(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Close to 200 exhibitors from all over the world gathered for the Middle East's dedicated exhibition for hardware, tools, and machinery at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
The 17th edition of Hardware+Tools Middle East 2016, which runs until May 25, features 184 exhibitors from 11 countries representing over 250 brands, and was opened by Mattar Al Tayer, the director general and chairman of the board of executive directors of Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority. "Spurred on by the continuing commercial and industrial infrastructure, as well growing transport and logistics links, demand for hardware, tools and machinery in the Middle East remains strong," said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East, the organiser of Hardware+Tools Middle East. "Hardware+Tools Middle East continues to play a unique interactive and formative role in this fast-growing market, as the Middle East features alongside the powerhouses China, India and Asean countries as a major point of interest for international machinery and tool manufacturers." Pauwels also noted that in addition to several exhibitors returning for the annual event, there were several new exhibitors showcasing the latest products that were making waves in the industry. One such brand was FiberFix, a US-based company that markets household and professional repair products. The products are targeted to the do-it-yourself handymen and general consumer market, and include a repair wrap that is 100 times stronger than duct tape. By using cutting-edge technology and innovation, FiberFix aims to provide affordable solutions to otherwise expensive repairs and replacements. "It took us about two years to develop this product," said Eric Child, CEO of FiberFix. "The idea for our product came from doctors using casting wrap to mend broken bones. We reengineered that product to address all those issues and came out with our wrap that is proven to be 100 times stronger than duct tape and even more effective." FiberFix's portfolio of products includes the FiberFix Original Wrap, Heat Wrap, Rigid Patch, and more. Osama Abdullah Bastaki, CEO of Osama Bastaki International Group, said that the brand is already available in Ace Hardware stores in the UAE, and will soon be available in other hardware retail stores across the country as well. The brand also has plans to expand in other markets in the GCC once a distributor is selected. -