'Hardware + Tools exhibition a solid platform for industry players'

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SME Times News Bureau | 02 Mar, 2010
Hardware + Tools exhibition is a solid platform for industry professionals in the Middle East, says Ms Mehtap Kenar, Senior Show Manager, Hardware + Tools Middle East in an exclusive interview to SME Times.

Excerpts of the interview...

What is Hardware + Tools all about?
Mehtap Kenar: Hardware + Tools Middle East (ME) is the region's only dedicated trade exhibition for tools, hardware, materials and machinery. Currently in its 11th year, it has firmly established itself as a solid platform for industry professionals in the Middle East. The show’s product portfolio includes all varieties of tools, hardware and machinery used in the construction industry. Hardware + Tools ME will take place May 18-20 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center.

What is new at Hardware + Tools this year?
Mehtap Kenar: At this year’s event we have introduduced a new live demo area which gives exhibitors an additional platform in which to showcase their products and services in a more interactive environment. The live demo area will feature key companies demonstrating the capabilities of their latest products and innovations.

As well as the demo area, a range of marketing tools to assist exhibitors with promoting their stand prior to and during the show have been established. Exhibtors have the opportunity to send a personal invitation to their customers, which will be supplied by the Hardware + Tools team. We can also arrange for a customized e-mail reminder for exhibitors to reach out to key clients prior to the event. Other facilities are also on offer.

Which are the companies that are participating at this year’s event?
Mehtap Kenar: We will have over 350 exhibitors from 16 countries participating at Hardware + Tools ME 2010. Amongst confirmed exhibitors are: Bosch, Lubero, Irwin Tools, Matador, Abac, Agazzani, Dremel, Walcom, Atika, Skil, Brainbee, Ceccato, Rotozip, Chicago Pneumatic, Edesso, Fellisatti, Guhring, Helvi, MiniMax, OMCN, RHODIUS, RodCraft, Sparky, VBW, Wilpu, Protech, Spiral, Bulldozer, LG Harris, Deltana, Channellock, Force, Apelas, Rubicon, Kanzawa, Fuji, Leica, Orbis, Will, Roy's, Tramontina, ALFRA, Kosoku and many more...

Who should one visit Hardware + Tools ME?
Mehtap Kenar: The exhibition is mainly targeted at construction professionals. It provides them with the opportunity to see what’s new, evaluate suppliers and source new products through them, keep abreast of industry and market developments and initiate business contacts as well as develop existing ones. The show is tailored to the needs of manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, importers and exporters, trade agencies, engineers, architects and designers, facility managers, consultants and contractors and developers, mainly in the construction field.

What are the market figures for the Hardware + Tools industry in the region?
Mehtap Kenar: The GCC market of tools, hardware and machinery relies mostly on imports due to the fact that local production is practicially non-existing. The value of imported tools has increased to over 715 million in 2008, from 48 million in 2006 in the UAE, demonstrating that Dubai is the central logistics and trading hub for the Middle East region.

In 2008, the value of imported hand tools to the UAE which were then exported equated to USD 256 million enabling countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia, which are difficult to reach directly for manufacturers, to be served from Dubai.

According to recent data, it is estimated that there is USD 299 billion worth of projects in the bidding in the GCC region which will provide a steady stream of contract awards which will revive the construction industry and support the hardware and tools industry.