In late November, my colleague Ben Shaw and I had the privilege of supporting clients at bauma China 2024, which made a highly anticipated return after a four-year hiatus. This event marked my first construction trade show with SE10, and its energy and scale made it an unforgettable experience. It also offered valuable insights into the upcoming bauma Munich next year, giving us a glimpse of the exciting developments ahead.
Record-breaking attendance
bauma China 2024 attracted 281,488 visitors from 188 countries, with over 20% of attendees coming from overseas. This strong international representation highlighted Asia’s growing prominence in the global construction machinery market. Countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, all seeing rapid growth in infrastructure and mining, were especially well-represented. It was interesting to observe how bauma China has evolved into a key bridge between global markets and the rapidly developing industries in Asia.
Big machines
One of the most striking aspects of the event was the sheer scale of the machines on display. From towering cranes to massive excavators, the equipment on show was impressive. The emphasis on “bigger and better” seemed to be a key theme with exhibitors. This seemed to suggest that the future of construction equipment may sway towards machines that can handle larger, more diverse challenges.
The rising influence of Chinese manufacturers
A significant highlight of bauma China 2024 was the prominent presence of Chinese manufacturers such as XCMG, Sany, Zoomlion, and SDLG. These companies showcased groundbreaking advancements in electrification, hydrogen power solutions, automation, and digitization, further cementing China’s growing influence in the global construction machinery market. This year, it was evident that these companies are not just leaders in their home market but are expanding their global presence, positioning China as a major player in the future of construction.
Innovation in sustainability, efficiency and smart technologies
This year’s event displayed an impressive range of innovations that are set to shape the future of construction. Cutting-edge technologies highlighted how the industry is embracing sustainability and efficiency. Local manufacturers seemed to be at the forefront of this theme, presenting their progress in electrification, hydrogen power, automation, and digitization across different machines. These advancements not only reflect China’s leadership in smart technologies and new energy solutions but also reinforce the country’s expanding influence in the global market.
Automation in action
Automation was another major trend at bauma China 2024. Numerous exhibitors presented technologies designed to streamline operations, enhance safety, and boost productivity. From autonomous machinery to AI-powered management systems, it was clear that automation is becoming a cornerstone of the industry’s future. The advancements on display were not just theoretical—they’re already being implemented to transform the way construction projects are managed and executed. It was exciting to see how these innovations are already actively shaping the future of the sector.
Collaboration across borders
The most enjoyable aspect of the event for me was the spirit of collaboration. It provided space for exhibitors of all sizes, from large multinational companies to smaller innovators presenting niche solutions. It was a platform where organizations at various stages of growth could connect, learn, and collaborate.
This collaborative approach was a key success factor for several of our SE10 clients, including Manitowoc and Lintec & Linnhoff, both of whom achieved resounding success at this year’s event. There was a strong emphasis on the importance of partnering with international businesses and customers to meet the increasing demand for construction machinery, especially in regions like Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
As the event wrapped up, it became clear to me that bauma China 2024 was much more than just a trade show—it was a reflection of the industry’s evolving landscape, highlighting the exciting innovations, collaborations, and sustainability initiatives driving the future of construction.
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By By Salmah El Haissane
Account Manager
About the Author
Originally from the UK, Salmah has been residing and working in Singapore for ten years. With a diverse background in both journalism and PR, her regional expertise spans B2B and B2C communications, media relations, content development, and campaign management.
