Jacques Nel, Managing Director and Otto Van Griethuysen, Martin and Robson Group, South Africa

The colleagues come from South Africa and use nearly the entire time of the fair for their business, because of the long journey and the wide range of international exhibitors. They are specialists for magnetite solutions and work in the sales department. Mr. Nel explains their current situation: "The market in South Africa has become more difficult, that means we have new challenges. The good thing is that the fast-changing market offers new potential for our worldwide acting company." Otto Van Griethuysen justifies the visit to GMTN as follows: "Nowhere else do we meet such an international audience in such a short time period as here in Düsseldorf. We have many appointments, but also time for spontaneity and inspiration. For us, GIFA is the most interesting fair, but we also pay attention to the other three leading trade fairs."

Christian Wuttke, HDO, Germany

Christian Wuttke specialises in tool manufacturing and has just arrived at NEWCAST. He is thrilled by the large number of exhibitors and tells us: "My colleagues used to attend many trade fairs. Now we concentrate on the trade fair quartet with especially GIFA and NEWCAST and on another trade fair in Nürnberg, as we reduce our trade fair time to the important events." The HDO company manufactures products for various industries such as automotive, so-called white goods, which include refrigerators, for example, but also the sanitary industry. For his business, visiting the fair is essential: "Personal exchange was important and will remain so in the future."

Ion Quintana, Edertek, Spain

Edertek is a Spanish foundry company. Ion Quintana is at the fair with colleagues. However, they have parted ways. He explains: "I am responsible for new technologies. My colleagues are looking for new customers or meet with suppliers." The Spanish manager states that especially NEWCAST and GIFA offer a broad overview of the market. He concretises his intention: "The fair is perfect for my market and competition research. I can look specifically for products and production processes in one place and know that it's up to standard and that I'm not missing anything." With this knowledge, Ion Quintana wants to anticipate future trends and strengthen Edertek's competitiveness.

Al Mohammed, Sabic, Riad, Saudi-Arabia

SABIC is one of the world's largest petrochemical manufacturers and is a listed company based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This is Al Mohammed's first time at GIFA and he is excited about the large number of exhibitors. He says: "My aim is to get as much information as possible about the current state of technology. My field is steel production. Last year I was at another fair, but in comparison I find Düsseldorf better." He describes the availability of raw materials as the biggest current challenge. Besides the professional issues and visiting also METEC, THERMPROCESS, NEWCAST, Al Mohammed is also looking forward to visiting Düsseldorf's city centre and some of the sights.

Sandeep Poddar, Director, Multi-Serve-Rolls (P) LTD. Kolkata, India

It is the second time for Sandeep Poddar for taking part at the Bright World of Metals in Düsseldorf. He enjoys his visit and states: "It is a great possibility to meet important business contacts. For me Turkey and China are the most important markets and I have good business appointments at the fair." Multi-Serve-Rolls is an Indian Manufacturer of magnetic sheet, iron rolls & hospital equipment and was founded in 1986. Asked about the atmosphere at the fair he says: "It's like a meeting of good friends and acquaintances with open conversations."

Zolboo Myagmarjav, Takasawa Sangyo Inc., Japan

The company Takasawa Sangyo Inc. is active in the construction and steel industries, among others. The manager, who travelled from Japan, works in the sales department and meets with some customers. He says: "The focus is on companies from Brazil and Taiwan. I don't have many appointments beyond my compulsory programme. It is important for me to be spontaneous and flexible. I want to look around and get into conversation. There are so many exhibitors who inspire me." Zolboo Myagmarjav is at GIFA for the first time. Particularly impressive is the size of the Bright World of Metals for him.

Igor Biritxinaga Sarasola, Fagor Ederlan S.Coop, Eskoriatza, Spain

The company Fagor Ederlan is a leading global supplier of chassis and driveline components for the automotive sector. Igor Biritxinaga Sarasola is responsible for the purchase of production equipment. In a good mood, he gives an overview of his trade fair programme: "This is my first time here and I find my stay very exciting. On the one hand, the fair itself, but also things to do in Düsseldorf. My main concern is appointments with current and potential suppliers. There is a wide range of suppliers and I still want to take time to make new contacts." The Spaniard has travelled with many colleagues and is looking forward to going to the pub in the evening in the old town.