Dubai, UAE: Al-Futtaim Auto & Machinery Company (FAMCO) the world’s leading industrial equipment distributor, will be at the forefront of UAE businesses vying for a bigger stake in the Middle East’s vibrant logistics and warehousing sector, when the region’s dedicated materials handling trade show opens next week.

A member of Al-Futtaim – one of the most progressive regional business houses headquartered in Dubai – FAMCO will showcase its latest energy efficient and cost-saving solutions at Materials Handling Middle East, which takes place from 14-16 September at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The market leader in the field of storage and materials handling will put a spotlight on the concept of ‘total cost of ownership’ where warehouse managers can make big savings in operating costs by using its latest Linde H30D Forklift – the benefits of which amount to 30 per cent in energy savings, energy efficiency of up 90 per cent, reduction of tyre wear by 50 per cent, and an oil change only after every 6,000 operating hours.

FAMCO, the regional distributor for Dexion storage solutions, will also showcase its latest range of warehouse management systems including its ‘goods-to-man’ automated picking and storage solutions that are ideally suited for the fast-growing regional retail and wholesale distribution centres.


“We’ll also highlight importance of warehouse operational safety with our unique ‘Linde Safety Pilot' which guides forklift operators from overloading and exceeding the capabilities of their vehicles,” said David Dronfield, Regional General Manager for Storage Handling Solutions at FAMCO.

“Our focus is to provide the client with effective intralogistics solutions that are most appropriate for their unique requirements – our products are integrated into the solution, not vice versa.

“As a regional operation, FAMCO's market stretches across the GCC, MENA and East Africa and our stand at Materials Handling Middle East will welcome visitors from across the region, providing a platform to enable open discussions pertinent to each market,” added Dronfield.

Now in its 8th edition, Materials Handling Middle East 2015 will welcome more than 150 brands from 21 countries, and comprises six of the world’s top 20 materials handling systems providers – including the top two, Japan’s Daifuku and SSI Schaefer from Germany.

The biennial three-day event will also feature more than 30 UAE-based companies, from small and medium enterprises to other major powerhouses such as Kanoo Group, Al Futtaim Motors, SPAN Trading, General Navigation and Commerce Company (GENAVCO), and Acme.

Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East, the organiser of Materials Handling Middle East, said: “Continued growth in important Middle East economies is the main driver for regional logistics and supply chain activities, and this is having a positive impact on materials handling and storage suppliers that are currently active, or looking to increase their presence in the market.

“As the regional commercial and infrastructure landscape continues to develop, the demand for high quality supply chain solutions will expand proportionally, making the region a highly-attractive destination for a majority of the world's leading solutions providers.”

A new feature at Materials Handling Middle East 2015 is the Forklift Operator of the Year – the Middle East’s only competition where operators will be judged on their ability to safely and efficiently manoeuver up three tonnes of electric forklift machinery in narrow spaces replicating a warehouse environment.

Elsewhere, the Warehousing and Materials Handling Conference on 15-16 September will analyse key growth drivers and restraints in the regional materials handling industry, emerging trends and their impact on the market today, while a dedicated Demo Area will showcase the unique capabilities of some of the world’s most trusted forklift brands.