6th edition SteelFab to kick off next January

SteelFab 2010, the region's premier trade show for the metal-working, metal-manufacturing and steel fabrication industry, is scheduled to be held from January 11 to 14 next year at Expo Centre Sharjah.

"SteelFab 2010 offers manufacturers and distributors a golden opportunity to benefit from the upturn in the regional economies. The coming edition of the show will help exhibitors perfectly time the market, enabling them to ride the wave of recovery,"

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

"The very worst of supply cuts and de-stocking measures appear to be over as inventories are being used up by continuing infrastructure projects. These projects -- such as infrastructure, oil & gas, and construction -- are now expected to generate demand for metal-working, metal-manufacturing and steel fabrication equipment and products," said Mr Midfa.

During the previous edition too, non-reliance on real estate projects had worked in favour of the show. The expanded product profile was also a big draw for visitors. It introduced latest high-tech equipment like automatic beam welding lines, resistance welding machines and laser punching machines.

"The coming months will see relative improvements, particularly with regard to access to financing, liquidity and receipts by companies and operating expenses,"

said Mr Fasahat Ali Khan, Advisor to the Chairman and Board of Directors of Expo Centre Sharjah.

"Demand for locally produced steel has increased since the government reintroduced the 5% customs duty on steel. This means there are several benefits for those in the industry. There won't be any waiting period, as in the case of imported steel. Another plus point is flexibility -- local mills can produce steel according to the specifications of the fabrication industry. And most importantly, there is less volatility in steel prices," Mr Khan added.

Recognising their significance to the industry, a special area for the display of CNC metal-cutting machine tools was set up last time.

Precision-cut products and equipment being widely used today, the area was well visited and saw some good business deals and this segment will continue to be a special focus under the banner of Machine Tools Middle East.

"Tube & Pipe Machinery" will be another special focus segment at SteelFab 2010 and will benefit from special visitor promotions to bring in target visitor groups from the process, oil & gas, ship-building, MEP, pipelines and other pipe & tube user industries.

Preparations are on to better develop these special focus areas for the coming edition and new launches will be part of this initiative.

Though SteelFab 2009 timed with the global financial meltdown, the show was able to generate interest in the industry and was termed a success on the back of the number of trade visitors (6,463) and deals struck during the show.

There were queries about the next edition of SteelFab even before the show ended, with majority of the exhibitors expressing their willingness to participate again in the forthcoming editions of the

show. The number of enquiries has increased of late and this reflects the change in economic trends and confidence returning to the manufacturing sector.

Prospective exhibitors are of the belief that demand will pick up by the third quarter or the fourth quarter of this year and taking part in the next edition of SteelFab in January next year will be ideal for them to cash in on this upturn.

Being the regional trade show for metal-forming & welding, the regional industry also sees the show as a best platform for sourcing and networking opportunities.

SteelFab 2009 hosted more than 600 brands in a total exhibition area of 18,000 square metres, featuring the Middle East's largest display of machinery, machine tools, welding equipment, supplies, consumables and ancillary equipment used in the pre- and post-treatment of steel.

Exhibitors were leading manufacturers from Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan (ROC), Turkey, the UAE, the UK and the US.

Apart from the regular exhibitors, enquiries have also come from several new countries and new companies that are keen to explore the regional markets. Most of these companies are looking to rely less on stagnant markets and instead focus on areas that offer better opportunities.

"Compared to their home markets, the Middle East is still a vibrant market for them. This is visible from the increase in international participation last time, which is set to improve for the coming show," said Mr Khan.

A total of 35 Italian firms took part in the previous show, a 40% rise in the number of exhibitors from the year before.

The Italian exhibitors participated under the umbrella of UCIMU-Sistemi Per Produrre -- the association of Italian manufacturers of machine tools, robots, automation systems and ancillary products.

The number of Italian exhibitors is likely to go up this time.

Bayern International has confirmed the participation of the Bavarian Pavilion, indicating continued interest from this region of Germany.

As in the past, product presentations and seminars will he organised alongside the show are expected to invite good attendance.

SteelFab 2010 will be organised by Expo Centre Sharjah with the support from the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.