The 2009 Compotec stood the challenge well in a market facing economic and production difficulties, due to the general recession that is not yet showing any significant signs of recovery, with 126 exhibitors at CarraraFiere from 21 to 23 October (74% Italians and 26% foreigners) and 2865 visitors, including a good number of foreigners, mostly from France, Switzerland, UK and Germany.

"We are satisfied with the results that, given the current economic situation, show the strength and prospects of this industry. We are talking about a niche industry yet a strategic one for the growth of Italy's economy - said CarraraFiere Chairman Giorgio Bianchini commenting on the results - and this gives us the incentive to make even more effort and investments to find the best way forward for this ambitious project for the promotion of such an important industry that is so akin to scientific research".

Most of the companies that took part in Compotec were satisfied with the results too, having made interesting contacts or at least were presented with new opportunities despite the prevailing market conditions that are somewhat difficult.

There were many visitors at the event from all over Italy and in particular from the Lombardy region that is the leading region for the industry (See graph).

Compotec 2009 was above all an excellent opportunity for technical exchange and promotions for companies that operate in the area of composite materials. Important foreign exhibiting companies included Advanced Composites Group, a British company that produces carbon composites for the aeronautics industry, formula one cars and racing boats. Numerous exhibitors also came from Germany such as Barthels-Feldhoff GmbH & Co. producing woven tapes and pipes in carbon, aramid fibres, glass and hybrids for advanced applications of composite materials, Baur Sohn, J.H. vom, Byk Chemie and many more.
Compotec was also an opportunity to present the most interesting results of Italian scientific research with an area set aside for innovation to present studies and prototypes such as IDRA, the low energy consumption vehicle with a hydrogen engine designed by the Team H2politO (Turin Polytechnic) that can run for 1.538 kilometres with the equivalent of one litre of petrol.

Another characteristic of Compotec is the area reserved for conferences and technical seminars, all at a very high level, with presentations of quality studies and projects.
So this year's Compotec, that has made a significant contribution to raising awareness of this industry that is fundamental to the economy, has come to an end while next year's has already been scheduled to be held at Carrara Fiere from 16 to 18 February 2011.

Compotec Show Management