Altogether exhibitors came from 26 countries offering manufacturing services for the processing of metals, plastics, rubber, composite materials and wood, as well as the manufacture of electronic and electrical components, microtechnology and surface engineering. The exhibitor level was on a par with last year, but there were significant changes in specific sectors in line with changes in the global subcontracting market.

Visitor numbers were up substantially at 5.8% year on year and the total rose to 42,769 professionals from 65 countries. The number of foreign visitors was also up. Exhibitors reported an increased number of customers planning actual projects and stressed the numerous deals that were done.

Echoing the UK experience, where manufacturing success often passes unnoticed, MIDEST president Jean-Claude Monier commented: “The success of the 2011 show is far from astonishing, despite the worrying economic and financial background that we are all too well aware of. Subcontractors in general and French ones in particular reacted to the 2008 crisis by pursuing four closely linked paths: research into innovations, the development of new products, establishment in different sectors and the quest for international markets.”

He continued: “The success of this show reflects the success of a subcontracting industry that is dynamic, responsive, straightforward and that passes (unhappily) almost systematically beneath the radars of analysts blinded by macroeconomics.”

The next MIDEST will take place from 6 to 9 November 2012.