HARDWARE+TOOLS MIDDLE EAST CLOSES ON POSITIVE NOTE
Hardware+Tools Middle East 2010 concluded on a positive note to-day with a number of inquiries from local as well as gulf region based companies.
Hardware+Tools ME is the region’s only dedicated trade exhibition for tools, hardware, materials and machinery and is a permanent fixture on the calendars for industry professionals in the Middle East.
Recognising the vital role played by trade exhibitions in stimulating the economy, this year’s trade fair enjoyed the patronage of H.E. Mo-hammed Bin Abdul Aziz Al Shehi, Director General, UAE Ministry of Economy.
“Hardware+Tools Middle East 2010 is a big success, growing 20% this year from last year. Exhibitors have noted an increase in the quality of visitors this year as the majority work specifically in this specialized sector,” remarked Mr. Ahmed Pauwels, Chief Executive Officer, Epoc Messe Frankfurt GmbH.
He added: “We offer value for money for the trade fairs we provide, and so people continue to bring their business to us.”
At the exhibition Leica Geosystems signed a major regional distribu-tion agreement with a new partner on the second day of the show. Mr. Philipe Matter, Regional Market Director of Leica Geosystems said Swiss Tecnology is featuring their Leica Disto IP65 at the Hard-ware+Tools show.
“This product can take a two metre drop and is waterproof. What we are aiming with this product is to replace the measuring tape and the need of a second man who holds the other end of the tape.”
Leica Geosystems showcased their full range of products which as-sist professionals to help them capture, analyse and present spatial information. Their range of products are renowned to capture accu-rately, model quickly, anslyse easily, and visualize and present spatial information.
Philippe Matter commented: “This show is really good as it reaches into the MEA markets. In particular it gives us access to very good contacts to possible new distributors in Eastern Africa. People re-member us each year from the exhibition. We’ve a lot whom have bought from us before and are now coming back for more because they know about quality. Events such as Hardware+Tools Middle East are our only access to the end user so it is a very important event for collecting client feedback.”
Hani Arwani of Arwani Trading, one of the companies with a big pres-ence at the trade show said his company is introducing stud welding at the show in the demo area. “We are the only company that has stud welding in this exhibition.”
Mr. Arwani said his company had received a lot of trade inquiries dur-ing the three days of the show. When asked if there are signs of re-covery in the stalled construction industry, he said: “We have seen a lot of improvement during the last six months in this sector. This year will be an OK year for us.”
A number of exhibitors displayed an extensive line of safety accesso-ries for use in the construction industry.
One of the major exhibitors commented that there are positive indica-tions of an upturn in Dubai’s economy judging from heightened activ-ity in their company’s projects database. “If results from the first and second quarter is what we expect, this is going to be a good year for us,” said Toufic Mansoor, Regional Business Development Manager of Bosch.
Bosch is exhibiting a wide range of products in the professional, DIY, lawn and garden equipment and accessories this year. Mr. Toufic said their focus segments this year are SDS hammers, combo mitre and desktop saws, bench tops and cordless equipment. They are al-so displaying the Skil and Dremel range of DIY products for hobbyists and enthusiasts.
Zhong Yinbao, General Manager of Hangzhou Tle Tools Co. LTD from Shenjiang, China displayed a range of safety harnesses as well as a wide range of hardware and tools.
The Great Taiwan Material Handling Company which displayed a range of industrial trolleys which could carry a weight from 250 kg to shopping trolleys with a capacity of 70 kg was a big hit with visitors.
Interest in hardware and tools equipment has recently increased with the positive effects of a recovering construction industry. Research has shown that a total value of around US $900 billion-worth is under construction or in bidding in the UAE. Saudi Arabia and Qatar as well as the other GCC countries also have strategic infrastructure projects planned.
