METAV 2022

International Fair for Metalworking Technologies

Since 1980, the METAV with its structures has offered an ideal environment for intensive and constructive dialog. Started as a trade fair aimed at the domestic market, the METAV in its early days was primarily intended to offer VDW member companies an exhibition space close to the market. The choice of Düsseldorf as the venue was made in the clear awareness of ensuring a connection to North Rhine-Westphalia. Another factor was the long exhibition tradition of machine tool manufacturing on the Rhine and Ruhr: before the VDW launched its own trade fair for the first time in Leipzig in 1920, the most important exhibition of the German machine tool industry had taken place in Düsseldorf in 1902.

METAV 1980 got off to a perfect start. The modern exhibition center pleased the participants, through trade and importers were exhibited products from over 20 countries. At the opening ceremony, a horseshoe was forged in front of the auditorium, which would prove to be a lucky charm for the fair in the following years. Thus, despite the economic depression, a near doubling in the proportion of foreign visitors was already evident at the follow-up exhibition in 1982, with strong visitor numbers mainly from the Netherlands, Belgium and Switzerland. In addition to regional guests, visitors from these countries in particular still remain loyal to the METAV.

A difficult situation had arisen at the beginning of the 1980s with regard to junior staff work. Social disinterest in technology was pronounced and even more prevalent among young people. To initiate a change of mood, the VDW invited young people to the METAV debut and informed them about the opportunities in metalworking professions. In 1982, the offer was institutionalized with the Youth METAV under the motto The Start of Working Life: 21 companies got involved with an apprentice workshop in action and presented in-company training in metalworking on 1000 square meters of exhibition space. This is an approach to which the VDW has always remained true with the establishment of the Mechanical Engineering Young Talent Foundation and the special Youth Show at the METAV.

To this day, the METAV in Düsseldorf presents itself with great importance in North Rhine-Westphalia and the neighboring countries. 2020 would be the 21st edition in the 40th anniversary year of the fair with the 100th anniversary. The event coincided with the first VDW trade fair in its 50th anniversary year, but had to be initially postponed and later canceled due to the pandemic.

Instead, with the METAV Web Sessions, the VDW offered all exhibitors and visitors a channel for the practice-oriented exchange of information and ventured into the virtual world with METAV digital in March 2021. The VDW will make use of this experience and continue to expand the trade fair’s digital offering in the future. At METAV 2022, exhibitors and visitors can now look forward not only to the usual good atmosphere and clear product structure, but also to a METAV in hybrid form. Then it will be: Real & digital – the perfect match!