Despite the continuing threats of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, trade fair events are likely to be held in Germany’s Bavaria state starting September 1 and might pave the way for the actual holding of productronica 2021, which is planned to take place from November 16 to 19 in Munich. Both the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs and organizer Messe Munchen confirmed this, adding it is possible companies would be able to take part in productronica 2021 as exhibitors.

Aside from the holding of the in-person event, productronica 2021, which is being held alternately with electronica, will also feature a digital supplement in the form of online offerings. Hence, industry players will have the opportunity to take part in productronica in person or virtually, regardless of the conditions in place. Last year, electronica’s in-person exhibition was cancelled and was held virtually instead.

Falk Senger, Chief Executive Officer of Messe München, is optimistic about the industry meeting in November: “In the past few months we have been working hard on the safety standards and are now excellently prepared for the new start with an optimal safety and hygiene concept. We are looking forward to once again welcoming lots of exhibitors and visitors to productronica in person.”

Observance of Health Standards

In Germany, COVID-19 infections have climbed to nearly 4 million with death toll passed 90,000 mark. In Bavaria, where the city of Munich hosting productronica is located, COVID-19 cases surpassed 640,000 with death toll around 15,000. 

Despite this threat, Messe Munchen was able to hold TrendSet, a pilot trade fair relating to interiors and lifestyle last July at the Munich Exhibition Center. 

The Bavarian State government mandated strict hygiene and observance of minimum health standards, including vaccination and check, compliance to contact tracing of tickets purchased and other necessary contact information.

As a result, the three-day event attracted 16,000 visitors, increasing about 30 percent from the previous year. With Messe Munchen’s compliance with health protocols, the Bavarian State government has approved the holding of productronica 2021.

Covers Wide Industries

At productronica, exhibitors will showcase products, equipment and technologies fields relating to the manufacture of electronics, ranging from semiconductors, surface mounting, displays, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), photovoltaic power generation, micro and nano technologies, clean rooms, materials processing, printed circuit boards (PCBs), electronics manufacturing systems (EMS), soldering materials and robots, test and measuring, quality assurance, hybrid components, battery and electric energy storage, printing electronics, three-dimensional (3D) printing, and environmental technologies.

This year’s edition of productronica will be dominated by manufacturers coming from Europe. Japanese companies, including ULVAC, Inc., Omron Corp., Olympus Corporation, Canon Inc., Saki Corporation, SUMCO CORPORATION, Japan Unix Co., Ltd., JUKI Corporation, Tamura Corporation, Nikon Corporation, Fujikin Co., Ltd., Panasonic Corporation, FUJI Corporation, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., Union Tool Co, and RIKEN KEIKI Co., Ltd., have signified their intention to participate the trade fair through their local subsidiaries. 

Japanese mounter manufacturers, FUJI, Panasonic, Yamaha Motor and JUKI will promote their products and technologies focusing on smart factory.