International Hardware Fair 2026: Four Days of Dialogue, Innovation, and 111 Years of VÖLKEL
Hardware Fair 2026 in Cologne: A special trade fair year for VÖLKEL
From March 3 to 6, 2026, the International Hardware Fair once again took place in Cologne. It is one of the most important meeting points worldwide for the tool and hardware industry. Of course, we at VÖLKEL Threading Solutions were there again with our own booth. Over four days, the focus was on new products, numerous conversations with customers and partners, and plenty of exchange with visitors from all over the world.
This year, however, the fair had a very special meaning for us. In 2026, VÖLKEL is celebrating 111 years of Threading Solutions. A wonderful occasion to look back on our history together with many familiar faces while also presenting our latest developments.
Welcome to the world’s leading trade fair for the hardware industry
As soon as you entered the exhibition halls in Cologne, the typical trade fair atmosphere could be felt. Visitors from many different countries came together to exchange ideas about new tools, solutions, and trends in the industry.
There was already a lot happening at our booth right from the start. Many long-standing partners and customers stopped by, along with numerous new contacts. This combination of familiar faces and new conversations is exactly what makes the International Hardware Fair so special for us every time.
A conversation often starts very simply with a question about a tool. From there, it quickly develops into exciting discussions about applications, materials, or everyday practical experience.
Product innovations at the center of our trade fair presentation
This year, we also brought several product innovations with us to Cologne. Especially in the year of our 111th anniversary, the International Hardware Fair was a wonderful opportunity for us to present new developments and discuss them directly with visitors. A particular eye-catcher was three selected highlights from our range, which we presented in a strictly limited “111 Years” gift box including goodies.
Among the most important product innovations were our Mamba MBlue and MGold machine taps, which many visitors took a closer look at directly at the booth. These tools combine a high-quality surface treatment with a high-performance hard coating, making them ideal for demanding applications. We also introduced the HexTap VX, a tap with a hex shank for impact wrenches, enabling particularly fast and efficient thread production.
A real highlight at our booth was the test station, where the HexTap VX could be seen in action. Visitors were not only able to look at the tool, but also experience live how the tap performs in practice. Many stayed there a little longer, asked questions, or exchanged ideas about possible applications.
There was also news in the HexDrive program. The new HexDrive Twin Boxes combine taps and matching core hole drills in one practical box. In addition, we presented several new threading tool sets assembled for different applications.
Combined expertise at our booth: cobit and LÖHER
This year, cobit (bit tools) and LÖHER (twist drills) were also visibly represented at our booth for the first time. Both brands are part of the VÖLKEL family and expand our portfolio in the field of threading technology.
For many visitors, it was exciting to see how the different areas of expertise within the family complement each other. This led to many valuable conversations about joint solutions, possible applications, and future developments.
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Networking, news, and fresh inspiration
In addition to presenting our products, the main focus was on personal dialogue with customers, partners, and visitors. For us, the International Hardware Fair is always a great opportunity to reconnect with familiar contacts, meet new people from the industry, and exchange views directly on current topics.
Many visitors and customers came to our booth with very specific practical questions. These kinds of conversations are especially valuable to us, because they repeatedly show us which requirements and challenges our customers face in their daily work.
Thank you
Four intensive days at the fair are behind us. Many conversations, new contacts, and plenty of impressions that we are taking home with us.
A big thank you to all visitors, customers, and partners who stopped by our booth. And also to the entire VÖLKEL team on site, who made this trade fair possible. For us, the International Hardware Fair 2026 was once again a great opportunity to present our products, have exciting conversations, and at the same time celebrate our 111th anniversary together with the industry.
We are already looking forward to seeing you again. Perhaps at the next trade fair, or simply in a personal conversation.
