For the second year, the Tools, Hardware & Building Supplies (THABS) expo will form part of SAITEX, bringing together 68 suppliers of hardware, build ware and tool suppliers from around the world at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand from 15-17 July 2012.

It will display a comprehensive and diverse range of products, including power tools and machine tools, hand tools and implements, nails, wire, steel rods, diamond abrasives and saw blades, electrical supplies and woodworking equipment, welding gear, workshop machinery, building materials and other items.

"India and China have emerged as leading manufacturers of high quality tools, hardware and industrial products, a by-product of their rapidly expanding automotive and engineering sectors," says John Thomson, MD of Exhibition Management Services (EMS), organisers of the show.

"The world economy is recovering from a significant recession and feeding a powerful entrepreneurial surge throughout young, emerging markets such as the BRICS countries. New start-up businesses are sprouting, entrepreneurs are expanding and exploring and retailers across the region must prepare for a surge in demand."

Displaying support for SAITEX, Virendra Gupta, High Commissioner of India in South Africa, has already confirmed India's participation in the event. "We are booking the requisite space to create a composite Indian pavilion where all Indian exhibitors will be represented," he says.

India will rank in the top five global machine tool makers within the next five years. Part of this growth will come from trade with other countries such as South Africa, where machinery and instruments from India are already a major import.

"Trade between India and South Africa grossed $11-billion in 2010/11 and the target for 2014 is $15-billion, set by the Trade Ministers of the two countries," says Gupta. "A special feature of our participation in SAITEX this year is the fact that India has been designated a partner country, which of course reflects our very strong economic and commercial links with South Africa."

"India manufactures and supplies a full range of hardware and tool products, including high end metal cutting and forming machine tools; special purpose machining equipment such as CNC machines, robotics and automated handling systems. These and more will be on display at THABS and SAITEX," concludes Thomson.