JEDDAH — Multi-billion dollar investments in GCC-wide commercial and civil infrastructure projects is having a positive impact on the materials handling sector, as the region's dedicated logistics and warehousing trade show reaches full capacity ahead of its September opening in Dubai. According to industry reports, the Gulf region awarded $86 billion worth of infrastructure projects in 2014, 78 per cent over 2013, with the increased investments fuelling demand for providers of logistics, transportation, materials handling, and supply chain solutions.
The upbeat sentiment is underlined by the industry's biggest names exhibiting at Materials Handling Middle East 2015, which has sold out of exhibition space, and will take place on Sept. 14-16 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Headline companies returning to the biennial three-day event to expand business opportunities include UAE-based powerhouses Kanoo Group, Al Futtaim Motors, General Navigation and Commerce Company (GENAVCO), SPAN Group, and Al-Futtaim Auto & Machinery Company (FAMCO).
“The continued growth in the sector can be not only be attributed to the continued infrastructural development across the region but also to increasing demand for a streamlined supply chain and logistical framework from a growing number of regional businesses,” said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East, organizer of Materials Handling Middle East 2015.
“As the premier trade event in the region for the industry, Materials Handling Middle East provides exhibitors and trade buyers with a dedicated networking platform and unmatched business promotion and development facilities.”
Al Futtaim Motors' Commercial Vehicles division will be at Materials Handling Middle East 2015 to showcase its Hino Trucks and Toyota Material Handling equipment, including Toyota and Raymond Forklifts, and BT Warehouse Equipment.
Vladimir Knezevic, Managing Director of Al Futtaim Motors Commercial Vehicles, said: “Thanks to the wide range of products offered by Hino Motors and Toyota Material Handling, we are able to provide customer tailored solutions for each business segment, and hence our target customers varies from small and medium enterprises, to large distribution companies, from FMCG and logistic companies to construction and governmental institutions.
“We in Al Futtaim Motors are excited to participate at Materials Handling Middle East 2015, one of the most important exhibitions of its type in the UAE and the region. This event is vitally important to our business growth, as it allows us to present a live product demonstration and promote rental and other services to potential business partners from relevant industries.”
Genavco, a leading supplier of high-tech industrial and construction equipment, will also showcase some of the world's leading brands in warehousing equipment, racking and shelving systems, including Crown, JLG, Weiro, and Flexi articulated trucks.
“Instead of providing just a product, we provide a solution to our customers covering their requirement of warehousing equipment, racking and shelving systems,” said Asif Khan, General Manager of the GENAVCO Equipment Business Unit.
“Having a diversified product range improves a dealer's ability to adapt. If one is not doing so well, the others can compensate and fill in those gaps. It makes our overall business more robust in the face of market fluctuations.”
Now in its 8th edition, Materials Handling Middle East 2015 will feature more than 150 brands from 17 countries. While a long list of exhibitors are returning this year, notable international newcomers participating for the first time include Belgian company Alphaplan, Bulmor Industries from Austria, and German warehouse pallet manufacturer CABKA.
Meanwhile, UAE-based Aikah Establishment, a leading distributor of engineering products, is launching Italian brand OMG, which has a wide range of materials handling equipment ranging from warehouse applications to rough terrain applications.
Riaz Ahmed, General Manager of Engineering Products Division at Aikah Establishment for General Trading, said: “We believe that by taking part in this exhibition we would be able to attain new customers while at the same time enhance our brand's presence across the region. Currently we are focusing on the UAE but are looking at expanding our footprint across the GCC.”
Materials Handling Middle East is the wider region's only dedicated trade and networking event for intralogistics, warehousing, supply chain management, freight and cargo.
New features in 2015 include the inaugural Warehousing and Materials Handling Conference, a two-day summit analyzing key growth drivers and restraints, emerging trends and their impact on the regional materials handling industry.
Another highlight is the 1st Materials Handling Middle East Awards, where the industry's heavy weights will be recognized and celebrated among industry peers. — SG
