Valve World Magazine February 2025 | Page 33

Sustainability and innovation are clearly important topics for the valve and actuator manufacturers Valve World spoke to at the Expo . For example , Makoto Kohno ( President , KITZ ) explained that KITZ ’ s track record with LNG applications has been highly beneficial when looking to serve the emerging hydrogen industry . “ We utilised our expertise in LNG to expand into the hydrogen market , such as with valves designed for high-pressure applications in hydrogen gas stations and trucks that run on hydrogen fuel . We can also supply valves for the storage and transportation of liquid hydrogen .” Alongside traditional industrial applications , KITZ ’ s focus is increasingly turning to green energies . “ There is lot of potential in Europe such as in the conductor market for various industries . Europe is also a good location to expand our business in the Middle East and India . We are very flexible and can serve customers wherever they are located .” π www . valve-world . net Valve World February 2025
Meeting point
Steering committee
Whilst discussing the conference , many people Valve World spoke to paid tribute to the steering committee members . Feedback clearly indicated that members had put in considerable time and effort during the paper selection process , as well as going on to serve as moderators and presenters during the actual conference . One of the new members is Emerson ’ s Knut Riegel ( Manager Local Business Partners DACH Region ), who was most positive about the opportunity to work with so many seasoned experts . “ Being on the Valve World steering committee provides a great opportunity to cooperate with people from different backgrounds and with complementary skillsets . So far I have really enjoyed the conference , talking to my fellow committee members , listening to the sessions and engaging with the delegates .” Mr Reigel also highlighted the emerging role of hydrogen in the energy transition . “ As demand for hydrogen valves continues to grow rapidly , I see a real need to drive down valve-related emissions . Key themes include gasket developments , improved valve testing , developments in materials etc . It is good to see hydrogen firmly on the conference agenda .”
Exhibition overview
Very international and high-quality exhibitors , coverage of the entire market as well as a focus on sustainable technologies all determined the mood at the Valve World Expo , according to the organisers Messe Dusseldorf . Noting that 572 exhibitors from 35 countries on some 16,000 sqm were displaying smart valve systems , automated solutions and innovative materials , they further highlighted the longer ‘ dwell times ’ among visitors who spent an average of two days gathering information in the exhibition halls . “ Valve World Expo 2024 has confirmed its role as a global impulse generator and leading platform of the industry as a whole . We are extremely satisfied with how dynamic and inspiring the event was ,” rejoices Daniel Ryfisch , Director wire , Tube & Flow Technologies at Messe Düsseldorf GmbH . Messe Dusseldorf also report positive feedback from exhibitors . “ Valve World Expo is considered one of the key trade fairs for exchanging with business partners by the valve industry ,” stressed Oliver Baumann , Manager Corporate Communication at AUMA Riester GmbH & Co . KG . Meanwhile , Klaus Scholl ( Product Line Leader Automation , bar GmbH ) stated that “ Valve World is our core trade fair … we received a great customer feedback on our new product updates and
Networking : a key function at Valve World ( Photo : Messe Düsseldorf / ctillmann )
Exhibited valves come in all shapes and sizes ( Photo : Messe Düsseldorf / ctillmann )
our energy-saving system met with especially strong interest .” Next to top-flight decision-makers from core target countries Italy , Great Britain , France , Austria , Switzerland , Benelux , Turkey , Egypt , Spain , Scandinavia , Hungary , Czech Republic and Poland , the organisers registered more trade visitors from India , Saudi Arabia , the USA , Canada , Japan , South Korea , China , the UAE and South Africa . Also pleasing to note is the increased share of German trade visitors . And with a positive conclusion , Messe Dusseldorf stated that over 90 % of the trade fair guests polled plan to return in two years when the trade fair will open its doors again in Düsseldorf from 1 to 3 December 2026 .
Exhibitor viewpoints

Sustainability and innovation are clearly important topics for the valve and actuator manufacturers Valve World spoke to at the Expo . For example , Makoto Kohno ( President , KITZ ) explained that KITZ ’ s track record with LNG applications has been highly beneficial when looking to serve the emerging hydrogen industry . “ We utilised our expertise in LNG to expand into the hydrogen market , such as with valves designed for high-pressure applications in hydrogen gas stations and trucks that run on hydrogen fuel . We can also supply valves for the storage and transportation of liquid hydrogen .” Alongside traditional industrial applications , KITZ ’ s focus is increasingly turning to green energies . “ There is lot of potential in Europe such as in the conductor market for various industries . Europe is also a good location to expand our business in the Middle East and India . We are very flexible and can serve customers wherever they are located .” π www . valve-world . net Valve World February 2025

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