development partners, it represents a highly responsive and coordinated network. Visit www.InWisconsin.com or follow WEDC on Twitter  @_InWisconsin to learn more.