UAE-based Kanoo Machinery is strengthening its presence in the emirates by building two new purpose built office, warehouse and product support facilities in Dubai's Jebel Ali Free Zone and Mussaffah, Abu Dhabi.

One of the Middle East's leading suppliers of construction industry equipment, Kanoo, said fears created by the global credit crisis will not halt its expansion plans.

This follows the opening of new branches in Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah to cater to growing economic activity in the northern emirates.

Group product manager Kannan Chandrasekaran said while the effects of the global economy crisis are being felt everywhere, the Big 5 PMV exhibition in Dubai later this month will highlight the way the Gulf region is riding the storm, and still representing fertile territory for construction companies.

Organised by Streamline Marketing Group and taking place at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from November 23 to 27, the Big 5 PMV is dedicated to manufacturers and suppliers of plant, machinery and construction vehicles.

'With the recent economical crisis hitting the world hard, the only solace for most companies is the Gulf region, because of its committed long term project investments,' Chandrasekaran said.

'Our recent expansion proves we are keeping pace with UAE's and other GCC countries construction boom, and we want to make sure this continues.

'The exhibition provides the perfect platform to showcase our product range to a vast construction sector, and it's a great opportunity to introduce several innovative and advanced products,' said Chandrasekaran.

A huge wave of projects in the Middle East has turned the region into the world's biggest market for plant, construction machinery, vehicles and equipment, demand for which is expected to grow by up to 20 per cent over the next four years.

'Despite fears of a global recession, the regional construction industry continues to grow, and the Big 5 PMV will help local companies capitalise on the boom by bringing them face to face with foreign buyers,' said Streamline Marketing Group director Nick Webb.

'We've also attracted many international exhibitors who are looking to enter this market, at a time when their own construction sectors are suffering,' he said.-TradeArabia News Service