Italian glass machinery suppliers association GIMAV has said most of its members will not attend the glasstec event in Duesseldorf in June.
The Association of Italian Manufacturers and Suppliers of Machinery, Plants and Systems, Accessories and Special Products for Glass Processing (GIMAV) said an overwhelming majority of its members do not intend to participate over fears of a second wave of the Covid pandemic.
The glasstec show was originally due to be held this month but has been postponed to June next year because of the pandemic.
This is just four months before the Vitrum trade show is due to take place in Milan, Italy in October 2021 and which is supported by GIMAV.
GIMAV said many factors influenced its decision to boycott glasstec, ‘from the peculiar dates of the rescheduled German show, to the major international players deciding to forgo the event, not to mention the lingering difficulties caused by COVID 19.’
GIMAV President Michele Gusti said: “Regretfully, at a time like this, we must tell it like it is.”
He added: “Even though we regret doing this, because we are aware of all the work the organisers have done, it is our duty to inform all of the stakeholders of that which, in discussions with our members, emerged as a fact.
“All the more reason, as every day we are inundated with data regarding the still uncontrolled spread of the pandemic in Europe and around the globe, that the current situation calls for caution in making investments and the utmost care in safeguarding the health of our clients and partners.”
