IMB attracts global retail sector

IMB 2009, the leading global trade fair for the textile and clothing industry, was held in Cologne, Germany last week. The 'who's who' of both sectors came together to present the world's most comprehensive technologies and services from product development to production processes to distribution.

The event saw over 20,000 visitors as well as more than 500 companies in 34 countries presenting the latest industry innovations. "IMB 2009 thoroughly lived up to its claim of being the sector's top event," concluded Gerald Böse, Chief Executive Officer of Koelnmesse. "Nearly all the market leaders from Germany and around the world were represented at IMB in Cologne. They generated new momentum for the sector and sent a positive signal at the right time concerning the future development of the industry. That is what makes a sector-leading trade fair stand out from the rest."

Elgar Straub, Managing Director of the VDMA German Garment and Leather Technology Association, the conceptual sponsor of IMB, agreed: "This was what the sector needed: an IMB to demonstrate the sector's innovative power in line with the highest international standards, while serving as the ideal sector meeting place. Also important is for the exhibitors to offer a good spectrum of products and services and to reach the right visitor target groups.