Italian manufacturing giant Marini said it was expecting about $49 million sales from the Middle East region by 2011 owing to an increase in demand for its flagship product in the region, Ultimap 2700 200 t/h asphalt plant.

The company's sales forecast comes at a time when the construction industry is showing signs of recovery.

The Ultimap 2700 200 t/h asphalt plant can provide an advanced dryer and dust collection system in any environment and has become Marini’s flagship product in the region.

Alessandro Camerini, area sales manager, Middle East said: “Marini has been present in the Middle East for almost 40 years. It is one of our most important markets, representing 15 per cent of our global sales, and we expect to further increase our market presence in the next two years.”

Marini, part of the French Fayat Group is a leading manufacturer of asphalt plants and road building equipment, and offers a wide range of products including transportable and mobile batch mix asphalt plants, plants for recycling of asphalt paving and plants for the production of cement mixes.

The company is present in 142 countries and is participating in the Big 5 PMV to meet new contractors and customers.

Organised by Streamline Marketing Group, the Big 5 PMV is the Middle East’s leading event for plant, machinery, equipment and vehicles and will take place this month from 23-26 November at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Nick Webb, Director at Streamline Marketing Group said: 'Marini’s success in the region proves that long-term business strategy and solid relationships pay off, especially in difficult times.'

'The Big 5 PMV will provide a platform for regional and international suppliers and manufacturers to showcase their products and services, and do business with some of the region’s key buyers.'

Marini opened its Fayat Middle East office in Dubai last year, enabling the company to provide plant erection with local technicians, reducing costs and contributing to the local economy.

The Dubai office also enables the company to offer a more efficient after sales service and faster delivery of spare parts. Marini is also planning to launch a range of new products in the near future.

Well established in the UAE and throughout the Middle East, Marini and has been involved with some of the region’s most important projects including the F1 Bahrain International circuit track, the highway linking the UAE and Saudi Arabia, Doha airport and port in Qatar, and the Abu Dhabi airport, UAE.-TradeArabia News Service