The machine tools industry is growing in a geometrical progression and demand is set to get stronger with a number of Gulf states setting up manufacturing industries, according to MidTech Engineering Solutions, a leader in machine tools.

"The plethora of free zones and manufacturing zones being developed by different Gulf countries, including the UAE, will demand skilled manpower for manufacturing activities," said GK Menon, general manager, Midtech Engineering Solutions.

“Zones like Jafza, Hamariyah, Ajman Free Zone and RAK free zones are providing huge opportunities for manufacturing facilities. The Zones Corp in Abu Dhabi is setting up three new industrial cities,” Menon noted.

MidTech Engineering Solutions represents some of the world’s prestigious suppliers to the metal cutting industry, including Cincinnati Machine Limited, Takisawa CNC Turning Centres, Proth Surface Grinders, Perfect Jet Machining Centres, Top Turn CNC Lathes, Widia - Germany, Cimcool industrial products- Netherlands and Speed Pro Solid carbide end mills.

It represents these companies in the Middle East markets, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait.

MidTech will be showcasing its products at 'Tekno Tube Arabia 2009,' the ninth International Trade Fair for Industrial Machinery, Metalworking, Machine Tools, Dies/Molds, Tubes, and Pipes being organised from January 10 to 13 in Dubai.

More than 200 exhibitors from around the world are expected to unveil novel technologies and products at the show.

The products on display by MidTech will include machine tools, workshop equipment, cutting tools and metal working fluids.

The technical representatives from the manufacturers from Europe, Taiwan and Korea will be present at the stall with Midtech to help visitors with any information and detailed discussions.

The company will also highlight its services - turnkey projects, proposals for up-grading existing and new tool rooms, machine shop, total solution for tooling and tooling systems, complete tooling packages, technical support for machining problems, methods and time studies for manufacturing engineering components, repair/retrofit machines.

According to Menon, the industry needs skilled manpower, but due to comparatively lower wages, higher cost of living in the Gulf and flight of manpower back to the Indian Subcontinent, there is a shortage of skilled manpower.

“The manufacturing industry has just started growing with new investments and products being made for domestic consumption and exports. The key success factor will be the quality of service,” he added.

Menon pointed out that the demand for machine tools was set to rise dramatically in the short term.

“Machine tools are the mother machines in the manufacturing industry. Machine tools are needed for producing parts for all products you see around you - from nails to aeroplane parts. This industry can create lot of job opportunities- both technical and commercial,” he added.

The company will be showcase machine tools from Spain, Bulgaria, South Korea, China, Taiwan and India; cutting tools from US, Germany, South Korea and India; tool pre-setters from Germany and metal working fluids from Netherlands.-TradeArabia News Service