INTERMAT ASEAN 2017’s Inaugural Edition Closes on A Positive Note

After three days of productive business discussions and networking sessions at the IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Centre in Bangkok, Thailand, the first edition of Intermat Asean – the Southeast Asian trade show for construction and infrastructure, ended on a positive note on 10 June 2017.

Organized by S.E. Intermat, a joint subsidiary of Comexposium and French trade organizations from the construction industry (CISMA and SEIMAT), Intermat saw more than 300 exhibiting brands and companies – including JCB, CASE Construction Equipment, Manitou Group, XCMG, Speedcrafts, Surelia Engineers, etc, who presented their latest machinery and equipment to 4,680 visitors from 43 countries.

Loy Joon How, GM, IMPACT Exhibition Management, stated, “Asean is one of the world’s most dynamic and fast-growing regions, and Thailand is strategically located within the heart of the region. As such, the region requires $60 billion in annual investments to support its infrastructure development needs. This was the motivating factor for us to stage Intermat Asean 2017 as the strategic regional construction platform to bring technology, innovation and support the growth of Asean’s construction industry and markets.”

Isabelle Alfano, Construction Business Unit Director, Comexposium Group, said, “We’re very heartened to generate such support for the first edition of Intermat Asean. It has facilitated a lot of business, and therefore, met the industry’s needs in Southeast Asia.”

She added that Thailand is a fast-growing country with strong construction challenges. “Through this show, we are trying to bring to the Asean market a platform that will bring experience and expertise from well-established construction equipment manufacturers to provide Asean professionals with strong and efficient solutions to meet their needs. This will lead the construction industry towards higher industry standards.”

Thailand is seeing a spate of infrastructure construction activities with the government building more high-speed rail projects, train systems, expressways, expansion of its airports. The Thai Ministry of Transport informed a gathering at the event that a total investment of 1.8 trillion baht ($53 billion) for 20 infrastructure projects has been outlined.

Travellers to Bangkok can see the city’s high-rises dotted with cranes and backhoes. Sajid Huseni, Assistant Director, Trade Exhibition Business, IMPACT, informed that the country is seeing increasing investments for infrastructure development with a lot of upcoming mega projects that will drive construction activity over the next 3-5 years. Plans include stretching the metro’s rapid transit system to 241 km from the present 11 km, with 11 lines and 148 stations in the next 10 years, and expanding and upgrading the airports.

Intermat Asean exhibits of the latest products and innovations from established manufacturers and suppliers will provide and support the Asean region with the right equipment and solutions to meet its growing infrastructure development needs. Displays included production and use of construction materials, earthmoving, civil engineering, concrete manufacture, buildings and work sites, lifting, handling, drilling, boring, road infrastructures, mining and quarry equipment, vehicles and transportation, components and accessories, demolition, recycling, etc.

The organizers are planning to take the show to other parts of the Asian countries like India, where a huge demand for construction equipment is anticipated due to the government’s focus on infrastructure development.

Global meeting place

Intermat Asean saw international participation by more than 300 exhibiting brands and companies from 17 countries. JCB, the global manufacturer of construction equipment unveiled three new machines - the JS305 Tracked Excavator, the JCB116 Soil Compactor, and the JCB 51R Compact Excavator. Tom Cornell, MD, JCB Southeast Asia, said, “Thailand is JCB’s number one market in Southeast Asia. The country is witnessing escalating demand for construction equipment from infrastructure construction and real estate sectors. In view of this, we have launched three superior products for this market, all of which are equipped with LiveLink, which is the quickest way to confirm the maintenance and health of the machines without having to travel around work sites inspecting machines.” He informed that for customer support services and JCB’s market growth, the company’s local partner DKSH provides sales, parts and service support for the full line of JCB machines, and assists JCB in expanding its market reach in the country.

Alvin Lim, Business Director for South East Asia, Pakistan, and Japan, CASE Construction Equipment, said, “There is a possibility for us to demonstrate a wide range of our machinery, as well as to show customers our latest innovative operating technologies, across many industry sectors. CASE is delighted to have played such a central role in establishing this important new exhibition as the leading sponsor of the event.”

About 20% of the visitors came from countries such as China, Cambodia, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, and Vietnam. Lucien Au, Director, Global Engineering Supply Company Ltd, shared, “We came to Intermat Asean to explore more sources and suppliers to serve our market in Hong Kong; and we found the best opportunity to receive updated information and network with the suppliers at the show.”

At the outdoor exhibition and demonstration area, companies showcased their machinery and equipment. Live demonstrations by JCB and CASE allowed attendees to test-drive and experience the power and efficiency of their machinery in real-life worksite conditions. The event also saw several seminars and meetings for the China-ASEAN Business Council and The Association of Thai Concrete Product Industry.