New Zealand to focus on sustainable building solutions at Big 5

New Zealand’s expertise in innovative construction and green building solutions will be highlighted at Big 5 this year with eleven New Zealand companies exhibiting at the show.

Many of the companies are supported by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), the New Zealand government’s economic development agency and Tradex Exhibitions Ltd. NZTE is also one of the sponsors of the B2B networking breakfast hosted by the Dubai Export Development Corporation on 24th November, the second day of the show. Craig Armstrong, NZTE’s Sector Director for Specialised Manufacturing will present on ‘New Zealand Manufacturing Capability’ at the networking event.

Commenting on the participation of New Zealand companies at the Big 5, Wayne Mikkelsen, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise’s Dubai-based Trade Commissioner said: “This year’s Big 5 couldn’t have come at a better time now we have a conclusion to the Free Trade talks between New Zealand and GCC – the doors are open for more opportunities for Kiwi companies in this region – we are confident this recent development will be good for business at the show.

“For New Zealand building and construction companies, the Big 5 is the perfect opportunity to showcase their unique, sustainable products to the Gulf region,” he said.

“As a whole, New Zealand has a strong commitment to sustainability, reflected in green building solutions such as wood from renewable sources, composites, steel framing and technology for reducing energy consumption, all of which will be on show. New Zealand companies have a strong focus on versatility, innovation and cost efficiency, which are appealing to this region as it seeks competitive advantage and differentiation.”

The GCC is New Zealand’s 7th largest trading partner and events such as Big 5 help New Zealand companies forge stronger relations with companies based in the UAE and the wider Gulf region.

New Zealand companies will be exhibiting in Hall 8 at the Dubai World Trade Centre during The Big 5 running from November 23-26, 2009.

Exhibiting companies include FrameCad Solutions, Pultron Composites, Global Timber Homes, AHI Roofing, Structureflex, Scottsdale, Howick Limited, Kristil, All Proof Industries, Ultra Corporation Limited and Chant Productions.  In addition, others including SiteSafe, A Ward Attachments, Hunza and Methven are visiting the exhibition to establish industry contacts.

Rob Moule from FrameCad Solutions, a company that delivers advanced steel frame design and building solutions said: “This is the 6th year we are participating at Big 5 and every year we have grown our networks and the awareness of our products.  Our integrated manufacturing system allows us to produce cold formed steel frames for buildings with consistent accuracy determined by the system, not the skill level of factory workers or on-site assemblers.  We are looking forward to another successful Big 5 this year.”

Pultron Composites is currently setting up MENA region’s first state-of-the-art Fibreglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) composite rebar manufacturing facility. Pultron FRP rebar, branded MateenBar, is a strong and durable composite reinforcement providing a solution for concrete reinforcement where corrosion can dramatically limit the lifespan of steel.

“In the GCC region where corrosion is a serious problem, composite is an environmentally friendly and necessary solution.  Pultron composite rebar is 20 – 40 per cent cheaper than stainless steel, does not rust and has non-conductive and non-magnetic properties.  When our newly built factory in Jebel Ali Free Zone becomes operational early next year, we will focus on rebar production and will be better able to serve the region through reduced delivery times,” said Pultron’s Middle East General Manager Dr. Salwan Al-Assafi.

Highlighting New Zealand’s expertise in the wood sector will be Global Timber Homes, the company that is currently building the iconic Rubies restaurant in the luxury Al Raha Beach Resort in Abu Dhabi. The US$4 million project comprises a 700sq/m floor area over-water restaurant built from New Zealand’s most hard working timber, radiata pine.

David Moon, UAE General Manager sees a great opportunity for timber in the region: “High quality New Zealand timber is an environment friendly option and it is known for strength and durability. Combined with excellent processes and smart technology, timber can create sustainable high quality buildings.  New Zealand is one of the few countries in the world with the ability to increase and sustain its total wood production.”

About New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) is the New Zealand government’s national economic development agency. It works to stimulate economic growth by helping to boost export earnings, strengthen regional economies, and deliver economic development assistance to industries and individual businesses. Through its global network of offices NZTE works with international businesses and investors, connecting them to New Zealand business opportunities. NZTE’s focus is on industries and sectors where New Zealand has a long-term competitive advantage on world markets, and on businesses with high-growth potential.

For more information on New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, visit: www.nzte.govt.nz