Steelfab, the region’s premier trade fair for the metalworking industry, is set to bring a big slice of German excellence in technology, engineering and innovation to the region.

The upcoming 2018 edition will see the debut of the Essen Welding and Cutting Pavilion, which will go a long way in boosting business between the UAE and Germany, according to Expo Centre Sharjah, the show’s organiser.

Now in its 14th edition, SteelFab will be held at Expo Centre Sharjah from January 15 to 18, and will feature segments such as Stainless Steel, Wear Resistant, Welding and Cutting, Machine Tools and Pipe and Tube Machinery, and a concurrent vertical show, Fasteners World Middle East.

The Essen pavilion is the result of a tie-up between Expo Centre Sharjah and Messe Essen, which organises the Schweissen and Schneiden, one of Europe’s largest events for welding, cutting and finishing industry professionals from around the world.

Held every four years, the 2017 Schweissen and Schneiden was held in Dusseldorf last month (September 25 to 29).  It attracted 1,000 exhibitors from 40 nations and was attended by more than 55,000 visitors from 130 countries.

The agreement with Messe Essen was signed by Expo Centre Sharjah’s CEO Saif Mohammed Al Midfa and Messe Essen’s CEO Oliver Kuhrt in the presence of Expo Centre Sharjah’s director sales and marketing P Ravi and other officials.

“Germany always had a big presence at SteelFab. With the tie-up with Messe Essen, we will be able to attract bigger names in the industry not only from Germany but also from across the Europe. SteelFab will also help them identify opportunities in a high-growth region like the Middle East and North Africa and in the process boost bilateral trade and relations in a big way,” said Al Midfa.

He added that European machinery makers and suppliers could also take advantage of the current focus on the manufacturing sector by GCC states.

“We are pleased to make it possible for our exhibitors to use another springboard into an important market with this new event,” said Kuhrt. “The collaboration with a strong partner like Expo Centre Sharjah will be a great advantage for German machinery makers and suppliers.”

SteelFab 2018 is supported by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Last year, SteelFab attracted more than 342 exhibitors from 43 countries and 7,950 visitors from 70 countries during its four-day run. It showcased more than 900 national and international brands over 26,000 sq m of space.