The 2018 edition of the international exhibition for construction and infrastructure was a lively and vibrant event, confirming the growth perspectives of a sector driven by innovation and which has set its sights firmly on the future.
173,300 visitors, including 30% from outside France from 160 countries, came to meet up with 1,400 exhibitors, this in spite of the industrial action affecting France during the week.
Inaugurated on 23 April by Bruno Cavagné, the chairman of the French public works
federation FNTP, and by the sector’s manufacturing representatives (CECE, CISMA, SEIMAT,
etc.), INTERMAT Paris ran until 28 April at the Paris-Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre, amid
clear signs of economic recovery and in a distinctively business-conducive climate.
Construction contractors, manufacturers, suppliers of equipment and solutions, rental companies and distributors from the EMEA zone saw tangible proof of this positive trend.
Through its four hubs of expertise (Earthmoving & Demolition; Roads, Minerals & Foundations; Building & Concrete Sector; Lifting, Handling & Transportation), its three new theme villages (Start-Up Village; Building Smart Village, Demolition & Recycling Village), and its programmes of talks and workshops, INTERMAT resonated all week long to the pulse of innovation.
Addressing subjects such as equipment automation, driving assistance, electric mobility, robotisation, exoskeletons and BIM, the exhibition shone a spotlight on the introduction of digital tools and new technologies in all phases of construction.
For the first time, on dedicated spaces, start-ups, SMEs and large companies could develop synergies together in the areas of recycling, mobility, connectivity, safety, deconstruction, structure modularity, etc., and demonstrate their creativity with the aim of instilling efficiency and environmental protection within the heart of our communities.
From the exoskeleton cobot which reduces strain and musculoskeletal disorders to connected concrete offering data consultation and structure traceability, and from creative luminescent paving slabs interacting with the environment to connected concrete speakers, the creativity of young start-up firms was applauded by visitors.
Extending over nearly 30,000 m², the outdoor zone dedicated to the demonstration of new construction equipment, tested in real life conditions, attracted huge crowds. The live demonstrations of backhoe loaders, compact excavators, loaders, graders, screening machines, crushers and demolition equipment and machinery scored a huge hit with visitors, offering a spectacular show and showcasing their technological and environmental performance along with significant safety and productivity improvements.
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