Presidents Council Holds “Buying Days” at Fair

Buyers from such leading retailers as Lowe’s, Menard’s, Leroy Merlin, OBI and Hornbach participated in the third “Buying Days” at the International Hardware Fair sponsored by The Presidents Council.

Suppliers and prospective suppliers were able to schedule one-on-one meetings with top buyers from these retail companies during the show in a special meeting area set aside by the Koelnmesse for the event.

Show Featuring Ergonomic, Light and Powerful Products

Many of the products featured at this year’s Hardware Fair focus on improved ergonomics, lighter weight and increased power. For example, a new generation of water pump pliers has been substantially improved in many details. During the development of these products, the designers particularly wanted to make sure the pliers could be quickly adjusted and ensure effective and secure force transfer. For example, a three-point grip system has a 30 percent greater clamping force at the middle of the pipe than the predecessor model, and can achieve this force all the way up to the tool's maximum diameter. The gripping pliers' curved shape also makes work on wide-diameter pipes easier while at the same time reducing the risk of pinching one's fingers.

A hand tool supplier is presenting new products at the fair that cause far fewer vibrations, less noise and less dust during grinding than other systems. What's more, the manufacturer also managed to further reduce the tools' weight.

New power side-cutting pliers with a patented dual-joint design are also displayed at the fair. This design enables users to transfer very much force while also boosting their cutting performance despite the fact that far less energy is required. In addition, the cutting vibrations are dampened to such a degree that the tension in the user's muscles is released smoothly instead of with a jerk.

Manufacturers from the sector are increasingly addressing issues resulting from demographic change. One of the suppliers will display special fitting and shaping products for elderly people to use at home. This range of household, hobby, and mobile products was primarily designed for people who suffer from physical limitations resulting from handicaps or age. The developers wanted to provide people with products that would enable them to continue over the long term to live comfortably and independently in a familiar environment.

Sustainability Also a Theme of the Show

Achieving high energy efficiency has been a big concern for electric and battery-powered tools for many years now. However, the focus is increasingly on highlighting the complete range of sustainability issues. A new bench drill, for example, is designed in such a way that it can be assembled from only a few parts, most of which take into account the entire value chain. What's more, the components can be recycled once the product has come to the end of its lifecycle.

The improvements that are being steadily made to compressed-air devices are just as intelligent and innovative as those to the bench drill. One new device can, for example, optimally supply up to 10 bars of compressed air to all types of compressed-air tools, including nail drivers, silicone cartridge guns, tire inflators and blow guns. Depending on the specific design, a patented HD-controller can be used at up to 23 bars. The device's operating pressure can be infinitely adjusted and remains at a constant level. A simple click system allows the portable compressed-air unit to be quickly attached to the worker's leather belt.

Transit Strike Set for Wednesday

Public Transport (Bus and Tram) will strike in Cologne tomorrow (Wednesday), according to local reports. For travel to the Airport, trains are still leaving from the Station Köln Messe/Deutz, near the South Entrance. If you want to order a taxi, please make sure to do this on time. Taxi Hotline: + 49 (0)221 2882. The Cologne Fair has arranged an additional shuttle bus service to collect exhibitors from the larger hotels and bring them to the Fair.