From 18 to 21 November 2008, 629 manufacturers and distributors of mechanical-technical components and system solutions from Switzerland and the rest of Europe will be presenting their products over a total area of 43,860 m2 in Exhibition Hall 2 in Basel. In addition to manufacturing services for metal and plastic components, exhibitors will also be presenting heat and surface treatments, materials, semi-finished products, components and tools. For the first time, the subcontracting fair will also be highlighting specialist end product manufacturers, referred to as "system assemblers".

Visitors to the exhibition will include buyers, designers, production managers and corporate managers from the mechanical engineering, plant construction, equipment production, metal and plastics processing industries in Switzerland and its neighbouring countries.

A variety of highlights add the finishing touches to Swisstech
During Swisstech a varied programme of accompanying events will be taking place. Rapid product development is a concept which is growing in importance. The "Complexity for free" event will provide information on the themes of product development and innovation, industrial design, engineering, rapid prototyping and rapid manufacturing. Throughout the entire exhibition, nanotechnology and industry will be coming together in the Nano Village, where practical examples of industrial products and applications which use nanotechnology will be on display. Young people's day, which takes place on the first day of the exhibition (18 November), allows Swisstech to demonstrate its commitment to supporting young people. Apprentices and school or college students will be offered free entrance to the exhibition and the opportunity to find out about a variety of educational and training organisations in the Education Village. In addition, Swisstech will once again be playing host to the SVME (Swiss Procurement Forum) lecture series (19 November), in which industry representatives will be discussing topics relevant to the subcontracting sector. Other high points of the fair include Baden-Württemberg day and the Swiss Skills Championships for young polymechanics.

Baden-Württemberg day – high-quality panel discussions
On the first day of the exhibition (18 November), the focus is on Baden-Württemberg, Switzerland's leading trading partner. For decades Germany has headed Swiss import and export statistics and Baden-Württemberg is Switzerland's most important supplier and customer among the German states. Baden-Württemberg day will ensure that the positive business relationship between Switzerland and Baden-Württemberg takes centre stage.

Panel discussions will be held on the theme of the close business ties between Germany and Switzerland. Stephan Klapproth, presenter of the Swiss television news programme “10vor10”, will act as the moderator for the event in the Forum in Hall 2.1, which will bring together prominent figures from the fields of politics and business, including Julian Würtenberger, chairman of the regional council of Freiburg im Breisgau, and Anne-Kathrin Deutrich, managing director of Testo AG.

A challenge for the champions
During Swisstech, apprentices and young professionals in the fields of automation, CNC turning and CNC milling will be competing for the title of Swiss champion. They will spend around 20 hours making a workpiece in full public view.

The last day of the exhibition (21 November) will see the finale of the championships, at which SWISSMECHANIC, the organiser of the competition, will announce the Swiss champion in each discipline. The highlight of the ceremony will be a performance by the Basel dialect rap band "Brandhärd". The first and second prize-winners will have the opportunity to take part in the 2009 World Skills Competition in Calgary (Canada).

A question of “make-or-buy”
PRODEX, the specialist exhibition for machine tools, tools and production measurement technology, and PACK&MOVE, the Swiss exhibition for integrated logistics solutions and packaging technology, are being held alongside Swisstech. This year exhibitors at PACK&MOVE will be presenting production equipment. Attendance at both Swisstech and PRODEX will allow visitors to come to informed “make-or-buy” decisions. PRODEX ends on Saturday 22 November 2008, one day later than Swisstech.