Dubai, UAE: Regional providers of logistics and supply chain solutions will line-up at the upcoming Materials Handling Middle East exhibition with a clear message that their end-to-end solutions are key for clients to stay profitable in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
Rising costs, changing consumer habits, customisation, and increasing competition are pressing challenges faced by all businesses involved with the efficient storage and movement of goods, whether in retail, automotive, FMCG, F&B, oil & gas, or pharmaceuticals.
In response, materials handling equipment suppliers are moving away from the traditional trader business model, and instead offering end-to-end turn-key consultancy solutions to ensure long-term success.
Alshaya Racking & Refrigeration is a headline exhibitor participating at Materials Handling Middle East 2017, and will showcase its expertise in racking and shelving systems, automation, supermarket solutions, doors and docking equipment.
Farzan Rizvi, Alshaya Racking & Refrigeration’s General Manager in the GCC, said its ‘one-stop shop’ approach has helped it to be associated with prominent projects such as Nesto Hypermarket, Union Coop, ENOC, DP World, Halliburton, Lulu Hyper Market, and Safi Danone.
“Customers are looking for solution providers with a one-stop-shop solution against the traditional trading product approach,” said Rizvi. “Our turnkey solutions are supported by high-quality industrial and warehousing equipment from internationally renowned brands such as Mecalux, Gokcelik and Angel Mir.
“Our solutions are designed based on extensive research of a project’s particular requirement with efficient logistics, which in return increases ROI and maximises profitability of our clients,” he added.
SPAN Group is a returning UAE-headquartered company eager to be part of Materials Handling Middle East, which takes place from 11-13 September 2017 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The Platinum Sponsor of the biennial three-day event aims to provide its customers with a comprehensive solution to enhance their supply chain and optimise their entire business operations – whether it’s the first step of logistics consultancy, to storage systems and warehouse accessories or smart solutions, right through to the final and critical step of safety and maintenance. This year, they’ve collaborated with their partners to demonstrate and touch on these aspects of the supply chain process.
Walid Daniel, the Managing Director of SPAN, said that with the change in consumer behaviour and the fragmentation of business, companies are seeking new ways to stay competitive, be better and faster to satisfy consumers’ requirements.
“Rising competition across industries in the MENA region has encouraged businesses to evolve and optimise their warehouse logistics and supply chain to meet the ever-growing complexity of customer service,” said Daniel. “Utilisation of intelligent systems and IT solutions to create a smart warehouse, and warehouse automation are ways to meet these challenges.
“However, automation is sometimes misunderstood as an application that involves 40 metre high buildings and Automated Guided Vehicles moving pallets around, but automation is also the application of pick/put-to-light; which requires a much smaller investment and significantly enhances productivity and efficiency.
“This is where SPAN is engaged with our customers, from end-to-end – from the point of entry, to the distribution centre, to the point of exit. A successful automation project has to feature the right technology but it also has to have the right service. Our industry is becoming more talent and people-oriented, because to succeed in service, you have to have the right people, then tools, and then systems,” added Daniel.
LEPEQ Fabrication from Lebanon is another returning exhibitor to Materials Handling Middle East 2017, and a leading regional supplier of conveyor solutions for containers, packs and pallets, as well as complete Intra-logistics solutions and Automatic Truck Loading Systems.
Tony Meghabghab, Managing Director of LEPEQ Fabrication is a strong advocate for automation in logistics and material handling: “The continuous business increase makes the traditional ways of intra-logistics handling complicated,” said Meghabghab.
“Automation is the continuing trend to reduce manpower due to unavailability and increasing cost. The recent political situation is slowing down some mega investment, nevertheless, the potential for the future is enormous.
Added Meghabghab: “Artificial Intelligence and Industry 4.0 is advancing in Europe and no doubt the Middle East will be asking for the same. We are preparing the groundwork and our entire system infrastructure will integrate to industry 4.0 in the coming years.”
Materials Handling Middle East is the region’s dedicated trade fair for intralogistics, supply chain management, freight and cargo, featuring 113 exhibitors from 20 countries and showcasing more than 200 brands.
Six of the world’s top 20 materials handling systems will take part this year, including Daifuku, SSI Schaefer, Dematic, Beumer Group, Swisslog, and Kardex, while leading local companies include GENAVCO, Acme, and Al Mawakeb Trading.
It will also feature the 2nd edition of the Supply Chain and Logistics Forum, an interactive summit bringing together regional industry professionals along with their international counterparts, government bodies, and policy makers to discuss key challenges and growth opportunities for logistics in the Middle East.
Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East, organiser of Materials Handling Middle East, said: “The Middle East is known for adapting innovative new technologies and solutions, which is what draws leading industry players to Materials Handling Middle East.
“This year we’ve added a new Transport and Logistics section to the show floor, putting the spotlight on commercial vehicles and adding more focus on a sector that is poised to experience significant growth in the region. We’re also delighted to return with the Forklift Operator of the Year, where the UAE’s expert forklift jockeys go head to head to be crowned the country’s most skilled, safest, and efficient forklift operator.”