From November 27 to November 29, 2024, the amalgamation of four metal fairs — International Exhibition for Metallurgical Technology (METEC) India, Tube India, wire India and India ESSEN WELDING & CUTTING took place in Mumbai's Bombay Exhibition Centre (NESCO). This marked the return of the fair to the Mumbai chapter after a significant 2-year hiatus, with over 18,000 visitors expected. The event provided an excellent platform for networking and business opportunities, underscoring the city's importance in the metal technology and manufacturing industry.
This year's trade fair has seen a remarkable global participation from aluminium industry among others, with companies from over 22 countries including France, Austria, United Kingdom, Belgium, Luxembourg, Spain, Brazil, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, India, Italy, Singapore, Slovenia, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, and the United States of America showcasing their products and services.
With over 550 national and international exhibitors coming together on a single platform, attendees have had the chance stay updated on global trends. There were four dedicated country pavilions — France, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland, giving international enterprises a warm and hospitable ambience to interact with visitors and other exhibitors.
Ahead of the expo, Millie Contractor, General Manager at Messe Düsseldorf India, shares, "It's fantastic to see such an encouraging response for the Indian Metal Fairs. This year, we have over 600 companies exhibiting from over 22 countries. Exhibitors will showcase state-of-the-art technologies and products across wire and cable manufacturing, tube production, processing, metallurgical processes, welding and cutting—all under one roof. The metal industry has evolved, and we are transforming alongside it to create a robust platform for exchanging new ideas, innovations and technologies. We are grateful to the entire metal industry for the wholehearted support of the event."
Process demonstration in aluminium and other manufacturing technologies such as wire, tube, fasteners & springs, tube and pipe manufacturing, heat treatment, pipeline and OCTG technology, metallurgical technologies and cutting, joining and surfacing, plants, equipment and technique exhibition were some of the attractions for the visitors from all across the globe.
Amit Gupte, General Manager of the India office of UK-based aluminium wire drawing lubricants company Metalube Private Limited, demonstrated, "We have business relations with entities based in India, China, Brazil, China and UAE. We came with an expectation of meeting and greeting our existing clients, but overwhelmingly, we have seen a lot of new enquiries this time. The planning of the expo is absolutely in line with our vision, and we definitely want to be a part of the 2026 chapter."
Exhibitors have not only showcased their products but also conducted live demonstrations, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to engage with the latest technologies firsthand. This interactive element has added an exciting dimension to the event, allowing attendees to witness the industry's latest advancements and gain valuable insights.
The exhibition, spread across 38,000 square metres, has attracted a diverse range of industries, including cable manufacturing, aluminium wire manufacturing, automotive component manufacturing, construction, chemical, plant machinery, equipment manufacturing, aerospace supply, chemicals, aviation and defence equipment, among many others. This well-segmented event promises to be a comprehensive platform, offering professionals the opportunity to connect, share insights, and explore new opportunities across a wide spectrum of sectors.
Key industry players are on board, taking advantage of additional branding opportunities to maximise their visibility and looking forward to building alliances at the show.
Ample networking opportunities
Exhibitors and visitors have had ample opportunities to connect, engage in dialogue and conduct business. A well-rounded program has been curated, offering the perfect combination of exhibition showcases, competitions, technical conferences and live demonstrations. This dynamic environment is designed to foster networking and collaboration, ensuring a rewarding experience for everyone involved.
Janvi Gaur, from Marketing and Communication of Airro Engineering Co. shared on this note, "Footfall on the first day wasn't much but second day has been rewarding. however, we were not here expecting much visit but we ourselves aimed to visit the other exhibitors which has proven immensely beneficial for us and we have received outstanding numbers of new queries so far."
The event was also supported by pivotal industry associations, including the Cable & Wire Machinery Manufacturers Association of India (CMMAI), Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI), International Tube Association (ITA) - India Chapter, Association of Welding Products Manufacturers (AWPM), Indian Welding Society (IWS), International Wire & Machinery Association (IWMA), International Wire and Cable Exhibitors Association (IWCEA), Italian Wire Machinery Manufacturers Association (ACIMAF) and DVS – German Welding Society.
