Dubai Woodshow 2008 concludes as exhibitors secure contracts valued at over $150m

Furthermore, the average value of business generated within the show has increased as a result of the increased number of serious buyers, which accounted for 80 percent of the 5,000 trade visitors. In recognition of the overwhelming response, Strategic Marketing & Exhibitions, organizers of the event, have announced a 100% increase in exhibition space for next year's event, with the majority of the exhibitors confirming their presence at the 2009 edition of the show.

'The success of Dubai Woodshow 2008 has further reinforced its position as the definitive event for the wood and woodworking industry in the region through the wide range of products, technologies and brands, which were showcased by the local and international participants,'

said Dawood Al Shezawi, Managing Director, Strategic Marketing & Exhibitions.

'What has driven the growth of the show is the fact that it is increasingly being recognized beyond the region, as evident in the presence of global delegations from Eastern Europe, Middle East, Africa & Asia, and North America among many others, who visited Dubai exclusively for the show. Dubai Woodshow 2008 has been the best in the series in terms of exhibitors, exhibition space, visitor turnout, and in both the number and value of deals clinched by participants, buyers and sellers during the show.'

Among the many successful deals arising from the event was that of Canadian exhibitor SPF Precut Lumber. The company has closed its participation by securing contracts collectively amounting to $25m, one of which involved a $20m deal to deliver Canadian SPF, S4S lumber and cut-to-size pallet-stock to Europe and Middle-East. In addition, the Canada-based manufacturer was also able to meet with several multinational corporations, which has opened up possibilities for potential sales worth $15 to 20m. The company's third participation at the event with the Canadian National Pavilion, whose own presence at the high impact show has tripled over last year and has generated substantial exports sales in the UAE and GCC markets.

'Our strong presence in the Dubai Woodshow 2008 marks our third successful year in this high impact event, which has yet again exceeded its previous achievements. We were very impressed with the level of organisation amidst the enormous number of delegates, which has also resulted in the exceptional exposure we have gathered from customers from the Middle East and South East Asia regions. As we push through with our plans to ship 10,000 to 12,000 cu. meters of wood every month to leverage the booming GCC construction industry, our strategy definitely includes another strong participation at the Dubai Woodshow 2009,' said Muhammad Amir, President, SPF Precut Lumber.

Marking its third consecutive participation was UAE-based manufacturer Alomi Real Wood Flooring, which managed to acquire a $750,000 contract on the first day of the show. The company gathered significant interest for its new Solid Grade A Teak Decking, which was offered at a promotional show price, to a Saudi-based contracting company that ordered a bulk of this product for a construction project in Qatar. In addition to regional customers, the company also successfully marketed its range of British-made wood flooring products to clients from Africa and India.

In addition to the companies, which have exhibited under the national pavilions, other exhibitors have also expressed their contentment of the results of their presence at the show. This includes Forwest Wood Specialities Inc., which has closed regional and international contracts worth $600,000, and other companies such as Cefla Middle East FZE (EUR800,000), Al Areen Industrial Equipment (Dhs5m), Mohd. Hakim Factories Machinery Trading (Dhs2.1m) and Coral S. p. A (EUR500,000).

'The success of the Dubai Woodshow 2008 has been the result of the stronger presence of international wood and wood working companies, which has continuously provided the show with the newest trade techniques, industry knowledge and innovative technologies. We are proud that our aim of providing a highly effective and result-driven platform for leading companies across the globe to showcase their leading-edge products has again been successfully fulfilled this year, as evident in the outstanding value of deals, which have been closed within the event. We wish to extend our heartfelt appreciation to all of the participating companies, and we are definitely looking forward to welcoming them at the 2009 show,' concluded Al Shezawi.

Dubai Woodshow 2008 witnessed its stronger visitor influx to date, recording the attendance of 5000 individuals, from wood and wood machinery buyers to investors and woodworking enthusiasts, marking a 35 per cent increase compared to the 2007 event. Prompted by the outstanding achievements and new records set by the 2008 show, Strategic Marketing & Exhibitions has revealed that it has more ambitious goals for the Dubai Woodshow 2009, which is set to run from April 21 - 23, 2009.