KSA, UAE largest players in GCC for automated materials handling equipment
A large number of leading international players are looking to present their automated offerings to regional buyers at the Materials Handling Middle East 2017, the region’s premier trade and networking event for intralogistics, supply chain and warehousing. It will be held on Sept. 11-13 in Dubai.
Manufacturers and suppliers of automated material handling equipment and systems are paying increasing attention to the Middle East and GCC in particular, as the region transforms into a significant market for automated materials handling systems.
The increase in regional demand for automated systems is being driven primarily by industries such as automobiles, food and beverages, chemicals, metals and heavy industries.
According to research by analysts Markets & Markets, the GCC market for automated materials handling equipment, which is estimated to be worth $304.52 million in 2017, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.6 percent to reach $498.5 million by 2023.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE are largest markets for automated materials handling equipment in the GCC region. In 2016, Saudi Arabia accounted for as much as 48 percent of the AMH equipment market in the GCC, emerging as an attractive destination for logistics and warehousing operations due to increasing investment in infrastructure. In 2014, Saudi Arabia’s government awarded infrastructure projects worth $29.34 billion, the highest in GCC region.
Daifuku, international materials handling giant headquartered in Japan, will be at Materials Handling Middle East 2017. Andrey Kras, account manager at Daifuku’s International Business Division, said: “There is a strong feeling that automation of storage and intralogistics has become an eventual goal for the biggest players on the logistics market. General awareness of the existing technologies has grown significantly compared to 2-3 years ago and many understand that there will be some point of time in the near future, when in order to stay afloat they will need to automate.”
GENAVCO, a leading player in the region with a comprehensive lineup of material handling solutions and equipment, will also participate in this year’s exhibition.
GENAVCO Director Neeraj MaHajjan said: “We consider this as a great opportunity to showcase our warehouse storage and material handling solutions to prospective customers within the region ... Our experts at the stand will assist the customer and help them with optimum information regarding warehouse solutions.”