October 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Contact:

Anne Meerboth-Maltz
Tel. (312)781-5185
Fax (312) 781-5188
email: ameerboth@mdna.com

Messe Düsseldorf North America
150 North Michigan Avenue
Suite 2920
Chicago, IL 60601

 WIRE AND TUBE SOUTHEAST ASIA 2009 CONFIRMED AS REGION'S NO. 1 EVENT

The recent staging of wire Southeast ASIA 2009 - International Wire & Cable Trade Fair for Southeast Asia, and Tube Southeast ASIA 2009 - International Tube & Pipe Trade Fair for Southeast Asia, confirmed the event as the region’s No. 1 and most successful platform for the wire, cable, tube and pipe industry. About 5,000 high caliber trade visitors from 57 countries came to the fairgrounds in Bangkok to see and order the latest technology displayed by 305 exhibitors from 30 nations. Joachim Schaefer, Managing Director of Messe Düsseldorf, commented: “Despite the global economic downturn, many companies have not lost sight of their intent to enter the regional markets of Asia, in particular the Southeast Asian region which is perceived by many as the land of opportunities.”

ASEAN visitors (including Thailand) at wire and Tube Southeast ASIA 2009 accounted for about 85% of the total attendance, indicating that ASEAN buyers increasingly consider Thailand as a business hub and product distribution gateway. A significant number of visitors came from China, India, Japan, South Korea and the Middle East. Approximately 30% of the visitors were from outside of Thailand.

The trade fairs featured country group exhibits from Austria, China, France, Germany, Italy, Singapore and the U.S. The successful U.S. group stand at wire Southeast ASIA 2009 was again supported by the Wire and Cable Industry Suppliers Association (WCISA).

The organizer of wire and Tube Southeast ASIA 2009 was pleased with the results: “wire and Tube Southeast ASIA are regarded by the industry as Southeast Asia’s leading venues when it comes to acquiring the latest manufacturing equipment and technology for the wire, cable, tube and pipe industries. Both trade fairs have consistently addressed the rising demand by cutting-edge manufacturers for effective and efficient solutions. Given our extensive marketing strategies and understanding the needs of our customers, we are delighted with the quality turnout,” stated Gernot Ringling, Managing Director of Messe Düsseldorf Asia.

Despite the difficult economic circumstances, many wire Southeast ASIA 2009 exhibitors reported a high level of visitor interest in their products as well as brisk business from both local and overseas buyers. Ferrucio Bellina, President of ACIMAF, noted: “At wire Southeast ASIA 2009 we saw a significant number of visitors from outside of Thailand, particularly from countries such as Iran, India, Vietnam and even the Philippines and they have generated some positive leads. Although customers were more cautious with their investments, business was still conducted and purchases were made. The companies exhibiting at the Italian Pavilion were satisfied with their participation, the organization of the show and the quality of the visitors at wire Southeast Asia.”

Dr. Kurt Eder, President of AWCMA, agreed: “In comparison to the 2007 exhibition, the companies in the Austrian Pavilion have seen more high quality visitors at this year’s wire Southeast ASIA. The 2009 event has been a good and efficient show and has attracted the right visitor target audience. Many of the Austrian companies were happy with the visitor enquiries and interest generated in their products.”

Johann Jäkel, Sales Director of Rosendahl Maschinen GmbH exhibiting within the Austrian Pavilion, commented that “We are present at this exhibition to show our partners and customers that we are with them in good times and in bad. We do see the global economic situation as bottoming out and business is slowly but surely improving. At wire Southeast ASIA, although we have not met any new customers, we have received enquiries from the existing ones. Overall, we are satisfied with our participation given the current economic situation and are pleased with the organization by the show management.”

At the German Pavilion, Dr. Gerhard Bartz, President of VDKM, remarked that despite the economic downturn, it is essential to realize that technical development has to continue: ”It is necessary to focus on the positive and to build solid and sound relationship with customers worldwide. Innovations and services as the two key ingredients needed to overcome the recession. Therefore it is the responsibility of the manufacturer to provide professional and excellent service and create innovations which are essential to meet the changing needs of the customers.” As Advisor of WAFIOS AG, Dr. Bartz commented that the company was pleased with the visitor quality and the show’s organization and results: “We were also pleasantly surprised to conclude an unexpected sale at the trade fair. Most of the attendees were our target group and we hope to see them at the upcoming wire Düsseldorf in April 2010.”

Exhibitors at Tube Southeast ASIA 2009 also gave the show high ratings. Phillip Knight, Executive Secretary of ITA, reported high caliber visitors at their booth: “The number of leads exceeded our expectations and we are excited about a potential local representation of ITA for the Pakistan market. The exhibition certainly reinforced ITA’s reputation as the largest and most influential personal membership association for the industry.”

P. Rama Dasu, Director of Revat Metforms Pvt. Ltd., added that “The strategic location of Thailand in Asia has attracted the best in the industry. Our participation in Tube Southeast ASIA brought us new leads in the pipe mills/welders sector as well as an increased awareness of the “Vega brand” in the region. We were most satisfied with the quality of visitors at our booth and were able to expand our business to countries where we did not have business before.”

wire and Tube Southeast ASIA will return to Bangkok in Autumn 2011. For further information on visiting or exhibiting at wire and Tube Southeast ASIA, contact Messe Düsseldorf North America, 150 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 2920, Chicago, IL 60601. Telephone: (312) 781-5180; Fax: (312) 781-5188; E-mail: info@mdna.com; Visit our web site http://www.mdna.com; Subscribe to our blog http://blog.mdna.com; Follow us on twitter at http://twitter.com/mdnachicago