An ongoing steel fabrication event in Sharjah has overwhelmed it organisers by registering a visitor turnout that was much higher than expected.

Expo Centre Sharjah, which is hosting the 10th SteelFab from January 20 to 23, had expected a double-digit growth in footfalls to its exhibition that caters to the metal working, metal manufacturing and steel fabrication industry in the region.

However, riding on the back of a growing economy and the positive sentiment in the core sector due to the winning bid to host the World Expo 2020, SteelFab 2014 recorded a massive 35 per cent rise in visitors in the first two days of the show.

“The New Year has started off with a bang for Expo Centre Sharjah. Expectations were high but such a high visitor turnout has literally overwhelmed us,” said Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah, while releasing the visitor figures for the first two days of the show.

The show has already attracted 5,979 trade visitors in its first two days as against the 7,296 for all the four days in 2013.

“On average SteelFab has attracted about 7000 visitors in every edition. The high visitor turn-out this year is an indication of a return to the pre-recession years for SteelFab I believe that apart from the positive market sentiment, the expansion of the show by adding a new hall and new segments has played a key role in making the show much more attractive for the regional fabrication industry,” said Mr. Midfa.

“Seen along with the 50 per cent surge in exhibition space and a 35 per cent rise in the number of exhibitors, we are sure that the regional steel fabrication industry is in for a bright future,” he added.

As expected, exhibitors are receiving good response from the regional industry that is banking on the show to source machinery and equipment to meet the rising demand from a buoyant core sector, including the construction and oil & gas industries.

“We have grown with Steelfab,” said Mr. Basanth Raghavan, Sales Manager, Rockwood International LLC – UAE, while giving details about the exclusive products at his stall.

“We are showcasing Cidan steel motorized folding machines, which are flexible and can be used by a single operator. We also have the unique wireless and multiple font portable inkjet printers – HandJet, which was exclusively launched at SteelFab 2014,” he added, noting the rise in the number and quality of trade visitors.

The laser steel cutter at the ATAD-UAE stall has many takers. "Our masterpiece at SteelFab 2014 is the TRULASER 3030 by TRUMPF. It is a laser machine is capable of high speed "fly cutting" technology. Not only that, the machine has a one head cutting technology for all steel sheet thicknesses, an auto nozzle change, internal lens cleaning detection and much more high tech features that give it its phenomenal accuracy and efficiency” said Mr. Jawad Khawaja, Managing Director, ATAD-UAE.

ITW Welding Products Group is showcasing a range of welding & cutting solutions." PWT pipe welding technology; which has an internal clamp that makes pipe alignments and it is packed with copper shoes which makes it special and unique. The other device is an automatic welding system for pipe lines. Both state-of-the-art pieces are our featured technologies at SteelFab 2014 " stated Mr. Mostafa M. Hanafy - Process Piping Specialist, ITW Welding Products Group.

Taking into consideration the safety aspect in material handling, STADLERS – UAE is exhibiting one of the safest steel lifting magnets. “The magnet is excellent in lifting and handling steel sheets or pipes of any size safely and securely thanks to the Italian internal electromagnetic technology,” said Mr. Sudesh Rodrigues, Director, STADLERS.

Inelco Grinders from Denmark is exhibiting its ULTIMA-TIG and the ULTIMA-TIG-CUT, which enable precise cuts. “The grinding and cutting take place in a closed chamber, using liquid to cool the diamond discs and the electrode. In addition, the toxic grinding and cutting toxic dust is collected safely. The piece excels in its accurate angles and is safe and environmentally friendly,” said Mr. Claus O Brandsborg – Area Sales Manager.

SteelFab 2014 ends at 7pm on Thursday (January 23). The admission is free for trade and professional visitors.