Expo Centre Sharjah’s multi-industry show has become the region’s favourite hunting ground for new technology and equipment, the organisers stated.

The four-day show embracing the 3rd Plastivision Arabia, 3rd Arabia Mold and 2nd Print Pack Arabia was held from February 22 and drew strong interest from people connected with the respective trades.

“Top executives, decision-makers and representatives of regional plastics, moulds, printing and packaging industries flocked to Expo Centre to explore and assess a deluge of offerings across a wide array of cutting-edge machinery and equipment on display,” noted Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, chief executive of Expo Centre Sharjah.

“The turnout has been fantastic,” Al Midfa added.

Live displays of latest technologies such as ABA blown film, high-production printers, scanners, and 3D printing from leading manufacturers and dealers of top brands were a big draw.

Gulf Commercial Group (GCG) exhibited three different RISO Comcolor X1 printers, which not only offer high productivity and reliability but also are supported by optional production accessories that make for a number of configurations that are ideal for any printing operation.

“Combined with their low cost of ownership and even lower power consumption, ComColor X1 Series printers are a big attraction for the regional industry. While speed and quality make these printers standout, it’s the production accessories that has been specifically engineered for each system that adds more value and ROI,” said Justus Sathurni, business support manager, GCG.

“From feeding to finishing, the RISO ComColor Accessories enable production managers to tailor our offerings to their unique and specific manufacturing needs. Each tool is designed to automate, accelerate, and simplify production tasks to ensure jobs flow to plan,” he added.

Visitors looking for printers that feature unique in-built digital graphic arts technology checked out the commercial-standard Pro Series at the OKI Europe stall. These graphic arts printers are based on innovative technology that challenges traditional printing processes, opening up new opportunities and on-demand revenue streams for creative businesses and print houses.

“Comprising vibrant four- and five-colour technology and innovative printing processes, the Pro Series from OKI offers print houses and creative firms the flexibility to take creative printing to a whole new level while also improving their business performance,” said John Ross, general manager, OKI Middle East.

Taiwan-based Polystar exhibited its blown film extrusion and recycling lines – Eco-Flex, the ABA blown film technology that produces a thinner, stronger film at substantially lower production cost. Polystar also provides a high-level of customisation, depending on the requirement, space and budget of prospective clients. Additionally they introduced a film recycling machine (fully automated) and an ABA three-layer blown film machine.

At Arabia Mold, Jacky’s Business Solutions showcased 3D printers from leading manufacturers such as MakerBot, Mcor, Stratasys, BigRep and Concept Laser. “We are displaying different types of 3D printing applications – from paper-based, ABS plastic to metal. 3D printing technology has grown drastically and is now widely being used across various sectors,” said Ashish Panjabi, COO of Jacky’s Business Solutions.

LK Machinery, the Silver Sponsor of PlastiVision Arabia, was delighted to be at the show. “We are having good business meetings with quality visitors. Forga 3, a machine for higher tonnage from 450 to 7000, Potenza 320-tonne injection moulding machine for producing cutlery with cavities and Effecta for cream cheese container production are the highlights on our booth at PlastiVision Arabia 2016.”

Triveni Trading another exhibitor at PlastiVision Arabia introduced an automatic shrink wrap machine from Minipack Italy.

The 3rd Plastivision Arabia and 2nd Print Pack Arabia were held in association with the All India Plastics Manufacturers Association (AIPMA) and the Indian Printing, Packaging and Allied Machinery Manufacturers Association (IPAMA) respectively.

On Day 2, Expo Centre hosted the “Investing in India” summit which was addressed by RK Agarwal, president, AIPMA, and featured presentations by representatives of Indian partner states Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh. Chattisgarh’s industry minister Amar Agarwal was present.

“Our trade relations date back thousands of years  and I am happy to note that we spotted the strength of  the plastics and printing & packaging industries of India long ago and chose to partner with the apex bodies of the industries to launch Plastivision Arabia in 2012 and Print Pack Arabia in 2014, said Al Midfa.

The tie-ups with AIPMA and IPAMA have helped Expo Centre Sharjah develop and maintain synergies with the Indian business community in the UAE and region.