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In February 2020, the International Hardware Fair was one of the first to be canceled due to the pandemic, just a few weeks before it started. Two weeks later, the first lockdown in Germany was decided.

In September 2022, the fair celebrated a successful comeback after more than 4 years. With a new booth and a new concept, the GeBrax team welcomed 130 visitors from 26 nations over the 4 days of the fair. With more than 70%, the majority of trade visitors came from abroad. The number of visitors could not be reached in comparison to the previous fairs, but the quality of the contacts was complimented by all exhibitors. All trade fair participants experienced the relief of seeing and receiving each other personally after such a long time.

Unlike before, there was no active grinding at the GeBrax stand, but the focus was on two other strengths. On the one hand, the MB 650 BV belt file was presented to a wide audience for the first time. This innovation, funded by the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA), can not only be adjusted to different belt lengths and contact rollers, but can also be converted for use as a Roloc and fillet weld grinder. The visitors quickly recognized the numerous application possibilities and the product aroused great interest.

The other focus of the booth was on private labelling. Since the majority of GeBrax customers are dealers, GeBrax has taken on the wishes and needs of this group of customers. In addition to high-quality products at a fair price, a product with its own branding is of growing importance for retailers.

So far, the neutral products have been delivered in neutral packaging and, if desired, sent with their own customer label. "In the future, we will be able to write the customer's name on the back of abrasive and non-woven belts from a width of 40 mm," explained Gerd Hartmann, Managing Director. “In addition to the grit and batch number, the end user can also see where he bought the belt. This strengthens the retailer's own brand and the bond with the end consumer."

All software and hardware precautions are currently being taken in order to be able to integrate automated labeling in the belt production in the first half of 2023. The prototypes printed on site at the trade fair stand were well received by the decision-makers and product managers and interest has already been expressed.

The next INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR COLOGNE will take place from March 3rd to 6th, 2024.