Major manufacturers, industry experts and decision-makers from Saudi Arabia’s supply chain, logistics and warehouse business share the stage as the inaugural materials handling event opened in Jeddah. 
Mazen Batterjee, vice chairman, Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), opened the first edition of the show at the Park Hyatt.
Running until Nov. 29, the event is being held at a time when the construction, automotive, retail and public sectors have been fueling demand for the latest warehousing and L&D (logistics and distribution) solutions in an industry that is constantly on the move. 
An exhibition featuring 25 top-line global and local companies is being staged in tandem with the Supply Chain and Logistics Forum, creating a dual platform with a double focus on new technologies in L&D, and the future opportunities and challenges of Saudi’s warehouse and logistics supply structure.
A panel of 17 industry experts from a broad cross-section of industries will be sharing their insights into key issues, from maximizing supply chain profits and implementing automated solutions successfully, to developing the next generation of logistics and supply chain talent. 
Daifuku from Japan, the world’s largest materials handling system supplier by revenue, is showcasing its warehouse automation portfolio along with a model of its stacker crane, its key product. 
Paul Duerrschnabel, GM in Saudi Arabia & Northern Africa for German-headquartered SSI Schaefer, said: “Saudi Arabia is the most important marketplace in the GCC, with extraordinary growth potential in the long run and growing demand for more sophisticated yet efficient storage and handling solutions.”
Elsewhere, the UAE’s Log Square company in collaboration with Span Arabia is at the show mainly focusing on its recent references in automated F&B and Rack Clad building capabilities.
Materials Handling Saudia Arabia is officially supported by Swisslog, SSI Schaeffer, and Daifuku, all launch partners. 
Industry Partners include Abdul Latif Jameel Industrial Equipment Company — the Saudi distributor for Toyota forklifts — Log Square, and EIKA.

Source: Arab News