SteelFab 2010 ends on an optimistic note

The 6th edition of SteelFab, the Middle East's largest sourcing platform for steel fabrication, metalworking and steel manufacturing sectors, opened on 11 January 2010 with the hope that UAE has weathered the worst financial storm in history and a revival is on the horizon. The event held at ExpoCentre Sharjah gathered a large number of exhibitors from various regions, few of them marking their debutant appearance whereas regulars returning to exhibit this year. Mr. Ahmed Mohammed Al Midfa, Chairman, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomed this year's exhibition on a positive note. "This year's SteelFab is offering manufacturers and distributors a golden opportunity to benefit from the upturn in the regional economies by perfectly timing the market and riding the wave of recovery. With favourable market dynamics ensuring the presence of top decision makers of leading companies and manufacturers, the fair offers huge potential for networking, future joint ventures, and tie-ups." The show this year hosted more than 600 brands spanning over an exhibition area of 18,000 square-metres, featuring Middle East's largest display of machinery, machine tools, welding equipment, supplies, consumables and ancillary equipment used in pre and post treatment of steel. " One needs to carry their prime products, according to the market strategies. Quality products always sell in the market but if warranted, one needs to be very cost effective in order to endure the stiff competition." Mr. Sateesh V. Desai, Senior Sales Manager at German, Gulf Enterprises Ltd Mr. Nipun P. Patel, Director, Patel Furnace & Forging Private Ltd has been exhibiting since 2006. He feels a relative slowdown in visitor traffic this year, vis-?vis the past three years. "We specialise in shot blast machines and air pollution control equipment and spare. All our manufacturing is in India but we export to the rest of the world, UAE and GCC inclusive. However, we place special focus on UAE in terms of awareness since it serves as a hub for the entire GCC belt. A lot of inward visitor traffic from the Gulf countries is expected in Dubai during such exhibitions, precisely why it's important to acknowledge Dubai's role as a regional centre and we remain confident of the country's gradual and organic revival in years to come." Middle East Fuji - providers of Marine Engineering, plant machinery and spare parts, hotel supplies and catering, ship supply, services and logistics management, harboured mixed reviews as they felt that certain product lines were faring well, while others experienced a slight dip. Headquartered in Japan, they are operating their regional office from the Al Quoz industrial area in Dubai, with auxiliary offices in Abu Dhabi and Oman. Exhibiting for the third time, Mr. Amir Siddiqui, Deputy Manager, Sales and Marketing views SteelFab as an excellent opportunity to make lateral alliances. "We have always found this exhibition value for money within the region. Perhaps, this is the best exhibiting set-up for the relevant sectors." He also seemed optimistic about the economy's revival. "There is no reason why Dubai and UAE shouldn't emerge from this turmoil." Pressen Werner Haas exhibited for the first time at SteelFab 2010, with a relatively neutral approach. Headquartered in Germany, Pressen Werner, for 60 years, has been a market veteran in the metalworking industry, supplying high-quality used presses and machines. The company also exports to UAE and other Asian countries. Mr. Mario Kosjerina, Managing Director at Pressen Werner Haas, has joined the exhibition this year to understand the regional markets and perhaps the mindsets of the local manufacturers and customers. "We have come to exhibit our products and services without a strong sales target. We would appreciate finding a few potential clients but ourNike Air Max 2017