Initial reports from the recently wrapped-up “NPE 2015” suggest that the event drew record visitor numbers. For several machinery manufacturers, however, the industry fair got off to quite a rocky start. Attracted by the new truck towing the trailer containing Wittmann-Battenfeld’s machines for the fair, a thief struck late at night, stealing the vehicle but dumping the machines en route. Thankfully a replacement was on hand. Car trouble also plagued Stork, whose machine was damaged in an accident en route to the fairgrounds. The company nevertheless managed to present its equipment at the fair.

The experience proves that all’s well that ends well. And judging by the good attendance records and the positive prospects for US manufacturing, even the hiccups along the way probably could not put too much of a dent in the two companies’ fair experience ...