Constructing a 4675 sqm exhibition space for Kobelco

As global leaders in excavation machinery, Kobelco are committed to innovation. Their fleet of over 50 specialist machines range from excavators to cranes. Trade shows are a key part of Kobelco’s calendar, and in 2022 the company exhibited at construction and raw materials management shows in Lillestrøm and Munich.

For leading construction machinery trade fair Bauma, however, Kobelco opted for a bolder, grander stand. Partnering with EPM, we designed and built a staggering 4,675 sqm exhibition space - larger than the area of three Olympic-sized swimming pools.

While the space has taken 10 months to design and plan, the assembly took place over five weeks. The substantial size of the space means that 25 of Kobelco's specialist machinery were displayed on site, weighing over 600 metric tons. The collection includes the premiere of new model generations and specialist machinery for road construction, demolition, recycling and more.

Excitingly, the space also included a world-first at Bauma: placing a 21-ton excavator within a purpose-built double-decker building structure. We sited the machine and built the structure around it, while also incorporating a 150-cover fully operational VIP restaurant. Two fully equipped kitchens and an outdoor walk-in refrigeration unit for cold food storage will support the restaurant.

There was also an outside bar area and two shops on site for fans of Kobelco to purchase branded merchandise.