JCB, the world’s third largest heavy equipment manufacturer, says sales of over $3 million from a trade exhibition in Dubai are further evidence of a construction industry recovery in the Gulf region.

Edward Lovatt, JCB district sales manager – Middle East, said deals concluded at the recent Big 5 PMV exhibition, and further orders expected to follow, underlined an upturn in the market.

“We were thrilled with the response, and this clearly illustrates a recovery in the market,” said Lovatt. “It exceeded our expectations. Not only did we finalise deals worth more than $3 million, we are also now following up with quotations and are confident that final sales figure as a direct result of the show will be much larger.”

The Big 5 PMV proved to be a great launch platform for two new JCB products - the VMD70 walk behind roller and the eco backhoe loader, the latest version of the original backhoe loader which first rolled off the production line in 1953. Both products are available through UAE-based dealer Galadari Trucks and Heavy Equipment.

“The eco backhoe loader went down a storm, contributing a third of the total sales at the show,” commented Lovatt. “Equally popular were our range of generators and lighting towers and the JS220 Long Reach Tracked Excavator.”

Also attracting a lot of interest on JCB’s stand was its new range of safety footwear which will be available in the region in the coming months. After months of talks prior to the Big 5 PMV, JCB finalised a Gulf license agreement for exclusive distribution at the show with UAE-based CanaSafe Middle East.

Among the biggest attractions at the Big 5 PMV exhibition were JCB’s world-famous Dancing Diggers, the mechanical dancing troupe which made their Dubai exhibition debut after thrilling crowds at events worldwide with intricate routines set to music. – TradeArabia News Service