Cutting edge air conditioning product innovations to feature at The Big 5 2007

One of the most essential components of any new construction project in the Middle East, Air Conditioning is becoming ever more sophisticated as systems that do much more than just cool and circulate air are developed.

With over three decades of product innovation behind them, Switzerland-based Belimo is one of the global giants that will be exhibiting at the event, which is a comprehensive showcase for the global and regional construction industry, and one of the largest exhibitions of its kind anywhere in the world.

With over 1,000 employees in over 70 countries (including a recently opened Dubai sales office) and 2006 net sales that increased by 16% to over US$ 278 million, Belimo develops, manufactures and distributes electric actuators for air dampers and valve technology for heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC).

"This is our second year at The Big 5 - due to the success we experienced in 2006, our stand is 50% bigger this year," said Hassaneen Al-Abdul Wahid, Managing Director of Belimo Automation FZE, Dubai. "The show is very important to us - we generated many useful leads last year, and these were very beneficial during the launch of our Dubai sales office in January 2007. This year we will be looking to expand penetration of important growth markets, including the UAE, Qatar, KSA & Kuwait."

Using their considerable international expertise in the HVAC field, Belimo develops and designs products that cut operational costs and increase safety in addition to providing dramatically improved working environments.

At The Big 5 2007, the company will show a number of new products, among which is their brand new fan optimiser, which controls fans based on demand. This means that supply pressure regulation (presently the standard method) can be dispensed with and fan energy consumption cut by as much as 50%, while user convenience is increased.

Building safety is another vital component of any project, and Belimo's latest Fire Protection System - Monico - monitors and controls up to 8 fire damper actuators and up to 14 slave controllers (with 8 fire dampers each), effectively drawing smoke out of the rooms within a building in the event of a fire, preventing fire and smoke from spreading and thus increasing the time that is available for evacuation of occupants. A full demonstration of this potentially life-saving product will be made throughout The Big 5.

Another Belimo product range that will be on display, the Q-Series Actuators, open and close air dampers as well as valves within the HVAC system in a matter of seconds to improve the working atmosphere immediately and speed up the supply of fresh air to production facilities, laboratories and other sensitive areas.

"We have achieved a lot as a company in the last year," said Al-Abdul Wahid. "In addition to opening our Dubai office, we also assembled our 30 millionth actuator - now we're looking forward to another highly successful Big 5 exhibition, which will set the scene for further regional expansion."

Internationally acknowledged as the event that companies have to be at if they want to maximise their business opportunities in the region, The Big 5 covers every construction industry product sector, including air conditioning and refrigeration, water technology and the environment, marble, stone and ceramics and a totally comprehensive range of products and services related to building and construction.

"There was huge demand for exhibition space once again this year," said Bernard Walsh of dmg World Media Dubai, the organisers of the event. "2007's Big 5 will feature the key international and regional players, both manufacturers and importers, along with the very latest product innovations that are key to he continued efficiency of the regional industry."

The global significance of The Big 5 has continued to increase as the region's importance to the international construction industry expands at a dramatic rate. "The Big 5's success is based on its unique combination of all of the key sectors under one roof, making it a vital sourcing point for the region's key decision makers," said Walsh. "Exhibitors recognise that as well as attracting orders during the show, they can also make invaluable long-term contacts that will help grow their business throughout the Middle East and beyond."

The Big 5 takes place at Dubai International Exhibition Centre from 25-29 November 2007.