05 May 2009
Event witnessed 30 per cent growth in exhibitor turnout amidst positive feedback from exhibitors and visitors

The 'Dubai International Wood and Wood Machinery Show 2009', the only exhibition of its kind in the Middle East, has concluded with over USD 79 million in closed deals among the global companies who participated at the event, according to Strategic Marketing & Exhibitions (SME), organisers of the event. Company officials further revealed that the fourth edition of the show has witnessed 30 per cent growth in terms of exhibitor turnout and ended with an overall positive feedback from global, regional and local participants alike.

The event served as a launch pad for several new products, which included US-made 'Chemetal' metal laminates, European-made wall papers, 'KINGSA' fibre cement boards, and German-technology manufactured 'BRUSERSTANG' parquet floorings from Danube Building Materials. Furthermore, UAE-based Jamco Group emerged as one of the companies who scored the biggest deals within the event, having secured over USD 54 million in construction materials sales. Among other participants that have witnessed exceptional results in their participation are Stallinger ME FZCO from Austria, which closed deals worth USD 20 million; Alomi, who sold USD 3 million worth of solid wood floorings; and UAE Enterprises, which secured USD 2 million at the show.

"We have been participating in the 'Dubai International Wood and Wood Machinery Show' since its first edition, and we are delighted to have concluded another successful participation this year. In addition to selling a significant bulk of our products to global trade partners at the event, we are also expecting around USD 10 million in projected sales to result from our presence at this event," said Albert Douglas, CEO, Alomi.

The global delegations at the event also reported significant success, including the Lithuanian Development Agency, which revealed that it is expecting its presence to result in USD 100,000 worth of deals; while US-based hardwood exporter Premium Mesquite Company achieved around USD 950,000 in sales upon its participation. Slipcon Finishing Systems - Leif & Lorentz (Denmark), HT Wood (Lebanon), Chabros (Lebanon) and Timberyard (UAE) are also among the exhibitors that have secured sizeable deals and are anticipating higher sales after the event. In addition to recognising the show's effectiveness as a global platform for the development of the wood and woodworking industries, the majority of the exhibitors have confirmed their participation at next year's edition.

"We have met many visitors at the event who have actual potential to bring more business to us through substantial orders and strategic partnerships. Our presence for the first time has given us an opportunity to build a relationship with many potential clients, which is in line with our aims to create a strong Middle East network for our products. We are anticipating the 2010 edition of this show, and we are planning to an even bigger presence next year," added Aneta Kacenaite, Senior Project Manager, Lithuanian Development Agency.

"We would like to thank all 200 exhibitors from 26 countries who have chosen to showcase their latest technologies and innovation in wood and wood processing during this year's 'Dubai International Wood and Wood Machinery Show', said Dawood Al Shezawi, Managing Director, SME. "The increase in the number of exhibitors and the staggering value of contracts closed within our three-day run underlines the importance of the show among global industry players and customers. Furthermore, the excellent attendance of trade visitors has bolstered our efforts, and we are looking forward to mounting another successful event next year."

-Ends-

About Dubai Woodshow 2009
'Dubai International Wood & Wood Machinery Show' is the largest wood and wood machinery exhibition in the Middle East. A highly specialised exhibition that assembles companies from the entire spectrum of the wood industry under one roof, the event offers exhibitors an excellent networking arena where they can build strategic relationships with buyers, traders and investors. The annual event has gained global repute for providing a platform for awareness campaigns and trading of a wide range of wood products, including MDF, plywood, hardwood, softwood, veneers, timbers, parquet, laminates, finished wood merchandise and paper products. Dubai Woodshow 2008 witnessed its strongest visitor influx, recording the attendance of 5,000 individuals, from wood and wood machinery buyers to investors and woodworking enthusiasts, marking a 35 per cent increase compared to the 2007 event.

For more information, please contact:
CommuniGate Middle East
PO Box 66861, Dubai, UAE
Tel: +971 4 3988134
Fax: +971 4 3988137
Email: info@communigateme.com
Website: www.communigateme.com

© Press Release 2009