The global materials handling equipment market is projected to exceed SR382 billion in sales by 2010, according to Epoc Messe Frankfurt, organizers of Materials Handling Middle East, set to take place at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre on May 31 to June 2. Commenting on the growth opportunities, Elisabeth Brehl, MD of Epoc Messe Frankfurt, said: “There is a growing trend in the industry towards complete integration of materials handling systems with procurement systems, manufacturing management systems and shipping operations. This is expected to bolster demand for automation equipment and software both regionally and internationally.” Rising per capita incomes, expanding manufacturing output and increasing investments in infrastructure development activities are major contributors to the rise in demand for materials handling equipment in developing nations. The growth is profound across developing regions in the Middle East including UAE, Saudi, Qatar, Iran and Iraq; Asian countries such as India and China, as well as in Russia, Mexico and Turkey. Increasing tendency towards integration of materials handling equipment with other company systems has also contributed towards market growth. Mahmut Gazi Bilikozen, senior show manager of Materials Handling Middle East, noted that increasing demand for equipment for handling smaller packages from the E-retailing sector, innovation, ergonomics, safety and environmental concerns, comprise general growth drivers. “Several emerging trends in lift truck market coupled with innovations continue to redefine the materials handling business,” he said. Material handling equipment forms an integral part of any plant, warehouse or distribution system. Middle Eastern and Asian economies are set to play a significant role in production and consumption of industrial machinery in the imminent future. __
