With the new process automation exhibition area at the autumn edition of the Solids & Recycling-Technik trade fair in Dortmund on 9 and 10 October 2024, the organiser, Easyfairs Deutschland GmbH, is once again meeting the current needs of the sectors. This is because the demands on the process and recycling industries are increasing, and corporate decision-makers are looking for ways to modernise operational processes in order to remain future-proof. Walter Foltin, Managing Director of exhibitor MaintMaster Systems GmbH, also welcomes this additional focus at the trade fairs. “Solids & Recycling-Technik offers us, as a software provider, the perfect platform to reach companies that want to make their maintenance more efficient and thus optimise their production processes,” he says, explaining the decision to take part in October. Alongside MaintMaster, other providers of automation solutions have already secured a place at the industry event. These include the Austrian firm ESA Elektronische Steuerungs- und Automatisierungs Ges.m.b.H, the Bavarian company Taurus Prozesstechnologien 4.0 GmbH, Siemens AG and Zeppelin Systems GmbH from the Lake Constance district.

Industry professionals benefit from the wide range of information on offer

Trade visitors in particular are keen on the new focus theme. After all, they are looking for the best possible solutions, and this new section of the industry event highlights all aspects of process automation for bulk materials and recycling technology. It promises to provide information on integrated services and the new production control systems, better known as MES or Manufacturing Execution Systems. Communication via interfaces – so-called human-machine interfaces – as well as production data acquisition, monitoring and control systems, switches and sensors will certainly not be overlooked in October. However, it is not only the trade exhibition that addresses this new theme; the audience will also gain valuable insights from presentations and themed tours.

Start-ups in the spotlight

In addition to the new key theme, the exclusive Start-up Area in Hall 8 is bringing new life to the trade fair duo in Dortmund. It provides a platform for ambitious start-ups and puts their innovative business ideas in the spotlight. Special terms and marketing initiatives support these pioneers in their debut appearance, and eight of the start-ups are already taking advantage of this opportunity. For example, Lynatox GmbH, smart5 envitech GmbH, Xortion Engineering GmbH and AES Autonome Energiesysteme GmbH are presenting their modern and sustainable innovations for the first time in the new exhibition area.

Spotlight on young talent and creative solutions

The hackathon, a modern format borrowed from the IT sector, will also make its debut in October at the trade fair duo. At the first ‘Bulk Masters’ – a hackathon for the innovative process industry – groundbreaking ideas are being sought for the key themes ‘Food goes Powder’ and ‘Young Professionals’, focusing on how we will process and consume food in the future, and how companies can attract young talent. During this two-day, parallel event, several creative teams – comprising students, start-ups and other up-and-coming talent – will develop innovative, and at times unconventional, solutions to the cutting-edge issues posed by the challenge organisers. Up to three companies will have the opportunity to submit their challenges for consideration. Following the presentations on the second day of the trade fair, an independent jury will select the winners, with attractive prize money for the top three places providing further incentive. Forward-thinking companies are therefore encouraged to seize this opportunity and benefit from the innovative power of young, interdisciplinary teams.