THE eighth edition of SteelFab 2012, the region’s premier steel fabrication and metal working show, was a huge success, according to the organiser.

It registered a massive rise in turnout with several high-tech products being launched. The show set the stage for a series of product innovations, with some claiming improved efficiency as much as 50 per cent, in addition to announcements of new distribution arrangements and international tie-ups.

SteelFab 2012, which was held at Expo Centre Sharjah last month (January 9 to 12), attracted about 7,000 visitors registering nearly 22 per cent growth compared to the 2011 event.

“SteelFab has successfully introduced new machinery and equipment to the Middle East, contributing to the fast growth and changing market dynamics. This year too, in a true show of the buoyancy of the regional steel fabrication industry and the credibility of platform, SteelFab has proved to be an ideal platform for new launches,” said Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, director-general of Expo Centre Sharjah.

Rockwood International, a regular exhibitor at SteelFab, announced new tie-ups and innovative products on the first day itself. “There has been a lot of interest in our new product – APC Robot, the world’s lightest, portable, automatic pipe-cutting robot,” said Ken Safaya, CEO of Rockwood International.

Another key launch was a revolutionary new technology on punch presses by Trumpf Werkzeugmaschinen from Germany.

Coherent Technologies, a manufacturer of laser systems from the US, was a debutant at the Dawood Sons Group stand and demonstrated the Metabeam 1,000.

The four-day show, which featured 216 direct exhibitors and more than 600 brands from 26 countries, showcased a complete range of machinery and equipment in metal forming, welding and cutting, surface preparation and finishing, grinding and cutting, machining and other allied engineering disciplines over 16,000 sq m of exhibition space. SteelFab 2012 was organised by Expo Centre Sharjah with the support of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.