WorldWide Drilling Resource

13 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® JUNE 2016 After talking with numerous companies and receiving updated information about their products, we realized it was already time to go to the Case Construction press confer- ence. Inside their exhibit hall, we were greeted by Nuria, who invited us to join them for a light luncheon provided especially for the press. Following the refreshing lunch, we were directed to the top floor for the press conference. The room filled quickly with standing roomonly for late arrivals. Four speakers provided information about the company itself and their latest products. Once the formal press conference ended, we were invited to tour the exhibit area to see the new products. However, because time was limited, we had to forego this opportunity to explore more of the outside area before we returned for the trip to the gravel pit. This was a good move because we were able to meet with several other companies like Comacchio, Fraste, Eijkelkamp, Doosan, and Vermeer. Vermeer had a unique setup in their area with benches, street lights, and trees, giving the effect of a little park in the town center. We realized that time for the awaited trip to the gravel pit was fast approaching, so we hurried back over to Case Construction to board the tour bus. After a short, scenic drive, we arrived and were amazed to see huge machines not just sitting there, but working, moving, and showing their capacity to get the job done. We observed the particular uses of the equipment as they maneuvered; then we were invited into the on-site refreshment trailer for drinks and light snacks. Everyone was invited to experience driving one of the machines, with the operators riding shotgun, of course! Marcel readily agreed to drive one of the large trucks, and with a big smile, took off to make the round. Shortly afterward, we boarded the bus again, and Case Construction was gracious enough to take us to a nearby golf clubhouse for a Bayrische Brotzeit, the typical Bavarian light food and drink. What a perfect end to an exciting and enjoyable day! The second day of our coverage arrived on Tuesday. This day promised rain and delivered, but it was only raining lightly when we left the hotel for the U-Bahn. Once at the trade show, we noticed it was raining harder. All the people who would have gone outside were jamming inside. What a boon for the inside exhibitors who said Monday had been slow because of the nice weather outside! We decided to be methodical with our coverage of the inside halls, starting with the U.S. Pavillion. Since we were quite early, some booths still had no representatives available, but we did see a huge press conference taking place at the Volvo exhibit. The first company we saw at the U.S. Pavillion was Numa Hammers. Here we had some time to chat about how Monday was slow but they still made some good contacts. We continued our coverage of the U.S. Pavillion, circling back around to catch those companies which were not there earlier. Because it was raining outside, the inside companies were rather busy with customers. Branching out from the U.S. Pavillion, we toured other halls and stopped to talk to many companies. At some exhibits, we waited, but the best we could hope for were busy shots because all representatives were talking to their customers. Although many companies we talked to were new to us, they were very interested in meeting us and receptive to having their photos taken for magazine coverage of the show. Once we had completed four more huge halls, we returned to the outside area, which was again packed because the rain abated and the weather was nice again. Pushing through the crowds, we spotted some interesting displays, took many more photos, and began to look for Hinowa. We finally found the company’s exhibit and were greeted by Susanna, who invited us into their exhibit office for some snacks and drinks. We talked about how Monday went for them and about their new products. Then it was time to return to the drill rig area to meet with Silvia from MASSENZA. Seated at a little table on their office porch, we discussed what WWDR can do for companies. Next, it was time for lunch, so we began to search for one of the many huge beer gardens set up at the show. After eating, we went back to the inside halls to contact companies which were too busy earlier. This time we were lucky to be able to talk to Center Rock, Acker Drill, and Rockmore International. All said they were having a successful day. Photos and smiles were abundant! Upon finishing the rounds at two more halls, it was time to leave the show. While walking back to the U-Bahn, we realized how achy our feet were and decided we would need to put them up for a good rest before the long flight back in the morning. Tired, but feeling accomplished, we repacked for the long trip home and rested. bauma 2016 turned out to be even more outstanding than the show we attended three years ago, bauma 2013. We learned many exciting details about the new products and equipment heading to the mining and construction industries, and we can’t wait to share the information with you, the WWDR readers, over the next few issues. Many compliments to the organizers and companies for a job well done in showcasing products and services!