Welland Mayor Frank Jones is heading to Germany next month to attend the prestigious Hannover Fair, where he hopes to forge new trade partnerships for the Canadian city. The mayor will be joined by a small delegation of city officials focused on enhancing Welland’s global business connections.
Welland seeks global connections as Mayor Jones leads delegation to Germany’s renowned Hannover Fair.
The Hannover Fair ranks among the world’s largest trade exhibitions, drawing industry leaders and government representatives from across the globe each year. Mayor Jones sees this as a prime opportunity to put Welland on the international map for investment and collaboration.
“We’re looking to attract companies interested in our manufacturing capacity,” said Jones in a statement released yesterday. The delegation plans to highlight Welland’s strategic location and skilled workforce to potential European partners.
The Fair is known for showcasing cutting-edge industrial technologies including artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, and advanced manufacturing processes. Welland officials plan to explore these innovations for potential adoption in local industries.
German-Canadian business relations will be a key focus for the Welland team. They’ve arranged meetings with several German companies that specialize in Industrie 4.0 technologies, which involve smart manufacturing and data exchange in industrial environments.
“Our goal isn’t just to attract investment but also to learn from global leaders in industrial digitization,” explained Economic Development Officer Sarah Chen, who will accompany the mayor. The mayor’s team is particularly interested in Europe’s approach to data sovereignty and interoperability across supply chains.
The 2025 Fair will emphasize digital twin technology, AI implementation, and sustainable manufacturing—all areas where Welland hopes to develop expertise. The city’s delegation has a packed schedule of presentations and networking events during the five-day exhibition.
Competition for attention at the Fair will be fierce, with thousands of exhibitors from over 70 countries. However, Jones remains confident that Welland’s unique selling points will generate interest.
Upon their return, the delegation plans to host information sessions for local businesses to share insights and potential partnership opportunities discovered at the Fair. The city has allocated $45,000 for the trade mission, which officials expect will yield substantial long-term economic benefits for the region.
Trade missions like this reflect how smaller cities are stepping confidently onto the global stage. Welland’s approach combines local strengths with international ambition to open new doors for business. Track more regional economic initiatives and partnerships at Marketplace Niagara.
