Deals mark Machinex Arabia

The 2nd edition of Saudi International Machinery & Equipment Exhibition (Machinex Arabia 2012) marked several business deals signed between Saudi and international companies, according to some exhibitors. Most of the 8,000 visitors to the three-day event that involved 150 local and international exhibitors included Saudi businessmen, industrialists, trade professionals and university students. Showcased at the exhibition were the latest in machinery and equipment, processing and assembly lines and related technologies. The highlight this year was the Turkish national pavilion supported by the Turkish Ministry of Economy with 40 companies in participation. Bulent Erten, leader of the Turkish Group expressed his deep satisfaction on behalf of his group. "Most of our exhibitors have made deals with the Saudi companies," he said. A wide range of industrial companies from China and Taiwan also took part, in addition to several leading Saudi companies representing international brands from Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Korea, Holland, Switzerland and the United States. Saleh Ibrahim Al-Rasheed, director general of Saudi Industrial Property Authority (MODON), said the range of exhibits was impressive. Alruqee Group, one of the major exhibitors and sponsors, said it sold SR3 million worth of machinery during the event. "We showcased our latest machinery imported from Germany, Italy and Spain, including metal plates punching machines made by the German firm TRUMPF," the group said in a statement released by its Marketing Director Mohammed Abu-Naama. Ahmed Konhi, sales Manager of Alhazim Machineries, which participated for the second time, said they received more than 50 requests for more information and pricing, "which reflects the great success of the exhibition." The company represents leading German, Italian, Spanish and American companies. Mohanned Hamoui, marketing director of SIMCO, a major participant that showcased machinery for metal, wood, aluminum and glass works, said their stand attracted a large number of visitors. Vij Goss, Western Region sales manager of Trans Arabia, said the latest welding machines made by the Swedish company Isal were exhibited. The next edition of Machinex Arabia is scheduled for Feb. 17-20, 2013, according to Al-Harithy Co. for Exhibitions, which organizes the annual event at the Jeddah Center for Forums and Events.