JEDDAH — Saudi Arabia accounted for 46 percent of materials handling equipment revenue in 2014, followed by the UAE with a 35 percent share, while the other four member countries accounted for the remaining 19 percent of revenue, according to Frost & Sullivan. The increasing complexity and evolving market dynamics in the regional logistics sector is fuelling demand for more technical innovations in MHE, ranging from pallets, forklifts, automated storage and picking solutions, labeling devices, warehouse trucks, telehandlers, tow tractors, cranes, and packaging equipment.
Running for three days at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Materials Handling Middle East 2015 which is 15 percent larger than its previous outing in 2013, featuring 129 exhibitors from 21 countries, and showcasing over 250 brands, got off to a rousing start in Dubai Monday, as manufacturers and suppliers set sights on a GCC Materials Handling Equipment (MHE) market that is estimated to be worth $5 billion by 2020.
The latest in tailor-made solutions for individual requirements will be the focal point at Materials Handling Middle East 2015, which features six of the world's top 20 materials handling systems suppliers, including Daifuku from Japan, Germany's SSI Schäfer and Kardex Remstar, Mecalux from Spain, Swiss company Swisslog, and the USA-headquartered Bastian Solutions.
Now in its 8th edition, the biennial three-day event arrives as research from analysts Frost & Sullivan indicate the Gulf Cooperation Council's (GCC) materials handling equipment market was valued at $3.8 billion 2014, while a steady four percent annual growth rate since 2010 is likely to continue up to 2020, when the market will see revenues of between $4.8 to five billion.
Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East, the organiser of Materials Handling Middle East, said: “The GCC is today among the most exciting markets for materials handling and logistics services, with the region increasingly gaining in importance as a major shipping and aviation hub.”
“Market dynamics are changing and businesses need to upscale their operations to maintain growth and stay competitive, whether in FMCG to logistics, or from retail to Oil & Gas. Trade visitors to Materials Handling Middle East will have the opportunity to meet suppliers that can help streamline their businesses with the latest intralogistics technologies and solutions.” — SG
