Messe Frankfurt’s Hardware & Tools Show, held from May 14 to 16, proved to be a success, registering a 26.9 per cent increase in the total number of visits compared to 2005, the organisers said.
A total of 5,943 visitors from across the Gulf, Asia, Europe and parts of Africa visited the trade-only show, seeking the latest products and advancements in the hardware and tools sector.
Messe Frankfurt said visitor figures had been verified by an independent research and registration company, Media Matters PLC.
More than 200 exhibitors participated in the latest edition, marking a 30 per cent increase from 2005.
The increase is a result of the massive construction and property development boom the entire Gulf region is experiencing, which media reports have recently estimated to have topped $1 trillion.
The machinery company, SMTCL, exhibited the largest machine ever to have been launched at Hardware & Tools.
Shen Chaowei, SMTCL’s project manager and a first-time exhibitor, said the show was a great success.
The vertical Machine Centre Series, which has the capability to cut though the hardest materials, sold out on the first day of the show. Chaowei stated: “There has been a great deal of interest for this innovative machine, and we are very happy with the response we have received at Hardware & Tools 2006.”
As a result of the feedback they received at the show, SMTCL are now considering opening a specialised sales and service centre in Dubai Jebel Ali Free Zone.
Other exhibitors at the show included 3M Gulf, Channellock, Al Fajer, Arwani Trading Company, Cooper Hand Tools, Italy-based Perino- IUR SPA and Germany’s Preisser Messtechnik GmbH.
Plans and preparations for the 2007 show are already well on their way with dates set for May 13 to 15.
Floor space has already been increased to accommodate the rise in exhibitor inquiries.
The show will again run alongside ISH Kitchens and Bathrooms; Light Middle East; Garden, Landscaping & Outdoor Living and Hometech.
The Messe Frankfurt Dubai team has over 20 years’ experience in organising international trade fairs throughout the world.
The portfolio of events that they organise in Dubai includes Intersec 2005; Materials Handling, Hardware & Tools; Garden, Landscaping & Outdoor Living; ISH – Kitchen + Bathroom Gulf; Lightstyle – Gulf Lighting; Beautyworld Gulf; Houseware & Hometech, and the Middle East Toy Fair.
