Voices from the Industry
Our exhibitors explain why the EISENWARENMESSE is shaping the future of the market.
"The EISENWARENMESSE - International Hardware Fair brings our industry together in Cologne. For us, it is an excellent opportunity to meet many member companies in person, strengthen contacts and discuss current developments. It is precisely this exchange that makes the fair so valuable."
Stefan Horst
Managing Director Fachverband Werkzeugindustrie e.V.
"The EISENWARENMESSE - International Hardware Fair is this year once again a place for encounter and exchange for us. For decades, we have appreciated the high quality conversations with customers and industry partners from all over the world that we are able to conduct in this unique framework."
Alexander Alberts
Managing Partner, Gust. Alberts GmbH & Co. KG
"The EISENWARENMESSE - International Hardware Fair in Cologne was already characterised by its internationality for us from the start. We were able to start interesting new projects with existing as well as new customers from Asia and North America. The most recent events in the Middle East once again show how important and secure the Cologne fair grounds are and, beyond this, that we, as German tool manufacturers, ensure not only quality but also stable supply chains!"
J. Wolfgang Kirchhoff
Chairman of the Board & Chief Executive Officer, Kirchhoff Automotive Holding SE & Co. KG
"The EISENWARENMESSE - International Hardware Fair 2026 was a valuable platform for us to promote a personal dialogue with the retail trade, to maintain existing partnerships and take away new impulses. We are especially pleased that we were able to show our holistic Bosch power tools portfolio from PRO to DIY in all product segments and make innovations like our new EXPERT performance category experienceable live. We look back at successful days in Cologne and look forward to helping shape the future of the industry."
Björn Watzlawik
Vice President Sales Germany, Robert Bosch Power Tools GmbH
"The 2026 edition of the EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair in Cologne once again demonstrated the essential role this trade fair plays in bringing the hardware industry together, and especially highlighted the importance of long-term, trusting and stable relationships that can only be built from personal contact which is fostered at Trade Fairs. From the feedback we received over the four days of the show, the manufacturers, retailers and decision-makers that joined us in Cologne were delighted with the number and quality of attendees."
John W. Herbert
General Secretary, EDRA/GHIN
"The EISENWARENMESSE - International Hardware Fair is changing - and that's a good thing! The new sequence of days considers the needs of exhibitors and visitors - and makes the weekend a protected space. Innovations, safety, user comfort, sustainability, the industry focus DIY Boulevard as well as many events and award ceremonies make this trade fair an indispensable MUST for all those who wish to join together to orient the industry and its companies to customers and market needs and are thereby also seeking an intensive exchange in addition to products and solutions."
Dr. Peter Wüst
Chief Executive Officer, BHB – Handelsverband Heimwerken, Bauen und Garten e.V.
"The EISENWARENMESSE - International Hardware Fair 2026 has confirmed its role as the central platform for the tool and hardware industry in a market environment that remains challenging. It impressed not only with its new schedule, but also with the high internationality of its exhibitors and visitors. It offered wholesalers and hardware retailers an important overview of innovations, trends and international developments. Once again, the opportunity to exchange ideas with key industry partners, cultivate partnerships and learn about new products proved particularly valuable. From the ZHH's perspective, it is also desirable that more German and European exhibitors use the EISENWARENMESSE - International Hardware Fair as a platform for exchange with specialist retailers."
Thomas Dammann
Chief Executive Officer Zentralverband Hartwarenhandel e.V.
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Further testimonials
Martin Pott
CEO / Director, MPS Sägen GmbH
What significance does the EISENWARENMESSE - International Hardware Fair have for your brand presence and what goal are you pursuing with your participation?
"For us as a manufacturer of saw blades ‘Made in Germany’, the hardware trade fair is a key platform for strengthening our brand internationally. We want to cultivate existing contacts, address new markets and make our innovative strength directly tangible."
What new product, innovation or solution can trade visitors look forward to at your stand?
"Trade visitors can expect a selection of innovative MPS saw blades - including industry-specific customised sets for specific applications. Each solution is based on real customer requirements and combines high-end materials, technical expertise and genuine Made-in-Germany quality."
Do you use the trade fair to make new business contacts and open up new markets?
"Absolutely. The trade fair is a strategic meeting point for us to get in touch with international partners, identify new target groups and further expand our network in the specialised trade and OEM sector."
Michael Geiszbühl
Managing Director of fischer Deutschland Vertriebs GmbH
What significance does the EISENWARENMESSE - International Hardware Fair have for your brand presence and what goal are you pursuing with your participation?
"We bring our innovations and POS concepts to life at the DIY Boulevard and engage in dialogue with national and international partners, customers and visitors about new products and trends. Such formats always inspire us to come up with new ideas and trigger important follow-up activities."
What new product, innovation or solution can trade visitors look forward to at your stand?
"Our trade fair appearance will focus on our new range of screws, our appealing packaging design and a convincing POS and marketing concept. Visitors can look forward to innovative fastening solutions and a strong brand experience at the point of sale."
Do you use the trade fair to make new business contacts and open up new markets?
"As an internationally active company, it is essential for us to maintain existing customer relationships worldwide and make new contacts at the same time. The EISENWARENMESSE - International Hardware Fair offers an ideal platform to further expand our market presence in a targeted manner."
Björn Watzlawik
Vice President Sales Germany, Robert Bosch Power Tools GmbH
What significance does the EISENWARENMESSE - International Hardware Fair have for your brand presence and what goal are you pursuing with your participation?
"For us at Bosch Power Tools, the Eisenwarenmesse is one of the key platforms for bringing product innovation, quality and partnership-based cooperation in the trade to life. Manufacturers, retailers and decision-makers come together in one place and shape the future of the industry."
What new product, innovation or solution can trade visitors look forward to at your stand?
"We present the latest innovations with a clear focus on performance, efficiency and added value for retailers. EXPERT offers users the best batteries and chargers! See for yourself at the Bosch stand in Hall 10.1, Stand B-008. We look forward to seeing you there!"
Do you use the trade fair to make new business contacts and open up new markets?
"In a dynamic market environment, personal interaction is more important than ever. The Eisenwarenmesse provides the ideal setting for discussing trends, generating ideas and jointly developing growth opportunities for the trade and Bosch Power Tools."
Frank J. Goebbels
Managing Director, JOKARI GmbH & Co. KG
What significance does the EISENWARENMESSE - International Hardware Fair have for your brand presence and what goal are you pursuing with your participation?
"For us, the EISENWARENMESSE is more than just an industry event: it offers personal encounters, promotes trusting relationships and enables dialogue at eye level - with existing and new partners worldwide. A strong platform to show presence and shape the future together!"
What new product, innovation or solution can trade visitors look forward to at your stand?
"Our Sensor Special automatic wire stripper, which makes it easier to work with a variety of wire types in the 4.4-7.0 mm ø range. As well as our PV-Strip Pro stripper with the unique stripping range of 1.5-16 mm²."
Daniel Filip
Salesmanager WEICON TOOLS
What significance does the EISENWARENMESSE - International Hardware Fair have for your brand presence and what goal are you pursuing with your participation?
"In 2026, the hardware fair will be an integral part of our trade fair calendar for the 40th time. The international focus of the event is something very special. We are really looking forward to meeting visitors from all over the world live and on site at our stand in Cologne to present all the latest WEICON TOOLS innovations to them!"