4 Internationalization “Companies were looking for further expansion after the crisis of 2008, not only in the Benelux but also beyond. In order to further promote the Precision Fair in Germany, cooperation was established with some German trade organizations and a special Frühstück meeting was organized several times on the second day of the fair. However, the main internationalization was found in CERN, which was not as well known around that time as it is today. As a physicist, it was clear to me that incredibly complex things were needed to make the CERN particle accelerator possible. This was certainly true in terms of precision technology as well. Moreover, CERN spent a great deal of money on technology and engineering. The Dutch government contributes about 50 million euros annually, but relatively little of that flowed back to Dutch companies. After two visits from us, CERN was convinced of the possibilities that the Precision Fair offered them and an extensive delegation was sent to our fair in 2012. This all led to several interesting contacts with companies in the Netherlands. After the Precision Fair, this was continued in working groups held at Mikrocentrum about every 2 months. Since then, more than 50 CERN representatives have been guests at the Precision Fair.” Looking back, Geert Hellings is proud that the challenges around this crucial phase for the Precision Fair were countered - and turned into an advantage. “Now, in 2021, we can still enjoy the consequences. That’s why I am, again, looking forward to an inspiring Precision Fair.” 19
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