Materials Handling Exhibition & Conference attracts biggest names from global industry

The exhibition is expected to have a great significance for the region in view of the several mega projects and airport expansions taking place across the Gulf, and more specifically in Dubai, greatly fuelling the demand for better logistics solutions.

"The accelerated pace of development reflected in huge construction and airport expansion products across the Gulf has prompted major global operators to participate in this year's Materials Handling Exhibition and Conference," said Michael El Nayal, Managing Partner, EPOC Messe Frankfurt. "The sheer diversity of exhibitors means that a wider range of products and equipment will be on display, providing an opportunity to thousands of niche visitors to catch up with materials handling technology at the show."

The range of products being exhibited at the show, including electronic forklift trucks, electric counterbalance lift trucks, conveyor systems, warehousing equipment, automated retrieval systems for pharmaceutical products, cranes, girder segment lifting hoists, wire rope winches, tractor trailers, delivery vans and numerous handling and storage products.

"The booming cargo, freight forwarding and construction sector has created a massive demand for materials handling equipment, drawing the world's biggest specialists to the show," said Geoff Dickinson, Managing Partner, EPOC Messe Frankfurt. "As the third most important re-export center after Hong Kong and Singapore, Dubai continues to lead the growth because of its strategic location that brings over 100 international shipping lines to its two ports, with a 16 per cent annual growth. The UD$200 million development of the Dubai Cargo Village and the US$650 million project for the third airport terminal are expected to considerably increase the demand for materials handling equipment."

"The construction sector in Dubai is poised for a quantum leap with projects like Dubai Marine, The Palm, Emirates Hills, the Lakes, hotels and shopping malls. Dubai's major building projects, including over US$ 1 billion to be spend on ports, airports and free zones, are expected to top US$ 30 billion in the next few years," added Dickinson.

In view of the expanding construction and redevelopment activity in the region, the exhibition is set to attract niche visitors from various industries as it has positioned itself as the central regional platform to showcase the best and the latest in materials handling.

"Companies looking for a competitive edge will visit the exhibition for taking a closer look at the newer solutions available and study their applications to their area of business," said El Nayal. "Technology is changing the conventional methods of materials handling, with a higher degree of automation and advanced technology contributing to higher production and better operator comfort. The Materials Handling Exhibition 2003 will provide them an opportunity to network with some of the world's best manufacturers of materials handling equipment and establish business contacts to bring mutual rewards."

The Materials Handling Exhibition & Conference is being held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Department of Civil Aviation and Chairman of Emirates airline, and organized by EPOC Messe Frankfurt, the Middle Eastern venture of the world's third largest trade fair organizer. It is supported by the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation, Dubai Ports Authority, UAE Contractors Association and Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

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