The Metalworking & CNC Machine Tool Show, known as MWCS in the industry, is a chance for exhibitors to realize their ambitions in the Chinese machine tools market, said organizers.

As one of the core shows of the 2012 China International Industrial Fair, which opened on Tuesday in Shanghai, MWCS focuses on professional, international and brand-oriented development within the metal processing industry by exhibiting only high-end and cutting-edge industrial equipment and technology.

It aims to "provide corporate buyers, manufacturers, and all relevant participants from around world an open place for marketing, trading, brand building and knowledge exchange", organizers said.

Despite the dual pressures of declining market demand and an industry that is undergoing a costly restructuring, this year's MWCS has increased its scale to a floor space of 50,000 square meters. One of the pavilions, focusing on metal formation, will cover more than 30,000 sq m.

More than 500 exhibitors representing leading global companies in the industry have been attracted to the five-day event and will showcase their products, solutions and the latest technologies.

The annual MWCS is regarded one of the best platforms for global brands to be introduced to the Chinese market. This year, many international giants will promote their most competitive products, some of which will make their global debut, including the P4XE metal bending machine from Salvagnini and TruPunch 3000 from Trumpf.

Perennial favorites Trumpf and Amada will expand their booth to more than 300 sq m each. And there are also newcomers, such as LVD, IPG, Coherent and Technocut.

The Sheet Metal Working Meeting also opens today. Its purpose is to provide opportunities for exchanges among companies and professionals from around the world.

The three-day international technical summit, organized by Hannover Milano Fairs Shanghai Ltd, is the first one of its kind in the nation, and its themes cover the full industry chain, including lasers, metal bending, punching, computerized numerical control, welding, surface treatment and materials.

There are also plans to establish a buyers club. The organizers have invited sheet materials processing companies in different submarkets. More than 1,500 people from more than 200 Chinese companies had registered by March.

The registered buyers come from many application industries, such as medical equipment, locomotive manufacturing, elevators, shell of telecommunication devices and power transmission networks.