Energy giant ABB is to supply variable frequency converters for a project at the Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard Company (Asry), it has been declared.

A $3.2 million deal to supply the equipment was signed between Bahrain's Nass Corporation and ABB during the Arabian Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing (MEP) Insulation and Refrigeration Exhibition.

The equipment is to be supplied in six months and the project is expected to be commissioned by the year-end, it also emerged.

Exhibition organiser Exposure Media managing director Sijo Joseph said ClydeUnion Pumps, a company that ranks fifth among pump manufacturers worldwide, also entered into a pump supply contract with the Electricity and Water Authority during the event.

'The company is the only pump manufacturer in Bahrain to have their own offices and also to start a service centre by the middle of this year,' he said.

'They have already supplied about 70 to 80 per cent of the water supply pumps used by the authority.

ClydeUnion is expected to supply 24 pumps for installation in six pumping stations, he said.

The company is also supporting the EWA with design at the upcoming Al Dur project.

He said the event, which was held at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre on January 10 and 11, was a perfect meeting point to interact with entrepreneurs, who shared ideas on breakthrough technology and innovative ideas of manufacturing technology.

The exhibition was held under the patronage of Works Minister Essam Khalaf and provided comprehensive market intelligence which would help to drive the future of Middle East economy in the MEP market.

Joseph said the show received a strong exhibitor response with participation from manufacturing companies of different industry verticals.

'The main objective of the show was to promote the most advanced equipment and technology, introduce civilised methods of work based on the principle of fair competition and contribute to the steady development of regional businesses.'

He said more than 2,000 visitors - both engineers and decision-makers - took part.

'Participants included wholesalers and distributors, contractors and suppliers, manufacturers of equipment and components, architects, technicians and purchasing agents.'

He said the event also turned out to be a platform for the participants to come together, learn, interact and develop new business relationships.

'It showcased and demonstrated latest products, services, opportunities and recent trends in the market and there was emphasis on greener products, energy efficiency and sophisticated technologies being used all over the world.'

Show strategic partners Kerala Engineers Forum representative Nelson Thomas said there were requests to hold the exhibition closer to weekends or holidays and also to extend the closing time.-TradeArabia News Service