German exhibitions organiser Messe Dusseldorf has unveiled plans to target the Middle East metallurgy and foundry industries as part of its major expansion strategy.

The company also announced the launch of Newcast, the International Castings Trade Fair, which is the latest event to be held in conjunction with a variety of exhibitions at Dusseldorf, Germany, in June 2003.

Currently, the exhibitions list includes Gifa 2003, the International Foundry Trade Fair, Metec 2003, the International Metallurgical Technology Trade Fair, and Thermo process, the international trade fair and symposium for thermo process technology.

The region is currently witnessing exponential growth in the metallurgical area, said Dr. Gutamann Habig, general manager, Federation of the Engineering Industries (VDMA).

"We feel that with increased participation in international trade fairs, this sector will receive considerable support and encouragement to grow at an enhanced pace and be on a par with international organisations.