Today, the biennial business fairs BIAM, the 28th International Machine Tool and Tools Fair and WELDING, the 31st International Welding and Anticorrosion Fair, were officially opened at Zagreb Fair. BIAM and WELDING are the only specialized industrial fairs of this kind in Croatia and serve as a regional reference point for the metal processing and welding industries.

From 14 - 17 April, Zagreb Fair will become a regional hub of industrial innovation. This year’s edition brings together 300 exhibitors from 28 countries, showcasing the latest technological solutions in manufacturing, automation and welding. This major gathering of industry professionals and experts offers direct insight into the next-generation machine tools and robotic systems that are shaping the modern manufacturing.

The fairs were inaugurated by Luka Korlaet, Deputy Mayor of the City of Zagreb, who highlighted that Zagreb Fair is undergoing a process of transformation and renewal: “We have heard the figures. 300 exhibitors from 28 countries featured in four pavilions. Impressive numbers, but even more important is the quality of the event itself. This is not an ordinary trade fair, since a series of workshops and lectures is taking place here, with special attention dedicated to young people, pupils and students. Coming from academic circles myself, I know how valuable events like this are for students.”

“BIAM and Welding are a meeting point for the manufacturing industry, technology and the people who develop and apply them. Industry is also shaped through strategic discussions. That is why tomorrow, in cooperation with Jutarnji list, we are organizing a conference on the New Industrial Strategy. Representatives of industry, public institutions and leading companies will discuss key development issues - from the European industrial policy to the role of technology, human resources and investments in strengthening the competitiveness of our economy. It is particularly encouraging to see young people engaging with new technologies. We are continuing with an expanded Industrial Incubator project, a platform that connects the real sector with educational institutions and young professionals. Machines can be state-of-the-art, but without people who know how to operate them, there is no manufacturing,” said Renata Suša, Zagreb Fair Director, at the opening ceremony.

Damir Pavlek, Biam & Welding Fairs Project Manager, thanked all exhibitors, stating: “With nearly 70 years of tradition, these fairs are not only among the most important industrial events in Croatia, but also a cornerstone and a point of reference for the industry. Over the next four days, Zagreb Fair will become the largest industrial factory, a place where the future of manufacturing can be experienced and understood. This is where knowledge, innovation and concrete business opportunities come together.”

Prof. Zdenko Tonković, PhD, Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture at the University of Zagreb, said in his address: “The BIAM and Welding Fairs are of exceptional importance to our faculty. Welding, the metal industry, machine tools and tools are all areas where public perception needs to change and this event helps us achieve that. As a faculty, we actively work to promote engineering, STEM fields, mechanical engineering, the metal industry and manufacturing technologies. We strive to educate our students to become the engineers of the future and to use modern tools and technologies.”  

Nera Pavić, Director of the Directorate for Industry and Mining at the Ministry of Economy, emphasized: “For many years, these fairs have served as a central meeting point for industry, technology and innovation. It is here that we gain a concrete overview not only of the current state of the industry, but also of the direction of its future development, particularly in the segments of metal processing, machine tools and welding technologies, which form the foundation of modern manufacturing.”

The fairs remain open until Friday, 17 April. Opening hours: 10:00 - 18:00.