The region's only networking and business gathering of the materials handling, supply chain, logistics and transport industries, Materials Handling Middle East 2011, enjoyed a successful edition at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre recently. The trade event showcased 151 leading brands from 17 countries and welcomed 2,941 trade visitors from 55 countries.

Dubai is firmly established as a leading logistics and trade hub which sees significant investments in the import, export and re-export of goods. The large quantity of goods coming into and leaving the city offers an array of opportunities for logistics and materials handling suppliers, which was reflected at Materials Handling Middle East held in Dubai in September.

A diverse mix of buyers and other trade professionals accounted for the majority of the near 3,000 trade visitors at the exhibition. Logistics companies, wholesalers and retailers, government organisations, commercial end users, professionals from ports and airlines and manufacturers were amongst some of the noted visitors looking to do business amongst the 151 leading brands that showcased their products and services. Exhibitors reported a large number of new deals, firming up of prospective leads and many new business enquiries.

"Materials Handling Middle East is a niche event, serving the needs of manufacturers and service providers within this diverse sector," said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Epoc Messe Frankfurt. "The growing importance of emerging technology in shaping the materials handling sector was highlighted at the event and exhibitors and visitors took full advantage of the networking opportunities afforded to them by the exhibition platform."

This year Materials Handling Middle East saw great interest particularly in the areas of lifting technologies, storage and warehousing solutions, motive power solutions, flooring and packaging. The show was held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman Dubai Airports, President, Dubai Department of Civil Aviation and Chairman and CEO, Emirates. It also enjoyed the support of Eternity Technologies, SPAN and Famco.

Exhibitors were pleased with the outcome of the show and received considerable interest in their products and services over the three days of the event.

David Dronfield, General Manager, UAE, for Storage & Handling Solutions Division at Al Futtaim Auto & Machinery Co. LLC, said: "The turnout of both participants and visitors to the 2011 Materials Handling Exhibition are testament to the turnaround in the Logistics industry. Visitors to the show expressed genuine appreciation to be able to meet suppliers and discuss their requirements. The Messe Frankfurt show provided the ideal platform to facilitate the two way exchange required to instigate the projects currently in progress and those planned for 2012 and beyond"

Mr. Isam Abu Nabah, President of Genavco, said: "We are pleased to participate in Materials Handling Middle East, which is the only trade exhibition in this region for the logistics, materials handling, warehousing, supply chain, freight and cargo industries."

Also commenting on the quality of trade visitors to the event, Mr. Stewart Arbuckle, Managing Director, Loc 8, said: "We had a good mix of customers approach our stand with more quality than quantity which is what we are looking for. Exhibiting gives us the chance to attract audiences who are decision makers and buyers in the region."
Mr. Harvey Ellis, Regional Manager at LXE Middle East, Africa and India, had a similar sentiment, commenting: "It's a focused fair and you get more quality rather than quantity."

Mr. Friedrich Ratschiller, Sales Manager, Eastern Europe Interroll, commenting on the importance of the event for the sector, said: "It is necessary to exhibit at Materials Handling Middle East because it's a meeting point between Europe and Asia." While Neil Williamson of Monofloor Technology, added: "We've met serious customers - we always do and we've had some strong leads."

Trade visitors from across the region were aplenty at the show. Asif Haidery from Pakistan was looking for fleet management products and IT solutions for his Karachi-based transport company. "I am really glad I made it to the exhibition. I have managed to source some interesting services that may prove useful for me," he said.

Qatar-based trader in consumer goods, Ahmed Al Kholeifi was in the market for smart warehousing technology to enable him to cut storage expenses. "Materials Handling Middle East is a great place to source products and services for someone like me without having to visit each supplier in their respective country," he said.

The three-day conference, seminar and workshop programme held alongside the exhibition also proved highly popular with regional industry professionals and middle management personnel attending the sessions which were conducted by leading international experts.

Additionally, the Demonstration Area was an added feature for the exhibitors and trade visitors. It allowed the exhibitors to showcase the practical applications of their products and services in a more interactive environment.

For more information contact:

Jasmeet Bakshi
Senior Show Manager
Epoc Messe Frankfurt GmbH
jasmeet.bakshi@uae.messefrankfurt.com

Tel: +971 4 38 94 500
Fax: +971 4 35 85 522