By European correspondent Luc De Smet
More than 1,000 companies are expected to participate in the world's largest internal logistics fair in Hannover, Germany, from October 11 to October 15.

"CeMAT is the fair where forklift builders like to present their newest technology," said Brigitte Mahnken-Brandhorst, spokesperson for show organiser Deutsche Messe AG. "All major forklift builders will be present."

So far 800 companies have booked space in the 80,000 square metres of display space at the Hannover Exhibition Centre. Fifty five per cent of exhibitors are from Germany, 38 per cent from the rest of Europe, five per cent from Asia and two per cent from North America.

Forklifts, lifting equipment and accessories will be showcased along with related software, identification and packaging technology, racks and robots.

CeMAT in Asia will be at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre from November 28 to December 1. Almost two thirds of the exhibitors will be from Asia, 30 per cent from Europe and six per cent from North America.