Düsseldorf, Germany — Messe Düsseldorf, the organizer of the K trade show in Germany, has purchased a share of Colombiaplast, a major show in Latin America.
The next Colombiaplast is scheduled for June 22-25 at Corferias, the International Business and Exhibition Center of Bogota.
"Colombia is one of the fastest growing markets for plastics technology in Latin America and Colombiaplast is the most important trade fair here. It is vital for us to show our commitment in this market, and with this acquisition we take on our first venture in plastics and rubber in South America" Erhard Wienkamp, managing director at Messe Düsseldorf, said in a news release.
Messe Düsseldorf and Corferias signed the agreement with Acoplasticos (Asociación Colombiana de Industrias Plásticas) on Dec. 30.
According to the release, Colombia imports machinery, parts and molds for plastics processing worth about $100 million and the plastics sector represents 15 percent of the country's manufacturing GDP. The consumption of plastics in the country exceeds 1.3 million tons annually.
The last Colombiaplast, held in 2018, attracted 172 exhibitors and 43,000 visitors, according to the release.
With help from its new partner, Acoplasticos President Daniel Mitchell said "we are convinced that Colombiaplast will substantially strengthen its position as a leading plastics and rubber trade fair in Latin America — a region with great potential."