Multi-billion-dollar investments in GCC-wide commercial and civil infrastructure projects are having a positive impact on the materials handling sector, the organiser of a major event dedicated logistics and warehousing trade show in Dubai, UAE, said.

According to industry reports, the Gulf region awarded $86 billion worth of infrastructure projects in 2014, with the increased investments fuelling demand for providers of logistics, transportation, materials handling, and supply chain solutions, it said.

The upbeat sentiment is underlined by the industry’s biggest names exhibiting at Materials Handling Middle East 2015, which has sold out of exhibition space, and will take place from September 14-16 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Headline companies returning to the biennial three-day event to expand business opportunities include UAE-based powerhouses Kanoo Group, Al Futtaim Motors, General Navigation and Commerce Company (Genavco), Span Group, and Al-Futtaim Auto & Machinery Company (Famco).

“The continued growth in the sector can be not only be attributed to the continued infrastructural development across the region but also to increasing demand for a streamlined supply chain and logistical framework from a growing number of regional businesses,” said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East, organiser of Materials Handling Middle East 2015.

“As the premier trade event in the region for the industry, Materials Handling Middle East provides exhibitors and trade buyers with a dedicated networking platform and unmatched business promotion and development facilities.”

Al Futtaim Motors’ Commercial Vehicles division will be at Materials Handling Middle East 2015 to showcase its Hino Trucks and Toyota Material Handling equipment, including Toyota and Raymond Forklifts, and BT Warehouse Equipment.

Genavco, a leading supplier of high-tech industrial and construction equipment, will showcase some of the world’s leading brands in warehousing equipment, racking and shelving systems, including Crown, JLG, Weiro, and Flexi articulated trucks.

Now in its eighth edition, Materials Handling Middle East 2015 will feature more than 150 brands from 17 countries.  While a long list of exhibitors are returning this year, notable international newcomers participating for the first time include Belgian company Alphaplan, Bulmor Industries from Austria, and German warehouse pallet manufacturer Cabka.

Materials Handling Middle East is the wider region’s only dedicated trade and networking event for intralogistics, warehousing, supply chain management, freight and cargo.

New features in 2015 include the inaugural Warehousing and Materials Handling Conference, a two-day summit analysing key growth drivers and restraints, emerging trends and their impact on the regional materials handling industry.

Another highlight is the first Materials Handling Middle East Awards, where the industry’s heavy weights will be recognised and celebrated among industry peers. – TradeArabia News Service