Welser Profile returns to the Big 5 show for the fourth time in as many years, this time with innovations targeted at the evolving construction market of the region.

The Austria-based company is a leading manufacturer of special sections, tubes, components and complete profile systems made from steel and non-ferrous metals for almost all sectors of industry.
In line with the increased focus in the region on exploiting renewable energy resources, the company will present profiles used as frames, mounting rails and supporting elements for solar and photovoltaic panels that are targeting at the solar energy market. For the construction market, it will offer new profile solutions for formwork and scaffolding systems, according to a spokesman for the company.
At the exhibition, Welser Profile will also promote its extensive range of cold-rolled special-shaped open-sections, fully-welded tubes and complete profile systems made from steel, stainless steel and non-ferrous metals for such industries as construction, construction design, architectural steel, construction machines, environmental technology, air conditioning, refrigeration technology and solar energy.
Commenting on the Big 5 show, the spokesman says: “We have been a regular participant at the Big 5, this being the fourth time that Welser Profile is exhibiting at the show.  The event helps us to make a large number of interesting business contacts and secure deals and projects. The event provides a networking platform for this important economic region and gives us an opportunity to get acquainted with interesting companies and projects.”
As a family-run business with a long-standing tradition, Welser has been shaping steel since 1664, developing innovative, application-orientated solutions for profiles in close cooperation with its customers. It uses the latest cold roll-forming technology to produce a complete range of profile systems, developing up to five new sections per day and process 450,000 tonnes of steel per year. Its highly-efficient production facilities have a capacity of more than 130 million m of sections a year. More than 50 roll-forming lines process steel strips in thicknesses of 0.4 to 8 mm and of up to 800 mm width into open sections and tubes.
With its head office in Ybbsitz, Austria, the company has production facilities are located in Gresten and Ybbsitz in Austria and Bönen in Germany, two of which have recently been expanded to boost its production capacity. This expansion was necessitated by its growing level of business worldwide. In addition it has 11 international sales offices.
Specialising in the production of bespoke sections, the company has seen its product solutions applied all over the world in various industry sectors, the most important being construction, which covers everything from preliminary building works, building design, interior design as well as the automotive and transport industries. Its products also find application in other fields such as air-conditioning, environment technology and construction machines.
The superior material and surface quality of Welser profiles make them suitable for the high stress and extreme weather conditions that they are subjected to in the industry, the spokesman points out. Furthermore, stainless steel is a versatile material in terms of design and, therefore, building architects and design engineers rely on this important material.
“With three times the stiffness value, steel frames have a higher load capacity and enable larger glazing spans as compared to aluminium ones. The need of less framing leads to lower costs in terms of material and labour expenses,” says the spokesman for the company.
“Another good reason to favour steel systems over aluminium assemblies is the reduced heat transfer since steel has a thermal conductivity that is four times lower than aluminium. Also, steel offers long-term durability as well as a better resistance to scratches and impacts and by using high anti-corrosion protection – such as galvanised strips – steel frames are suitable also for building exteriors,” he adds.
“In the Middle East markets, Welser sections, tubes and systems have been convincing the experts especially in the field of building design,” the spokesman continues.
Welser Profile products have been applied as supporting elements for curtain-walls, door and window systems, facades, elevators and other supporting elements in the building market of the Middle East.
The company has built up a high-profile project portfolio in the region which includes the Burj Dubai tower, Emirates Palace hotel, The Gate in the Dubai International Financial Centre as well as Ski Dubai in the Mall of Emirates where stainless steel profiles as well as formwork profiles and scaffolding systems have been used. Welser Profile’s regional sales agents ensure optimal customer service for the partners in the Middle East.
Commenting on business levels this year, the spokesman says: “We have seen a general rise in turnover, sales and economic activity this year compared to 2007.”
Welser anticipates a further increase in the general market volume in the region, with the main sectors of growth being construction, building design, architectural steel and solar energy. Given this scenario, Welser is aiming to increase market presence in the Middle East through securing some of the landmark projects in the region.
Welser Profile, which has  an annual turnover of €550 million ($705 million), will be present at Stand No 3 B103 at the Big 5 show.