30.07.2009 Messe Frankfurt opens its new Hall 11 and Portalhaus

After a construction period lasting only two years, today’s opening of the new Hall 11 and Portalhaus will be giving an entirely new look to the western part of the Frankfurt exhibition grounds.

Together with Michael von Zitzewitz, Chairman of the Board of Management of Messe Frankfurt, and Uwe Behm, the member of the Board of Management of Messe Frankfurt responsible for these new structures, Frankfurt Mayor and Chairperson of the Supervisory Board of Messe Frankfurt, Dr. h.c. Petra Roth, officially opened the new complex.

Construction of the shells of these two buildings occupied 250 people over the past two years, while up to 600 tradesmen were involved in completing the interiors and installing the technical facilities. Nearly 8,000 tonnes of structural steel were utilised and more than 35,000 square metres of concrete poured during the construction period. 48 heavy lorries were used to deliver and install the precast units, some of which weighed as much as 110 tonnes. The timber roof structure, which spans 80 metres, is supported by wooden trusses with a total weight of up to 55 tonnes.

The first capacity test will be taking place in September, as BMW will be occupying the new hall for its presentation at IAA, the world's largest car show.