SAIE preview

The SAIE 2011 exhibition will be affected by the continued tough economic times in Italy but manufacturers are still showing interest in the long-established international exhibition.

Organisers of the Bologna, Italy-based show say that the 2010 SAIE exhibition for the construction industry attracted 1% more professionals than the 2009 exhibition, with a figure standing at 168,000. Some 6,800 of these visitors came from outside Italy, according to the show's press office. There were 1,500 exhibitors, 302 of them from outside the country.

The organisers will be hoping these figures can be matched by the end of the 2011 exhibition from 5 - 8 October, despite the difficult economic situation that continues in the country.

As in the past, more than 30,000 square metres of floor space has been given over the construction equipment sector. This year the event will be split into three areas: Saiemergia & Sustainability, for energy, sustainability and green building; SAIE Sites & Production, for sites, concrete and production; SAIE Services for Designing and Building, for related services, software and building materials.

The lifting equipment and crane section of the show will be part of the SAIE Sites & production area.

Manufacturers

From Benazzato Gru, Marco and Alessandro Benazzato, sons and successors of Luciano Benazzato, founder of tower and self-erecting tower crane manufacturer Benazzato Gru, says that the show offers growth opportunities for the company. "Our father was a powerful driving force for our company, and had the foresight to ensure its continuity by having us grow within the company," said Benazzato. "We have chosen SAIE as a marketing event to demonstrate to our Italian and international customers that we firmly intend to steer the company out of the crisis that has continued for far too long."

Bennazzato adds, "While we are obviously sensitive to costs in the current climate, we are certain that our investment in communication at this event will enable us to reach out to a clientele that is attentive to the emerging needs of the building sector."

Liebherr Italia has also confirmed its presence at the exhibition. Efisio Moi, vice chairman, says it will be representing the wheeled mobile cranes from Liebherr-Werk Ehingen and towers cranes from Liebherr-Werk Biberach in Germany. On show will be the 45 tonne capacity, three-axle LTC 1045-3.1, the 5 tonne 85 EC-B 5 FR.tronic flat top tower crane, and a 6 tonne 81 K fast-erecting tower crane.

Investment

Tower crane manufacturer FM Gru's Giacomo Fuochi said it will continue to invest in trade shows, including SAIE. "Italy is still going through a very difficult economic period. The building sector, in particular, is in the midst of a severe crisis that unfortunately is far way from being resolved. But it is precisely for this reason that we believe it is vital to continue to take part in SAIE," comments Fuochi.

Manitowoc Cranes added that its attendance at the show would continue to help it to demonstrate its range of models. "Our passion drives us to continue to invest in research and in developing new products and solutions, even in difficult economic times like these. Manitowoc will, therefore, be pleased to present its latest technologies at SAIE, testifying to its unflagging efforts to improve its professional relationship with customers as well as enhancing site safety," says Enrico Angiolini, Manitowoc Cranes sales director south Europe.

Visitor information SAIE 2011

Where: Bologna Fair Center, Bologna, Italy

When: 5 - 8 October 2011

Opening hours: 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.

Admission: Tickets can be bought at the show or online at www.saie.bolognafiere.it