Page 77 - Fall 2024 EDM Today

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Can you talk a bit about the tourism opportunities that
EDM: Participation in major trade shows can be challeng-
ing in the USA, even for domestic U.S. companies. Even
visitors may be able to enjoy?
simple things like ordering electric, compressed air, or
VDW: Absolutely, the area is rich in history. There are
other booth essential services can be confusing – even
many attractions that EMO visitors can see during their
in English. Is there help at EMO for exhibitors to get their
trip to Germany. Our transportation system is excellent.
booths up and running?
the IMTS show, people can travel from Hannover to the
VDW: Yes, EMO is a bit different in that all services, in-
heart of Berlin. I suggest that you work with the people
cluding electric, machine placement, compressed air, and
at the German Chamber in Chicago to provide specifi c
other services, are included at no additional cost. Only eIn less time than it takes to get from Chicago’s airport to
information regarding the many cultural attractions that
booth construction is an extra cost. With most exhibitors
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being international, EMO has put help services in place to
visitors can see.
help companies navigate the show setup process. We try
EDM: Lastly, what else would you want EDM Today read-
to make it as easy as possible so exhibitors can focus on
ers to know about EMO as a visitor or exhibitor that we
selling their products.
have not yet discussed?
EDM: In the USA, many companies face a shortage of
VDW: The best advice that we can give is to prepare in
skilled workers. Some companies are turning to automa-
advance. EMO is huge, but also well organized. Make
tion to allow them to do more with fewer employees. Will
a list of what you want to see. Have an open mind. You
EMO feature automation solutions that USA visitors might
consider to help them?
Also, be sure to take advantage of the many available
manufacturing facility tours. See for yourself how some
VDW: Yes, the shortage of skilled workers is a global
of the largest companies in the world do things. Be sure
problem. Many exhibitors will present unique solutions to will likely see technologies and solutions that are unique.
also to take the time to visit Germany and experience the
help companies be more productive. However, it is fair to
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warmth of the German people.
say that not everyone can automate. The VDW also be-
lieves in addressing the problem through education and
EDM Today would like to thank Dr. Heering and Mr. Geis
assisting young people to learn how to build a rewarding
for their time and insights on the various topics discussed
metalworking career.
in the article.
EDM: As the world recovers from the COVID-19 pandem-
ic, most countries are dealing with a slowdown, infl ation,
and lingering supply chain shortages. The continuing con-
fl ict in the Middle East and Ukraine is undoubtedly making
matters worse. How does the VDW see prospects for the
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global economy to recover?
VDW: We are cautiously optimistic that we will see a YOUR WIRE EDM SERVICES
PARTNER WITH ONE OF THE LARGEST WIRE EDM FACILITIES
complete recovery. However, we believe it will not be
IN THE COUNTRY WHEN YOU NEED EXTRA CAPACITY
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very quick. Things will take time to normalize. But we are
certainly moving in the right direction. In the EU, infl ation
is down near 2%. Rising wages should support consump-
tion. More than anything else, we need a spirit of opti-
mism to keep us on the path to full recovery.
EDM: One of the challenges that any international capital
purchase brings with it is the effect of the exchange rate.
Back in 2013/2014, it was expensive for USA companies
to purchase equipment from the EU. By 2015, the rate
softened, and EU machines became affordable. During
the last fi ve years, the exchange rate had some volatility,
but it now seems to have stabilized around 2015 levels.
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Does the VDW have any projections on exchange rates for
the near term?
VDW: We believe that exchange rates will be stable in the
near term. Both the ECB and the U.S. Fed are moving cau-
tiously and in a similar direction. It is diffi cult to predict
what will happen with exchange rates in the long term,
but we see no indication that rates would be on a path to
return to the 2013/2014 levels. We project they will stay
near current levels, fostering trade between the EU and
the USA.
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EDM: Moving on to more fun topics, I suspect many
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USA EMO visitors would bring family with them. Undoubt- 800.798.9228 • xactedm.com
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edly, there is much to see and do in the Hannover area.
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EDM Today, Fall 2024 Issue