Materials Handling Middle East wraps up on a high note

DUBAI / Emirates Business

The Middle East’s dedicated trade fair for intralogistics, supply chain management, freight and cargo concluded, bringing a successful end to three-days of busy networking and discussions of the latest trends and innovations in the
market today.
Materials Handling Middle East 2017 featured 126 exhibitors from 21 countries, and welcomed 3,300 visitors from 50 countries at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC).
The 9th edition of the biennial three-day event saw the participation of seven of the world’s top 20 materials handling systems suppliers, including the global top
three of Daifuku from Japan,
German company SSI Schaefer,
and the American-headquartered
Dematic.
It also featured major local suppliers and service providers such as Kanoo Machinery, Al Futtaim Motors, General Navigation and Commerce Company (GENAVCO), SPAN, and ACME, while a two-day Supply Chain and Logistics Forum and a Forklift driving competition ensured visitors and exhibitors alike were informed and entertained.
Much of the discussion on the show-floor centred around the readiness of warehouse automation in the GCC, with exhibitors showcasing a full range of wares from manual wracking and semi-automated order picking solutions, to fully automated high-bay warehouses incorporating Artificial Intelligence and the Internet
of Things, otherwise known as
Industry 4.0.
According research firm MarketsandMarkets, the GCC’s automated material handling equipment market will grow 8.6 percent annually through to 2023, when it will reach $500 million from $278 million in 2016.
Mohamed Elabd, Brand Manager for Kanoo Machinery, said the rental division of its material handling equipment department was becoming increasingly important as a revenue-generating stream.
“Our rental division has grown by 25-30 per cent over the past two years, and there’s more and more enquiries now,” said Elabd. “Most of the third party logistics providers are asking for rental equipment for long-term leases of three to five years. We were one of the first companies to offer rental of material handling equipment and in the past three-four years it’s really grown.
Materials Handling Middle East 2017 also featured the 2nd Forklift Operator of the Year – a unique competition where more than 80 of the UAE’s most skilled Forklift jockeys were judged on their ability to safely and efficiently manoeuver three-tonnes of electric forklift machinery in tight and narrow spaces, replicating a warehouse environment.
Representing more than 200 brands, Materials Handling Middle East 2017 also introduced a new Transport and Logistics section to the show floor, putting the spotlight on commercial vehicles and adding more focus on a sector that is poised to experience
significant growth in the region.
Ahmed Pauwels, CEO Messe Frankfurt Middle East, the organiser of Materials Handling Middle East, said: “Significant investment is being made throughout the Middle East to develop the materials handling industry and support its growth, and key industries such as e-commerce, retail, and FMCG will fuel further growth.
“At Materials Handling Middle East, the entire intralogistics and supply chain needs are covered, and we’ll continue delivering an interactive platform benefitting all stakeholders. The show has not only attracted participation from leading industry brands, but has also garnered an encouraging response from regional trade buyers, local governments and industry professionals. This underscores the important role the show plays in creating valuable networking and interface opportunities among key stakeholders and this rapidly
expanding market.”
The 10th edition of Materials Handling Middle East will take place in 2019.