Russia’s logistics and warehousing industry is in a state of rapid transformation. Driven by the explosive growth of e-commerce, the modernization of retail supply chains, and a strategic government push for import substitution, the demand for modern handling equipment—from forklifts and pallet racks to autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and warehouse management systems (WMS)—has never been higher.
For international manufacturers and suppliers of material handling equipment, Russia’s specialized trade shows offer the most direct and efficient route to a market actively seeking new technologies and partners. Here is your comprehensive guide to the most significant handling equipment industry events in Russia.
SkladTech: The Specialized Handling & Automation Powerhouse
SkladTech (Warehouse Equipment, Automation Systems and Solutions Exhibition) is the premier event in Russia specifically dedicated to advanced warehouse equipment and technologies. Held annually at the Crocus Expo IEC in Moscow, this specialized exposition has rapidly become the essential meeting point for the handling equipment industry.
Why It Matters: SkladTech is strategically co-located with TransRussia, the largest transport and logistics exhibition in Russia and the CIS. This synergy provides exhibitors with access to a massive pool of highly qualified buyers—TransRussia attracts over 20,000 independent visitors and 550+ exhibitors, many of whom are directly responsible for warehouse procurement decisions. In fact, an estimated 76% of SkladTech visitors are decision-makers actively seeking new suppliers, and 72% plan to make purchasing decisions after the show.
Key Features for 2026:
- ROBO ARENA: A brand-new interactive showcase for warehouse robotics and automation. Partners include FIRST, Yandex Robotics, and KUKA. Visitors can witness robotic systems operating in a live warehouse simulation, demonstrating real-world solutions for order fulfillment, inventory management, and labor optimization.
- Intralogistics Management Conference: The 6th annual conference on warehouse development, logistics management, and best practices for process and personnel management.
- Green Logistics Zone: A dedicated area focusing on sustainable warehouse solutions, including biodegradable packaging, solar-powered storage systems, and energy-efficient equipment—responding directly to Russian government initiatives.
Product Focus:
- Lifting & Transporting Equipment: Forklifts, reach trucks, stackers, pallet jacks, cranes, winches, conveyors, and component parts
- Warehousing & Shelving Systems: Pallet racks, mobile shelving, mezzanines, and automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS)
- Warehouse Automation & Robotics: AGVs, AMRs, robotic picking arms, automated conveyor systems, and sorting equipment
- Packaging & Order Picking: Transport packaging, stretch wrappers, labeling systems, and measuring equipment
- IT & Control Systems: WMS, WCS, SCM software, inventory management systems, and warehouse control platforms
- Service & Engineering: Warehouse lighting, HVAC, cleaning equipment, safety systems, and maintenance solutions
Key Exhibitors (2026): ASIA MH, AURORA FORKLIFT, Comitas, EME, FIRST, INTEKEY, MEFERI, Octron, POScenter, Ai-Plast, DiPOS, OZ Mikron, Trakresurs-Region, and many others.
- Dates: March 17-19, 2026 (Next edition: March 16-18, 2027)
- Venue: Crocus Expo IEC, Pavilion 3, Hall 13, Moscow
- Frequency: Annual (5th edition in 2026)
CeMAT Russia: The Global Intralogistics Leader
CeMAT Russia is the Russian edition of the world-renowned CeMAT brand, the leading international exhibition for intralogistics and material handling. Now in its 16th edition, CeMAT Russia is the largest and most established event in the country dedicated to warehouse equipment, automation, and robotics for warehouse and production logistics.
Scale and Reach (2025 Statistics):
- 240 participating companies from 9 countries
- 20,000 square meters of exhibition space
- 10,007 professional visitors from 78 Russian regions and neighboring countries
- 45 business program events with 190 expert speakers
Why It Matters: CeMAT Russia is independently audited and UFI-certified, guaranteeing a high-quality professional audience. The event covers the entire spectrum of handling equipment, from basic forklifts to advanced robotics and IT solutions. It is particularly strong in production logistics, making it essential for manufacturing companies looking to optimize their internal material flows.
Product Focus:
- Storage Systems: All types of racking, shelving, and automated storage modules
- Material Handling Equipment: Forklifts (counterbalance, reach, pedestrian), pallet trucks, stackers, conveyors, lifting platforms, and cranes
- Automation & Robotics: AMRs (autonomous mobile robots), AGVs, shuttle systems, robotic sorting lines, and conveyor technology
- IT Solutions: WMS, WCS, TMS, ERP for warehouse and production logistics
- Packaging & Transport Logistics: Palletizers, stretch-wrapping machines, industrial containers, pallets, and transport packaging
- Identification & Labeling: Handheld terminals, barcode scanners, RFID tags, and marking systems
- Service Equipment: Industrial cleaning machines, safety barriers, fire protection systems, and access control
- Logistics Services: Consulting, audits, system integration, and third-party logistics
- Dates: September 15-17, 2026
- Venue: Crocus Expo IEC, Moscow
- Frequency: Annual (16th edition in 2026)
TransRussia: The Logistics Giant (Co-located with SkladTech)
While TransRussia is primarily a logistics and freight transport exhibition, it is inseparable from the handling equipment conversation because it hosts SkladTech within its halls. As the largest logistics exhibition in Russia, TransRussia celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026 and features over 550 participants.
Why It Matters for Handling Equipment Suppliers: Exhibiting at SkladTech within TransRussia means your material handling solutions are presented directly to logistics directors, supply chain managers, and transport companies—the very professionals who specify, purchase, and operate warehouse equipment.
Key Features:
- League of Champions: A new award program recognizing excellence in logistics innovation, including categories such as “Cyber Champion of the Year” and “Eco Champion of the Year”
- Networking Events: Multiple opportunities for B2B meetings and industry connections
- Dates: March 17-19, 2026 (Next edition: March 16-18, 2027)
- Venue: Crocus Expo IEC, Moscow
- Frequency: Annual
At a Glance: 2026-2027 Handling Equipment Events in Russia
| Event Name | Dates | Venue | Key Focus | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SkladTech | March 16-18, 2027 | Crocus Expo, Moscow | Warehouse equipment, automation, robotics | Co-located with TransRussia; ROBO ARENA live demos |
| TransRussia | March 16-18, 2027 | Crocus Expo, Moscow | Logistics & freight transport | 30th anniversary; hosts SkladTech |
| CeMAT Russia | September 15-17, 2026 | Crocus Expo, Moscow | Full intralogistics spectrum | Largest dedicated handling equipment show |
Why the Russian Handling Equipment Market Matters Now
The Russian handling equipment market is undergoing a fundamental shift that creates significant opportunities for international suppliers.
1. The E-Commerce Boom
Russia’s e-commerce market has grown exponentially, with major players like Wildberries and Ozon expanding their fulfillment networks. This has created urgent demand for warehouse automation, conveyor systems, and high-density storage solutions.
2. Import Substitution is Accelerating
With many Western handling equipment brands having reduced their presence, Russian buyers are actively seeking new suppliers from China, Turkey, India, and other countries. Companies like ASIA MH, AURORA FORKLIFT, and other Asian manufacturers are already exhibiting at SkladTech.
3. Government Modernization Programs
The Russian government has announced a $2.5 billion warehouse network modernization plan, creating a pipeline of large-scale projects requiring everything from basic pallet racks to fully automated AS/RS systems.
4. The Automation Imperative
Labor shortages in Russia’s logistics sector are driving rapid adoption of automation. Exhibitions like SkladTech and CeMAT Russia now feature dedicated robotics zones, with live demonstrations of AMRs, automated picking systems, and robotic sorting lines.
5. The Crocus Expo Advantage
Both major handling equipment events are held at the Crocus Expo International Exhibition Centre in Moscow. As one of the largest and most modern exhibition complexes in Eastern Europe, it offers world-class facilities, excellent transport links, and the benefit of co-location with complementary logistics and transport events.
Practical Tips for Exhibitors and Visitors
For Exhibitors:
- Book early: Space at SkladTech and CeMAT Russia is limited, and demand is high from Asian manufacturers.
- Focus on demonstrations: Russian buyers want to see equipment in action. The ROBO ARENA at SkladTech and live equipment displays at CeMAT Russia are major draws.
- Prepare for the extreme: Russia’s climate requires handling equipment designed for cold storage and outdoor operations in sub-zero temperatures.
For Visitors:
- Register in advance: Use promo codes (e.g., CROCUS for SkladTech/TransRussia) for free admission.
- Plan your time: Both events offer extensive business programs with conferences, forums, and networking sessions.
- Bring an interpreter: While many Russian logistics professionals speak English, having a technical interpreter facilitates deeper negotiations.
For international manufacturers and distributors of forklifts, pallet racks, conveyor systems, warehouse robots, and automation solutions, Russia’s handling equipment trade shows are the most direct and effective route to market. Whether you choose the specialized, automation-focused environment of SkladTech in March or the comprehensive, globally-branded platform of CeMAT Russia in September, the opportunities are substantial.
The warehouses of Russia are being rebuilt for the 21st century. The equipment is needed. The buyers are actively searching. Mark your calendars for Crocus Expo—the Russian handling equipment market is open for business.
