STEELFAB 2012: Opens opportunities to steel sector

Economic growth, albeit slow, is gaining momentum as infrastructure projects circling core industries are materialising. The eighth edition of SteelFab – the region’s premier steel fabrication show - boosted similar confidence as it took off to a flying start on January 9, 2012 at the Expo Centre Sharjah.

“Strong crude prices have prompted regional oil-producers to plough back a big chunk of their crude revenues into their oil and gas projects, including capacity expansion and development of production, exploration, refining, gas liquefaction and petrochemicals, and this offers good opportunities to the steel fabrication sector,” said Ahmed Mohammed Al Midfa, Chairman, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

He added, “The manufacturing sector, which is one of the largest contributors to the UAE GDP, the construction and aviation sectors and other major road, tourism and housing projects are also offering excellent growth prospects for the industry.”

Running over four days and occupying 16,000 square-metres of display space, SteelFab 2012 – the largest of its kind in the region - featured 216 direct exhibitors from over 26 countries with more than 200 brands. It showcased a gamut of machinery and equipment; welding and cutting, surface preparation and finishing, grinding and cutting, machinery and other allied engineering disciplines.

On its opening day, the exhibition welcomed nearly 3,350 visitors, a strong surge of 35% vis-à-vis the turnout in 2011. The show not only witnessed the announcements of new distribution arrangements and international tie-ups but also saw strong support from its foreign partners. It was supported by UCIMU - Sistemi per Produrre (the Association of Italian Manufacturers of Machine Tools, Robots, Automation Systems and ancillary products).

While regulars like Rockwood International and Kahrl & Wiemann graced the show, the event also welcomed newcomers.

“SteelFab is known in the region for introducing new machinery and equipment to the industry. SteelFab 2012 too has brought together an impressive line-up of new products and equipment from brand-new exhibitors and manufacturers from across the world, be it from South Korea in the East to Holland in the West,” said Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, Director-General, Expo Centre Sharjah.

“The exhibit profile of SteelFab is so extensive that one can build a complete steNike Air Max 97