The six-day Intermat Paris 2015 show was truly dynamic and a stepping stone in the growth path of the industry in the coming years. A report...

The 10th Intermat show held on April 20-25, 2015 recorded a satisfying result given the complex and uncertain economic climate. This year?s Intermat has cemented its international focus with 35 per cent of visitors coming from 168 countries. The total exhibitors present where 1,410, five per cent more from the previous edition. Intermat 2015 was officially inaugurated by Pierre Gattaz, President of MEDEF, and Bruno Cavagn?, President of FNTP.

For Maryvonne Lanod, Show Director, ?Intermat 2015 was a stepping stone in the chronicle of the internationally-announced recovery. The general consensus is that high-ranking visitors and project initiators made this a dynamic show that gave a confidence boost to everyone working in the sector.?

World of Concrete Europe
The first-ever World of Concrete Europe organised by Intermat 2015 offered a brand new platform to showcase the concrete industry. It attracted 200 upstream and downstream exhibitors and was a highly-anticipated event for the concrete industry as it offered new visitor profiles.

International innovations
Intermat 2015 offered a great platform to launch a number of innovative solutions. More than 100 new products and innovations were presented at stands, the best of which were recognised by the Innovation Awards, awarded during the Pre-Intermat held this January in Paris.

Liebherr?s new compact mobile crane: Liebherr has added the 50-tonne capacity LTC 1050-3.1 to its compact mobile crane line-up. Using a six-section 36 m telescopic boom, the crane is offered with a 7.5 m-13 m double folding fly jib. With a gross weight of 36 tonne, the LTC 1050-3.1 is designed to be operated as a self-contained crane, with axle weights of 12 tonne including full 6.5 tonne counterweight. The machine is powered by a Stage IV/Tier 4 Final six-cylinder diesel engine producing 260 kW and 1,400 Nm of torque. This drives through a six-speed ZF automatic transmission to the three drive axles.

Volvo Penta launches D5 and D8 engines: Volvo Penta has introduced the 5-litre D5 and the 8-litre D8 engines. The engines are increasingly finding favour with a number of OEMs. The latest of these is McCloskey International, which uses the engines in its range of crushers, screens and trommels, and BBA pumps. The D5 and D8 have a slightly larger displacement than the engines they replace, yet are claimed to use up to 2.5 per cent less fuel. They also boast increased low rpm torque, making them ideal for off-highway applications. Available in Stage II, Stage IIIA and Stage IV emissions trim, the engines are designed to meet the needs of OEMs in all global markets.

V?gele?s high performance mid-sized paver: V?gele introduced the tracked Super 1600-3i and wheeled Super 1603-3i models in mid-sized paver range. These offer the low emissions and high performance capabilities of the -3 series in the mid-range size class. The models slot into the V?gele range between the smaller Super 1300-3i and Super 1303-3i, and the highway class Super 1800-3i. The screed offers paving widths of up to 6.5 m using hydraulic extension and 7.5 m with mechanical extensions fitted.

Soilmec introduces hydraulic drilling rig: Soilmec has introduced a hydraulic drilling rig with a range of features for versatility and performance in drilling and foundation preparation while also ensuring operator comfort. The SR-45 is built with high stress steel that has enabled Soilmec to achieve a more compact mast allowing a larger cab to be fitted for the comfort of the operator. Walkways, handrails and a camera system with LCD screen have also been designed with optimal operator safety in mind.

LiuGong?s 856H wheeled loader: LiuGong?s 856H wheeled loader with new LiuGong DNA was launched at Intermat 2015 in Tier 4 Final/Stage IV configuration. Powered by a Cummins QSB6.7 diesel equipped with proven variable geometry turbocharger technology to optimise torque, the 856H wheeled loader has a high pressure common rail fuel injection system, which also optimises fuel consumption. The engine powers the machine through a ZF driveline system, and the 856H also features a ZF AP3000 axle. The axle housing and main transmission system are reinforced to increase strength and the machine?s carrying capacity has been increased by 40 per cent from the previous model.

New AggreSand 206 wash plant: Terex Washing Systems has launched its new AggreSand 206 wash plant. Capable of handling up to 400 tonne per hour of material, the AggreSand 206 is suitable for all industrial, construction, recycling and mining applications. Key to the AggreSand concept is the plants? innovative modular design, serviceability and functionality, offering rapid and easy assembly, as well as easy maintenance. Able to be fully containerised, the AggreSand plants also come with pre-wired and pre-plumbed plug and play componentry, isolated spray bars and a simple automated control system, all of which have been delivering efficient, productive performance for current owners.

MB Crusher?s new MB-LS140 screening bucket for skid-steer loaders: MB Crusher launched its third new crushing and screening bucket this year, MB-LS140 screening bucket for skid-steer loaders. With this, the MB-LS140 brings its total screening bucket range to five products. The BF 80.3 and BF135.8 crusher buckets for 18.5tonne and 43tonne excavators respectively launched by MB Crusher earlier this year means the company now offer 12 crusher buckets. It also offers four different sized grapples.

As part of its growth strategy, MB Crusher last year enlarged its production facilities at its HQ to 70,000m?. The ambitious firm has seven branches - in Italy, America, China, France, Germany, Japan, and India ? with all its products manufactured in Italy.

As part of its commitment to innovation and its customer focused business philosophy, in 2011 MB Crusher created its B2B Portal - a software program including easy-to-follow video guides for optimising the performance of its impressive product range. Its other features include a spare parts ordering facility and a full product catalogue. As well as being viewable on the company?s website via a login and password, customers have since last year been able to access the B2B Portal on their mobile phones.

Wirtgen?s compact milling machine: Wirtgen has introduced a new compact milling machine in the shape of its novel W35Ri model. This machine is designed to mill slows 350 mm wide. Compact and manoeuvrable, the machine can be operated in a wide range of duties onsite and even inside buildings, as its 1m width allows it to pass through doorways. The machine can be operated either from the platform mounted on the unit or remotely. A key feature is that it is also features a sophisticated levelling and drive control system, similar to the concept developed for the larger milling machines in the range.

Powerscreen unveils Warrior 600 screen: Powerscreen launched highly productive and transportable Warrior 600 screen at Intermat 2015. The Warrior 600?s open chassis design is said to offer unrivalled access below screen to aid mesh changes. Its hydraulic folding conveyors also give excellent stockpiling capacity. The model on show at the exhibition has been sold to a Powerscreen customer in France. Doosan unveils smallest 300-5 series wheel loader: Doosan?s latest arrival, the DL300-5 baby wheeled loader, the smallest machine in its DL-5 generation, was launched in Intermat 2015. The DL 300-5 features a Scania DC09 5-cylinder diesel engine, rated at 202 kW at 1,800 rpm, offering good torque levels at a low rpm, all of which translates into a potential 10 per cent fuel saving. It all runs into a ZF powertrain with axle cooling and auxiliary hydraulic connections. Engine speed variation is reduced via smaller gear ratios and the lower average engine speed throughout the whole drive range further helps to reduce fuel consumption. Kobelco rolls out seven mini-excavators: Kobelco has unveiled seven new mini-excavators below 3 tonne at Intermat 2015 in Paris as a result of a major agreement with construction equipment manufacturer Yanmar. The deal increases the options for Kobelco customers and potential customers who work in extremely tight environments.

Haulotte launches new range of access equipment: Haulotte has added to its range of masts, articulated booms and scissor lifts as part of an ambitious programme to increase its global market share. In the vertical mast market, where the company already has a leading share, Haulotte has introduced the Star 10 and Star 6 machines. Both masts feature AC electric drives that provide precise, smooth and agile handling, says the company. Zero tail swing and tight turning radius make them suitable for confined environments. The durability of parts has been increased for longer life and cheaper maintenance.

The HA 20 RTJ is a 20 m rough terrain articulated boom. It features a horizontal outreach of 12.1 m and an up-and-over clearance of 8.1 m. The boom can be extended in 48 seconds.

The Optimum 8 electric scissor lift has an asynchronous motor and a turning radius of 1.5 m for access in confined environments. The machine has a load capacity of 230 kg and forward speed of 5 km/h, and is designed for indoor and outdoor worksites, including in winds up to 45 km/h. An automatic pothole detection system aids safety and operation in rough conditions.

Gearing up for future
For the 1,410 exhibiting companies with high expectations of this three-yearly event, Intermat 2015 offered an opportunity to prepare for the future, thanks to its strong international appeal, particularly in EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) countries, and its ability to attract high quality visitors with investment projects, many of which were decided at the show.