We have reached the ninth edition of the DESMA House Fair and I can confirm, because I was there, that it was a very successful edition. So see you in 2026 when the tenth edition of this important event will coincide with the eightieth anniversary of the company DESMA, the world’s leading German manufacturer of technology for the automated shoe production.

A success first in numbers: about 800 visitors and 60 co-exhibiting companies, 20 presentations and a tight schedule of technology demonstrations. In short, hard to get bored with such a fast pace and so much content. But what is striking about the DESMA House Fair is the quality of the people in attendance: all “decision makers” from leading international companies. So, in every corner of the large space set up in Achim’s headquarters, the conversations are interesting and the business opportunities concrete not only for DESMA but for all co-exhibitors.  It is no coincidence that the title of this year’s event was “Pioneering. Together.” and there was a strong sense that today, more than ever, the only possible way to implement innovation is to join forces.

It kicks off Tuesday morning with the opening and address by the company’s twomanaging directors, Christian Decker and Klaus Freese. Already the first statements are clear indications of the direction taken by the company: “we need to exploit technologies fearlessly, taking advantage of all the possibilities they offer,” and “in the face of challenges such as the shortage of skilled personnel, the need to incorporate sustainability in both products and processes, and the urgency to offer products at the right price, while reducing the use of resources and in ever shorter time frames, automation is the only possible way forward.”    

Here are unveiled the projects presented during this edition: the big news that caught everyone’s attention was undoubtedly the new SCF (supercriticalfoaming) machine to produce midsoles using materials from the TPU family. This is an innovation from the automotive sector that has been talked about for a couple of years now but whose first machines, generally from technology suppliers in the Far East, we have only seen arrive on the market in the last year. And SCF was also talked about a lot during the presentations because this technology seems to offer promising alternatives to the use of EVA in performance footwear and beyond. Reduced energy consumption, at least compared to the autoclave processing typical of similar EVA-based technology, the absence of cross-linking chemicals and consequently the possibility of recycling the material as well as the chemical compatibility of the midsole with other thermoplastic parts that allow adhesion between parts without the use of adhesives, are certainly the features that aroused the interest of visitors.

But the food for thought does not end there: prominently featured is the design of a beautiful boot made of 100 percent injected polyurethane whose design was created with the help of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools. A practical and concrete demonstration of how technology can stimulate creativity and push technical development teams to experiment even beyond the usual established practices. And again, an important focus on upper knitting technology, in which Desma continues to believe strongly as an ideal partner of sole injection, integrated with a new design aid software platform that undoubtedly has promising features of reducing the development time of new designs. Also inspiring was the presentation of the bottom processing automation system that has been an integral part of the German company’s offering for several years now. And really much more.

Among the stands of co-exhibitor companies there is an air of satisfaction, the market is complex internationally and everyone is aware of it, but among the aisles there is talk of new projects, practical examples of articles where the most innovative materials are mixed with the cutting edge of traditional molding and 3D printing technologies on uppers and sole inserts are shown to customers. Not surprisingly, the companies that are internationally pushing the bar of technological innovation high are present.

In short, a truly exciting experience that is difficult to describe in a few words. The invitation is to visit the event website www.desma.de/en/news/house-fair and also to contact directly not only DESMA but all the companies that were present to learn more about the topics of interest.   

And for those who think that such an event is reserved for injection and safety footwear professionals, I can reveal to you that one of the most interesting conversations was with the head of innovation of one of the most important luxury fashion houses.

Matteo Pasca
Arsutoria Director

A record 50th edition for SIMAC Tanning Tech, the leading international event dedicated to machinery and technology for the footwear, leather and tanning industries. From Sept. 17 to 19, more than 9,000 visitors were registered in the 15,000 square meters of exhibition space at Fiera Milano Rho, confirming how well the event has been able to turn the spotlight on the excellence of Made in Italy. Excellence also recognized internationally, as demonstrated by the 44% foreign attendance and 26% of exhibitors (out of 316) from outside Italy, from more than 20 countries.

Despite the show’s record numbers, the sector suffered an overall export contraction (-11.55%) in the first half of 2024. The data show in the tannery machinery sector a +6.77%, only apparently positive as it is to be attributed to foreign orders placed in 2023. Significantly, more than 75% of sales in the six-month period were concentrated in only 10 countries, which shows that, with a few exceptions, the tannery machinery sector is in trouble, just like the other sectors of the supply chain. Less in crisis is the spare parts sector, where there was a smaller decline in exports (- 5.52%) to all destinations.

“Despite the general contraction of exports in the first six months of the year, we remain confident about the future of our sector”, comments Assomac President Maria Vittoria Brustia. “The leather processing machinery sector has recorded some encouraging signs that show that the quality of our technologies is still recognized and appreciated in international markets. We look to 2025 with optimism, focusing on the ability of our companies to innovate and adapt to global challenges. However, it is essential that the Italian government actively support us in promoting and protecting Made in Italy, especially in an increasingly competitive international context. There is a need for additional support for the internationalization of our companies to ensure that our sector can continue to represent excellence in the world.”

This edition of SIMAC Tanning Tech was also an opportunity to recall the half-century history of the event, which has evolved from a national trade show to a global platform for the footwear and leather processing industry. The first edition was held in 1973 in Milan, marking a significant change: for the first time the machines and technologies of the industry became the absolute protagonists.

When is the next 51st edition of Simac Tanning Tech? September 23-25, 2025.