Extrusion International 2-2020

12 Extrusion International 2/2020 INDUSTRY NEWS Messe Düsseldorf GmbH www.wire.de, d www.Tube.de This is Messe Düsseldorf’s timely response to the post- ponement of the industry highlights announced at the end of February. It was agreed in consultation with all partners involved in order to counteract the increasingly dynamic developments regarding the possible spread of the corona- virus. “It is very important for us to inform you of this new date as soon as possible in order to ensure planning security for the entire industry and its partners,” says Wolfram N. Diener, Managing Director of Messe Düsseldorf GmbH, and adds: “Our customers and partners can trust us to act calmly and responsibly even in difficult situations.” Existing contracts with Messe Düsseldorf remain valid for the new date, visitor tickets already purchased remain valid as well. 2,600 exhibitors in 15 halls are expected to pres- ent their latest machinery and equipment for wire and tube production, processing and finishing, end products, prod- ucts and services. New date for wire and Tube Düsseldorf: 7 to 11 December 2020 Messe Düsseldorf is postponing the leading interna- tional trade fair interpack. It will now take place from 25 February to 3 March 2021. In doing so, Messe Düsseldorf is following the recom- mendation of the crisis management team of the German Federal Government to take into account the principles of the Robert Koch Institute when assessing the risk of major events. Based on this recommendation and the re- cent significant increase in the number of people infected with the new corona virus (SARS-CoV-2), including in Eu- rope, Messe Düsseldorf has reassessed the situation. In addition, there is the general ruling issued by the city of Düsseldorf on 11 March 2020, in which major events with more than 1,000 participants present at the same time are generally prohibited. “The decision was taken in close consultation with our advisory board and sponsoring associations,” emphasises Werner M. Dornscheidt, Chairman of the Board of Man- agement of Messe Düsseldorf GmbH. It also reflects the wishes of individual industries: “As their partner, we are currently doing everything in our power to reduce the economic losses suffered by our exhibitors”. “The city of Düsseldorf is following the instructions of the state government. Our aim is to slow down the spread of the corona virus so that the health system can continue to function properly,” emphasises Thomas Geisel, Lord Mayor of the state capital of Düsseldorf and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Düsseldorf trade fair company. interpack 2020 postponed Messe Düsseldorf GmbH www.interpack.de Delaying the spread of the virus as much as possible is also a declared goal according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). In order to fulfil Messe Düsseldorf’s responsibility for risk prevention, the company primarily had to mini- mise the increased risk of infection at major events. interpack’s industry partners support the decision to postpone the fair and together with those responsible, are counting on a successful event next year. “interpack is the absolute top event for the international packaging industry and related processing industries. The trade fair thrives on personal encounters and direct exchange be- tween people from all over the world. This is only pos- sible if there are no health risks involved. Therefore, the postponement is responsible and right. We are looking forward to next year’s event to discuss the issues that are defining the industry, such as sustainability, and to pres- ent appropriate solutions,” comments Christian Trau- mann, President of interpack 2020 and Managing Direc- tor & Group President at Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller SE & Co. KG.