The eleventh edition of the EPHJ-EPMT-SMT trade show opened yesterday at Palexpo in Geneva with a record 664 exhibitors awaiting the forecasted 13,000 visitors. The number of exhibitors among watchmaking suppliers, microtechnology and medical technology companies exhibiting at the event has increased by 100, or 16 per cent.

A series of lectures that focus on future technologies and the needs of the sector will accompany the four day exhibition, which runs until 8 June.

“EPHJ-EPMT-SMT is a unique European forum for promoting the exchange of expertise and essential innovation. It is an opportunity to acknowledge that the micro-technological industry is constantly evolving, driven by the talent and dynamism of all the various players present today in Geneva. That is why this annual meeting is so important: everyone can showcase their products and know-how, follow the latest technological innovations and stay in tune with the market,” said Johann N. Schneider-Ammann, Swiss Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs.

EPHJ 2012

Exhibition co-founder André Colard highlighted the synergies that can come from the show, recalling that the use of 316L stainless steel, ceramic and even lasers migrated from the medical sector into watchmaking. “The fruitful exchanges between the different sectors present at our show have enabled the subcontracting industry to develop considerably and regenerate,” he said. “This is the case, for example, for certain materials developed by specialists in medical technology that can be found in watches today, whose use is becoming increasingly widespread. Everybody is a winner in this scenario.”

New for the 2012 is the “Exhibitors’ Grand Prix”, which will reward exhibitors’ technological innovation, contribution to the industry’s growth and development, and manufacturing know-how and originality. The Grand Prix will be presented to the winner on the last day of the event.

The full schedule of lectures is available at www.ephj.ch and via the trade show’s new iPhone application (EPHJ 2012).