VDMA ends its cooperation with Koelnmesse

30 Apr '09

2 min read

A few days after the end of IMB 2009 — which was evaluated positively by exhibitors and visitors alike and has provided the strong stimuli the sector needs during the current economic crisis — the trade fair's conceptual sponsor, the German Garment and Leather Technology Association of the VDMA (German Engineering Federation), ended its cooperation with Koelnmesse.

IMB – World of Textile Processing – has taken place in Cologne for 35 years now, and in its most recent form it was held every three years.

Gerald Böse, Chief Executive Officer of Koelnmesse GmbH, was sorry to hear of this one-sided decision to end the partnership. "It's very difficult to understand this decision, especially right now," he said.

“In spite of the difficult overall economic situation, Koelnmesse organized a very satisfactory event. IMB 2009 succeeded in mobilizing the international industry and at the same time supporting German manufacturers in their international business activities in a sustainable way. I believe that the event's unique market position as a leading independent European trade fair for textile processing, as well as its worldwide reputation, have now been seriously put at risk."

"A surprising development after a good IMB 2009" he added.

Koelnmesse sincerely thanks the event's exhibitors from all over the world, as well as the clothing industry, which supported IMB 2009 specifically in terms of visitors and through its constructive development work on the fair's Advisory Committee. Böse added: "We will analyze the new situation together and then make a decision concerning the future of textile processing as a trade fair theme at our exhibition center in Cologne."

Koelnmesse GmbH

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