I
MB 2009 – World of Textile Processing will take place at Koelnmesse in Cologne, Germany,
Tuesday, April 21, through Friday, April 24. Organized by Koelnmesse GmbH with the German
Engineering Federation (VDMA) Garment and Leather Technology Association as conceptual sponsor, the
event will feature more than 600 exhibitors from 40 countries presenting process technologies
related to the production of apparel, home textiles and upholstered furniture, as well as for
leather processing. There will be a special focus on technologies for technical textiles and
materials as well as on ecology, resource conservation, product safety and socially responsible
apparel production. Some 25,000 trade visitors – including executives, technical directors,
engineers and buyers – from 120 countries are expected to attend the fair.
IMB visitors examine Gerber Technology machinery on display at the 2006
exhibition.
The sector is experiencing what VDMA Garment and Leather Technology Association Managing
Director Elgar Straub calls “radical changes” with respect to the organization of production
locations. “Energy costs have risen and labor costs in some of the low-wage countries have also
increased noticeably. At the same time the sector is counting on more flexibility and productivity
within the whole production chain, from suppliers to distribution The trend toward
individualization is accompanied by an increased awareness of quality. Environmental protection,
resource conservation and social responsibility are further important topics for the whole sector,”
he said. “The sector is closely examining the steadily increasing transport and logistics costs in
relation to cheap products, particularly in regard to environmental protection.”
Exhibition offerings include: design, cutting and computer-aided design and manufacturing
(CAD/CAM), information technology, distribution logistics and material flow; quality control;
joining, sewing and embroidery; product preparation, textile finishing, material flow and knitting
technologies; technical textiles and materials; energy, air-conditioning, disposal and recycling;
research and development; leather processing including shoe manufacturing; and new potentials
including radio frequency identification, textile logistics, packaging and textile machinery.
IMB Forum 2009, “Technology for Shaping the Future – Opportunities through Progress,” will
open Tuesday afternoon with “Future Opportunities: Ecology and Sustainability,” moderated by Dr.
Andreas Stockert of Kühne & Nagel International AG. Wednesday and Thursday sessions will cover
CAD/CAM & Management Solutions, Material Flow/Logistics/Supply Chain Management, Processing of
Technical Materials and Product Development/ Apparel Technology.
On Wednesday evening, the 2nd IMB Innovation Awards, sponsored by the European Commission,
will be presented in three categories: Research & Development; IMB Exhibitor; and Students
& Young Professionals.
At the Speakers’ Corner, exhibitors may make presentations showcasing new solutions and
concepts.
Visitors who register online prior to IMB will be able to expedite entry to the exhibit
halls and also will be able to use Cologne’s transport systems free of charge to travel to the
fair. Visitors also may use IMB’s Internet-based Online Matchmaking service to set up appointments
with exhibitors.
For more information about IMB 2009, contact Ken Dickerson, US project manager IMB, Koelnmesse
Inc. +732-933-1117;
k.dickerson@koelnmessenafta.com; or Karen
Gebauer, Koelnmesse GmbH +49-221-821-3882;
k.gebauer@koelnmesse.de;
www.imb-cologne.com.
March/April 2009
