Steel Fab 2014 promises regional prosperity

Expo Centre Sharjah hosted the SteelFab exhibition this January from 20 to 23 expecting double-digit growth in footfalls in an event that caters to the metalworking, metal manufacturing and steel fabrication industry in the region. Fortunately, due to the growing regional economy and positive sentiment in the core sector owed to the winning bid to host the World Expo 2020, SteelFab 2014 recorded a massive 23.65 percent rise in visitors in this tenth edition of the show. The show attracted 9,022 trade visitors over its four day run.

“The interest in the show was so high that the second day saw a rise of 44% in visitor footfalls. I believe that apart from the positive market sentiment, the expansion of the show by adding three new segments -- Steel-Tech, Fabricators Pavilion and Steel Showcase – has played a key role in making the show much more attractive for the regional fabrication industry,” said Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre told International Metalworking News - Middle E East & Africa.

Almost 300 direct exhibitors (296) took part representing over 700 international manufacturers’ brands. A 50% surge in exhibition space and 25% surge in exhibitor figures were noted during the event. The foreign bodies that supported SteelFab include UcimuSistemiPerProdurre - Association Of Italian Manufacturers of Machine Tools, Robots, Automation Systems and Ancillary Products; Association of the German Trade Fair Industry (AUMA); German Engineering Federation (VDMA); and Machinery Trade International (MTI).

Repeat exhibitors like Rockwood International LLC vouched for the event’s significance, hence marking their 8th participation, being associated with the event since 2007. The company has grown with Steelfab, from an 18 sqm booth in 2007 to 165 sqm space in 2014.

“The show has been better than the previous editions. One main reason we feel is the return of investor confidence in the GCC market considering the projects announced & expected in relation to various global events lined up like Expo 2020 in Dubai, the 2022 world cup in Doha and the large amount of construction works happening in Saudi & also in Oman. These projects and expansions are bringing in large amounts of work to the market which in turn needs not just the right people but also the right machines. And this is where we as machinery & automation people benefited,” said Sales Manager. Basanth Raghavan, Rockwood International LLC.

Raghavan confirmed that Rockwood International had three booths at Steelfab to focus on three major applications of the industry. All the booths witnessed record turnouts this year which is one reason why the company considers the show a perfect launchpad for the New Year.

“We always try to bring in new innovative technologies into the market which can get the job done in a better and faster way. This year we had some patented technologies for marking from Germany and also most advanced folding technology for sheet metal industry. These kinds of products help us in bringing in and impressing our visitors leaving a very positive feedback,” Raghavan added.

Other repeat exhibitors shared similar enthusiasm regarding the growth prospects of the region and the role Steelfab plays. Anas Al Marie, Business Development Manager, MENA at KALTENBACH Middle East FZE confirmed the company’s long association with Steelfab. KBodega