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MANAMA: Business deals worth millions of dollars have been achieved at gulfBID 2007.

Visitors from all over the world attended the three-day Gulf International Exhibition for Construction, Interiors and Furniture (gulfBID), which concluded yesterday.

It was staged at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) by Hilal Conferences and Exhibitions and dmg world media.

The show, which has grown in size from 135 exhibitors to 190 this year, also saw several exhibitors unveiling new products, with others announcing expansion plans.

Danube Buildings Materials said it recorded close to $2.5 million in sales - the biggest ever in the show's two-year history.

"Our strong earnings in the exhibition reflect our ability to meet demands from major and emerging industries with high quality products and services," said company chairman Rizwan Sajan.

Dubai's Alomi clinched a $1m deal to supply hardwood for a hotel project in the King Abdullah Economic City of Saudi Arabia.

The wood, English Natural Oak, is to be supplied in three phases and the first consignment should reach the client by late this summer, said chief executive officer Walter Douglas.

The company will have to supply at least 20,000sqm of wood for the project, he added.

VDKF - the German Association of Refrigerating and Air-conditioning contractors - which made its debut at the gulfBID, announced plans to come back next year in a bigger way.

Yorick Lowin of VDKF said that the association is working on a proposal with the German Economic Ministry to cover the show under its banner, which will generate an incentive for German refrigeration contractors to participate at the show next year, said official Yorick Lowin.

"Also, once we get the funding from the ministry it will be possible for us as well to bring in more participants from the refrigeration sector and this could certainly double the size of our stand for 2008," he said.

Roszheldorstroy Construction Complex (RCC), a joint stock company of the Russian Railways, announced plans to make a foray into the construction sector of the Gulf markets through local partnerships.

"This is the first time that the company has contemplated the move to participate in projects outside Russian soil and thus sets the tone for other companies to push for projects within the GCC more actively," said a spokesman for the company.

RCC, which debuted at gulfBID this year, will kick-start its operations in Bahrain through its local partner GR Group, which will also function as RCC's representative in the GCC.

Qatar Steel, which participated at the show for the second time in as many years, doubled its stand size this time around.

"We are well poised to meet Bahrain's growing demand for quality steel, through a series of expansions - both at its Jebel Ali Free Zone facility and the Qatar facility," said head of marketing and communications Abdul Rahman R Al Muftah.

Saad Group made its debut at gulfBID, occupying the biggest stand at the show.

The company used gulfBID as a platform to exhibit its range of recent projects in Al Khobar including the renovation of its Saad Hospital and the unveiling of models of its 250-villa project.

Awal Acrylic and Fibreglass chose gulfBID to launch a new shower steam box, and was all praise for the event.

"There have been several enquiries both from Saudi Arabia and Bahrain for our range of bathtubs and hydromassage systems," said general manager Khalid Al Jasm.

Bahrain-based Ceramica Delmon Company said it would open a fifth showroom in the kingdom and a factory.

Knauf, a supplier of gypsum boards, announced plans to build a $75m factory in the UAE to produce ceilings, partitions, linings and encasements for the GCC countries.

Meanwhile, both exhibitors and visitors were unanimous in their praise for the show, saying that it surpassed the success of last year's event.

Zamil Steel said it had become a must-attend event.

"Although we are known the world over for our PEB and steel products, it is important for us to participate at local shows to maintain our leadership in the market. gulfBID has allowed us to just do that," said Hatem Turki, marketing manager, pre-engineered buildings division of Zamil Steel.

Debutant Mez Technik Air System Products rated the show as "excellent".

"This is our first year at gulfBID and we've had reasonable success. We could soon sign up a distributor for Bahrain soon," said sales manager Maik Schweikardt.

Mohammed Baite, colour consultant of Hempel Middle East (West), said he was "very, very impressed".

"The show is of international standards. The planning of the exhibiting space is well thought out, and the reason behind such a great response from visitors," he said..

Mr Baite said he never expected so many trade visitors from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

"There had also been a steady stream of interior designers, architects and builders evincing keen interest in the exhibits," he said.

"Had the show not been so well organised, we would not have seen so many of them."

This year's show was the best yet, said dmg world media Dubai managing director Bernard Walsh.

"This year's event was certainly bigger and better than last year. We are pleased with the way gulfBID has come along this far," he said.

"This time round, we have had visitors from Italy, Cyprus, Russia and several other countries including Dubai and other important markets of the region, making it a truly international affair.

"Also there is a visible difference in the way the exhibitors have invested in their stands.

"We see a lot more design and involvement going into the stands than what we have seen last year and that is encouraging."