Manitoba companies are projecting $45 million in sales after attending Agritechnica 2011 in Germany last fall, Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade Minister Peter Bjornson announced.
“Taking part in the world’s largest exhibition where 40 per cent of the global annual agricultural equipment sales take place has led to successful results for Manitoba companies,” said Bjornson. “Manitoba agricultural machinery and equipment manufacturers took advantage of this opportunity, making close to $2 million in sales at the show and projecting up to $45 million in sales in the next 18 to 24 months.”
Agritechnica 2011 was held in Hanover, Germany, in November 2011. The show had more than 2,700 exhibitors representing 48 countries and attracting 415,000 visitors. This year, a record 20 Manitoba companies took part in the event.
“It was an incredible opportunity for our company to take part in Agritechnica 2011,” said Mike Waite of Cadorath, a Winnipeg-based manufacturing company. “The exposure to so many different markets and the chance to make connections with other companies is going to make a real difference for Cadorath, allowing us to continue to evolve and grow.”
The province supported exhibits for the harvest equipment, tractors and parts sector; the grain-handling, storage and grain-processing sector; and the seeding and tillage equipment sector. The exhibits were co-ordinated by Manitoba Trade and Investment, Manitoba’s lead agency for international trade development.
“Supporting the agricultural sector is one of Export Development Canada’s strategic priorities given their focus on exports, and Agritechnica is a key annual event in helping to grow Canada’s international footprint,” said Justine Hendricks, vice-president, resources sector at Export Development Canada. “The success of Canadian exporters is how we measure our success, so having played a part in helping our Manitoba partners and exporters reap the benefits of an event like this is very rewarding.”
In 2010, Manitoba exported $405 million in agriculture-related equipment and technology, which is approximately 31 per cent of Canada’s agricultural machinery exports abroad.
