Intermat 2024 on the theme of 'low carbon'

In view of the enormous environmental, economic and social challenges facing the construction and infrastructure sector, the fair organizers decided to redefine Intermat as a place for gathering and sharing ideas to build a collective low-carbon pathway. 'Low carbon' was therefore the central theme of the 2024 edition, which again exceeded all expectations from April 24-27. Hardly any roaring machines and certainly no more plumes of black smoke on the Paris show floor. Machinery manufacturers showed off their developments on bio-based fuels, electricity and hydrogen en masse at Intermat.

After a six-year absence due to Covid, Intermat shone again in all its glory at the end of April. "Since the previous 2018 fair, companies have experienced a number of crises that were difficult to foresee, including Covid, supply chain problems, inflation and the war in Ukraine," notes fair director Christophe Lecarpentier. "How wonderful it is then to see that, despite this, they are nevertheless taking responsibility and have significantly stepped up their innovation programs and investments precisely to meet future challenges." The fair director was referring to challenges regarding decarbonization and sustainability, as well as the changing face and appeal of the entire construction and infrastructure sector. For the latter aspect also received extensive attention during the fair.

Highlights

In three enormous halls of the Parc des Expositions de Villepinte in Paris-Nord as well as in three zones on the outside grounds, more than a thousand exhibitors showed their latest developments. The organizers were delighted with the "field of participants" from as many as forty countries. Other highlights were the more than one hundred conferences and workshops aimed at addressing the various challenges facing the industry, the Intermat Demo Zone, where manufacturers presented their materials and equipment to the public in realistic conditions, and the Start-Up Village. Here they not only discussed concrete solutions to today's construction problems, but also looked at tomorrow's technologies and practices.   

Finally, in the Job Dating area, recruiters and future employees could meet to discuss recruitment projects (internships, apprenticeships or new employees). Further on in this edition of GWW-Bouwmat, by the way, also plenty of attention to recruitment/training & youth in GWW.

Operating machines yourself

The Demo Zone was buzzing with activity during the exhibition days. Logical, because what could be better than seeing the next generation of machines live in action. And in realistic conditions on a simulated workplace. Really everything passed by and the unique set-up also ensured maximum interaction with the public. Visitors could also take the joystick in their hands at various stands and operate and experience the latest machines. Not infrequently in competition or with a game element linked to it. The enthusiasm was great given the sometimes long queues. Intermat was thus above all also an ideal opportunity for all professionals in the construction and infrastructure sector not only to view the latest equipment, but also to experience it (themselves). Not only outside on the exhibition grounds, but also inside. Because with the latest technologies, emissions are no longer an issue and even the largest machines can show their skills indoors. And that happened with some regularity and - as a pleasant side effect - in complete silence.

Wandering around the fair, I noticed the large number of Dutch-speaking visitors. And that could be right. Inquiries revealed that some two thousand registrations from Belgium and some twelve hundred registrations from the Netherlands were made to visit the fair, which, by the way, is easily accessible from both countries. By the way, there were no real firsts at Intermat 2024. The fair, which is normally organized every three years, has to beat bauma in that respect. Nevertheless, it is a great opportunity to see and experience the latest developments in an accessible way. But also to meet like-minded people and exchange ideas in a friendly and businesslike environment. Make a note in your calendar: the next Intermat will take place in April 2027.  

Intermat Innovation Awards

Intermat has always been a platform for innovation in equipment, machinery and processes for the construction and infra sector. The most outstanding initiatives are honored with the Intermat Innovation Awards in five categories.

According to the jury, the ninth edition of the Intermat Innovation Awards "honors equipment, technology, services, solutions or products that contribute to driving progress in the construction, infrastructure and materials industries and to achieving the industry's major transitions." The jury, an international panel of seventeen experts, selected a shortlist from the ninety entries from Intermat 2024 exhibitors, with the thirty nominated products unveiled during the 2024 press days. On the evening of the first day of the fair, the Awards were presented at a festive gathering in the Jean Thèves hall of the fair complex. 

In the earthmoving, demolition and transport category, Dynaset won the Gold Award for its HRVB unit. Duratray International's Smart Tray received the Silver Award and the Steelwrist Open-S the Bronze Award. In the road construction, materials and foundations category, the Gold Award was for the Bomag Emergency Brake Assist and the Silver Award for the Excavator Blade Control (EBC) from DMS. The Bronze Award was given to Supply Company's "pigment in tablet form" concept.  

In the construction, civil engineering and concrete category, Betolar won the Gold Award with the sustainable and low-carbon concrete material Geoprime®. The Silver Award was for the AraNea composite fiber, which can fully or partially replace the reinforcement of precast concrete elements. Selfbeton received the Bronze Award for its automatic concrete distributor. Moog Construction also received the Gold Award for its Terratech Ecosystem in the low carbon and energy transition category. The Silver Award was for Novum Tech for its Electrifical System. 

Finally, in the new technologies category, the Gold Award went to Tensar Solution for its Virtual Training Space and the Silver Award to Excess Engineering with its Electric Actuator - A Hydraulic-Free Option as an alternative to heavy hydraulics. The Moasure One, the world's first motion-based measurement instrument, received the Bronze Award.