Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/65232
Th e exhibition was also an opportunity for Chinese manufacturers to announce their European acquisitions. Like Japan and South Korea before it, China is preparing to compete with the west in high- tech manufacturing. With some large-scale construction projects in the pipeline, machinery and equip- ment manufacturers remain confi dent for 2012 and coming years. Th e continuation of the work on the Lille and Lyon stadiums, and the EPR stadium at Flamanville, as well as work underway on the French "Pen- tagon" and high-speed train line works are already ensuring a plentiful supply of contracts for the heavy machinery industry. To meet the demands of these large-scale engineering projects, fi rms in the industry have had to off er innovative materials adapted to new con- struction methods and to new regulations for recycling and environmental protection. What's new in equipment? Another highlight was the large number of technological innovations launched at Inter- mat, largely to comply with the new European regulations and progression to stage IIIB of the European emissions stan- dards. One of the key trends of Intermat 2012 was the presen- tation of process equipment to address the growing demand for across-the-board site mechanisation, at a time when the working environment is being redefi ned to better pre- vent musculoskeletal disorders and other risks. Construction companies (the users) want faster, quieter and more effi cient equipment that will boost productivity and save energy. IDA UNIVERSAL May-June 2012 45