SteelFab to host 40 Italian firms, show offers unique chance to share Italian expertise

A total of 40 Italian firms have already registered for the show, a considerable increase in the number of Italian exhibitors in comparison to the previous year's figure of 25. The number is likely to go up further since Expo Centre Sharjah has been receiving enquiries from prospective exhibitors even now.

SteelFab is the Middle East's largest trade show for the metal-working, metal-manufacturing and steel fabrication industry and will be held at Expo Centre Sharjah from January 19 to 22, 2009. The fifth edition of SteelFab will feature more than 250 exhibitors and nearly 600 brands, with a total exhibition area of 18,000 square metres.

Many of the Italian exhibitors will be taking part in the show under the umbrella of UCIMU-Sistemi Per Produrre, the association of Italian manufacturers of machine tools, robots, automation systems and ancillary products.

Enjoying the third position in the world as a manufacturer and as an exporter, the Italian machine tool, robot, and automation industry has certain features that distinguish it from the industries of other countries.

In addition to quality, flexibility, reliability and customisation, Italian companies have a unique policy of sharing technology. Consequently, they present themselves on world markets with an approach marked by readiness for dialogue and co-operation.

"The Italian firms offer the regional steel working industry a good opportunity to source top-of-the range machinery and tools,"

said Mr Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, Director-General of Expo Centre Sharjah.

"With most of the construction and developmental projects being on schedule here, the demand from the steel fabrication industry for machinery, machine tools, welding equipment, supplies and consumables used in pre-treatment and post-treatment of steel and ancillary equipment will be high," said Mr Midfa.

"In this scenario, the Italian firms have enough potential to attract a large number of visitors to the show. Through their participation the Italian firms also get an opportunity to promote and increase the presence of their branches and agencies in our region," added Mr Midfa.

Promos, the agency of the Milan Chamber of Commerce to promote the development of international activities of small and medium-size enterprises in Lombardy, in co-operation with UCIMU, will organise the collective participation of 18 of these Italian companies from the Lombardy region to SteelFab.

"This is an unparalleled opportunity for the regional steel fabrication industry to share expertise with Italian firms famed for their technological know-how," said Mr Fasahat Ali Khan, Advisor to the Chairman and Board of Directors of Expo Centre, Sharjah.

"Italian firms will have a prominent presence this time. The considerable increase in the number of Italian exhibitors reinforces the popularity of the show and the good response generated from the previous shows,"added Mr Khan.

In 2007, the UAE was the top importer (25.1%, and followed by Saudi Arabia 16.7%) within the Middle East from the Lombardy region. The Lombardy region occupies a special place in Italy's industrial sector. Most of Italian manufacturers in the field of metal working and machine tools are located in Lombardy (46.3% of the total) and represents 38.3% of the national turnover. In 2007, the region witnessed an increase of 12.1% in its exports.

Some of the major Italian exhibitors include Somo Produzione, Davi-Promau, Waterjet, Rolleri, Faspar, Faccin, Gimec, Garboli, Sacit, Trafimet, Itexa, Parmigiani Macchine, GBC Industrial Tools, Mossini, Ficep, Sacma Macchine Per Lamiera, Crippa, GM Gruppo Maccabeo, Roditor & Philadelphia, Conte Metal Mec, CPM Storage, Gasparini, Echo Engineering, Millutensil, Sirio, F.illi Consiglio, FMB, Discotel Sisal, Moretti, RCM, Omag, CSM and Colgar, among others.

Apart from Italy, SteelFab will see participation from manufacturers from all over the manufacturing world. Germany will have the next impressive presence, with a total of 18 direct exhibitors, including a pavilion from the region of Bavaria, organized by Bayern International.

SteelFab 2009 is organised by Expo Centre Sharjah with the support of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.