In the region with some of the world’s biggest development projects, continued growth in the Middle East’s construction sector is driving the need for more plant, machinery and vehicles. Some industry estimates are forecasting an increase of up to 20% over the next five years, as the region realises its ambitious programme of projects and developments.
“Over 2100 existing and planned projects, valued at US $1.2 trillion (AED 4.4 trillion), are already under way in the GCC, and investment will rise even further as the countries of the Middle East continue with their essential infrastructure development and expansion plans,” said Bernard Walsh, managing director, DMG World Media, organisers of The Big 5. “This has seen the region become the world’s largest market for plant, construction vehicles, machinery and equipment.”
No surprise then that Walsh and his team have introduced a dedicated exhibition for this sector of the market. Big 5 PMV will be launched at this year’s Big 5 event and staged at Airport Expo Dubai, covering a minimum of 10000 m2 of exhibition space. Linked with the main show via a free shuttle bus service, the line up will include Al Baher (Caterpillar), Terex Equipment Middle East (Genie Industries Tele handlers), Imer Group as well as other suppliers and service providers from the construction sector.
“The combination of these two exhibitions delivers total coverage of all aspects of the construction industry,” said Walsh. “The fact that 24% of the world’s 125000 construction cranes are currently in use in the region clearly demonstrates the demand – we received strong feedback from our Big 5 exhibitors and visitors and there was a clear and defined need for an area solely dedicated to heavy equipment and vehicles. We’re delighted that we are now able to satisfy this important market segment.”
In 2005, analysts estimated the UAE’s market for heavy construction machinery stood at US $190 million, road construction machinery at US $176 million and earth moving machinery at US $150 million. Growth of 15-20% is forecast over the next five years as developers invest in the machinery and equipment needed to build airports, ports, mega resorts, residential and commercial cities and huge man-made islands.
FAMCO
Al-Futtaim Auto and Machinery Company (FAMCO), a distributor for Volvo trucks, buses and construction equipment in the UAE, and a member of the Al-Futtaim Group, will be one among many companies taking part in the Big 5 PMV show.
“FAMCO’s construction equipment division will be exhibiting many new technologically advanced and intelligent products from world-renowned manufacturers such as Volvo road machinery and Merlo SPA as well as Volvo construction equipment, all of whom come under the distributorship of FAMCO,” said Arif Chishti, divisional manager of construction equipment, FAMCO.
FAMCO is playing a leading role in t development of many prestigious projects, including the Palm Islands, Dubai Water Front, Dubai Metro, Al Raha Beach Development and Abu Dhabi International Airport. Chishti commented: “We have supplied Volvo construction equipment to some of the most high-ranking local and international contractors, we are constantly involved in high-profile projects of national, and international repute.”
“Where there is construction activity there is a need to transport material, hence both the transportation and construction segments offer a good opportunity for growth. Through its truck and bus division, FAMCO provides state-of-the art Volvo solutions to the transport segment. Products and services to suit diversified construction industry needs are available through FAMCO’s construction equipment division,” he added.
House of Equipment
House of Equipment, a construction equipment and services company, will be using Big 5 PMV to boost its profile and launch a new safety conscious product for tower cranes.
“We can build a better re-export business by being involved with the exhibition,” said House of Equipment’s general manager, Waiel Manfalouti.
“We’re going to have a 200m2 outdoor area, where we will be launching an important safety system for tower cranes. We have technicians in training for it right now.”
The product in question is the TAC300 anti-collision system from eBuild Innovations, a Singaporean company. Manfalouti points out that the product has already been a great success in the US, where legislation is expected to make such systems a mandatory requirement for the construction industry in the near future.
“We believe it’s important such equipment become part of construction culture,” said Manfalouti. “The system will be a strong tool to help operators avoid collisions with other cranes or adjacent buildings, saving both people and money related to third party damages or equipment damage.”
“The system is not cheap, but by saving equipment downtime and by helping to eliminate accidents, it saves money and makes operator efficiency higher. The outcomes are more valuable than the costs.”
House of Equipment will soon be setting up its own 40000m2 fabrication facility in Dubai Industrial City, where it will build equipment on site, in collaboration with some European brands. Manfalouti said this will offer three main advantages for him and his customers: they’ll save on tax, delivery time and shipping costs. Manfalouti isolates shipping as a recent source of increased prices.
“Today, in construction equipment, shipping is costing up to 15-22% of equipment value, making it very attractive to manufacture in this part of the world,” he said.
Metso Minerals
Metso Minerals is a global supplier of machines and services for aggregate processing. Metso offers comprehensive solutions for rock crushing plants, sand and gravel washing systems, screening and conveyor systems.
“The latest innovation from Metso Minerals is the HP4 (High Performance) Cone Crusher – to be exhibited at the Big 5 PMV. The HP4 is a high capacity tertiary / quaternary crusher with a small profile, tight setting with many special features that ensures high productivity, low operating and wear costs, long service life and high product yield with desired shape and gradation of aggregates,” said T.Manohar, senior manager, construction equipment division of Metso’s distributor Dynatrade.
“Metso has commissioned a complete crushing plant of 600 TPH Capacity in Siji, Fujairah during March 2007 and another Crushing plant of 500 TPH capacity is under execution and expected to start production by early 2008,” he added.
Liugong
Liugong, a construction equipment manufacturer from China will be exhibiting wheel loaders CLG856 (3m3 capacity) and CLG888 (4.5m3 capacity) and vibration compactor CLG612H (12T capacity) at the Big5PMV.
Liugong is the market leader for wheel loaders in China, their wheel loaders; excavators, compactors and other construction equipments are exported to more than 40 countries across the globe, supplying more than 20000 wheel loaders during 2006, and exported more than 1000 loaders during the same year.
“Liugong equipment has already proven its reliability and performance in this market, and a range of its wheel loaders and rollers will be exhibited at the Big 5 PMV,” said T.Manohar, construction equipment division of Liugong’s distributor Dynatrade.
“Liugong wheel loaders are already operating in Fujairah for handling aggregates. These loaders will be operational in construction project sites in Dubai shortly,” he added.
Dynatrade
Dynatrade automotive group, is the largest supplier of OEM or equivalent aftermarket parts for cars, trucks and construction equipment in the UAE.
Dynatrade’s (construction equipment division) is the authorised distributor for leading construction equipment manufacturers Metso Minerals, (for crushing and screening systems) and, Liugong for wheel loaders, excavators, vibration compactors and skid steers.
Dynatrade is the authorised distributor for some of the leading brands in construction equipment parts such as ITM, ETP, Italricambi and Fleetguard.
“Dynatrade has been very successful in this particular market and it is mainly attributed to reliable products and after sales. Dynatrade has the largest service workshop for construction equipment in the United Arab Emirates, and the largest parts warehouse which, ensures any ex-stock availability of parts and first class service to our customers in UAE,” said T.Manohar, senior manager of the company’s construction equipment division.
Dynatrade’s major clients within the region include: Steven Rock, AL Jaber, Tarmac, L&T, WJ&P, Six Construct, BIT Logistics and GIBCA.
Terex/Genie hit BIG5
Following its opening in Febuary in Dubai, on its own stand for the first time, Terex Equipment Middle East LLC, will be displaying two Terex power buggies; PB 16 and PB 21.
These models offer productivity on any jobsite with minimal maintenance, featuring one of the industry’s largest and highest efficiency wheel motors.
A popular model in the region, the GTH-4017 high reach rough terrain telehandler will also be on display. Part of the Genie 14 strong model range, the GTH-4017 has a maximum lifting height of 16.73 metres, a maximum forward reach of 12.41 metres, and a 4000 kg lifting capacity.
With hydrostatic four-wheel drive and three steering modes: 2-wheel, 4-wheel and crab steer, the GTH-4017 is highly maneuverable.
Also available to view on the day will be the Genie GS1932 self-propelled electric scissor, the Genie GS3246 self-propelled electric scissor, and the Z-60/34 articulating boom.
Haulotte
Haulotte Group will inaugurate its new regional office and showcase its line up of aerial work platforms at this year’s BIG 5 PMV.
Among the items on show are the HTL 4014 and HTL 4017, part of the range of Haulotte Top Lift telescopic handlers. These products were completely developed in-house and utilise the company’s expertise and knowhow in people and material lifting equipment. According to Haulotte, they provide unprecedented levels of user comfort and safety.
The HA 41 PX is a telescopic platform with a working height of up to 41 metres. It is designed to offer manoeuvrability and precision as well as being mobile and compact for ease of access. H 25 TPX is a telescopic boom with a height of up to 25.05 metres. It is described as ideal for rental and public works projects.
The H15 SXL is a scissor lift with a working height of 15 metres and is specially designed for activities requiring very long loads. Its load capacity is up to 700kg and is conforms to various European and international health & safety standards. Compact 12 is an electric scissor lift designed for industrial environments and offers a working height of 12m. It is compact and its ground clearance allows for inside and outside use.