Rising oil prices and a growing regional economy has laid the perfect foundation for the 17th edition of SteelFab (10-13 January, Sharjah, UAE). A strong resurgence in the GCC’s economic growth prospects is fuelling growth of the region’s construction, which remains the biggest sector by project value, while infrastructure industries are the demand drivers of the local metalworking segment. Continuing infrastructure spending, stimulus packages, reforms and growth in the non-oil sector are also providing industry impetus.

SteelFab is the only dedicated trade fair of its kind and has provided consistent growth since its launch. The exhibition is the largest regional showcase of this type of technology, attracting visitors from across the globe (7200 from 70 countries at the last event in 2020). Notably, SteelFab enjoys strong support from industry associations and exhibitors can expect high sales, bookings and business leads.

For further information www.steelfabme.com

Via its Xpress rapid delivery service, Walter now offers its customers special tools delivered within four weeks, less than half the time it usually takes. Before now, customers were already able to order certain milling cutters, drills and indexable inserts via Walter Xpress. However, Walter is now adding grooving tools and cutting inserts to its range. As a result, the G1011 and G4011 monoblock grooving tools, and the double-edged and four-edged cutting inserts from the DX, GX and MX systems, are now available via the Walter Xpress service.

For further information
www.walter-tools.com

In the presence of the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, and Sheikh Mohammed ben Zayed Al Nahyane, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Vice-Commander of the Armed Forces of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Eric Trappier, chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, signed a historical contract with Tareq Abdul Raheem Al Hosani, CEO of Tawazun Economic Council, for the acquisition of 80 Rafale F4 jets for the United Arab Emirates Air Force & Air Defence (UAE AF & AD).

Says Trappier: “This contract is excellent news for France and for its aerospace industry; for the entire ecosystem of 400 companies, both large and small, which contribute to Rafale. It represents thousands of guaranteed jobs in our sector for the coming decade. This contract, which is the largest ever obtained by the French military aerospace sector, consolidates a national industrial base that is, without doubt, unique in Europe.”

For further information www.dassault-aviation.com

Nidec ASI, part of the Nidec Group’s Energy & Infrastructure Division, has played a key role in the building of Ain Dubai, the world’s largest and tallest observation wheel. The company has taken care of the control system and enabled an exceptional user experience, two central aspects of the project. Some of the world’s best design engineers and partners have been involved in planning and developing Ain Dubai, which towers over the spectacular Bluewaters island destination. Uniqueness, excellence in engineering, technology and safety all combine to create a world-class entertainment experience.

For further information www.nidec-industrial.com

At the turn of the year, Frank Hinssen will take over as managing director of Mayfran International, a supplier of technology solutions for scrap and cooling lubricant processing, material handling in metal processing, and recycling. Hinssen, who has worked for more than 30 years in international production and material handling companies, takes over the reins from Mayfran veteran Wiel Kroonen, who is retiring after nearly 40 years with Mayfran, the last 14 years as managing director.

For further information
www.mayfran.com