News

Record number of visitors to Construct 2011 UTE Stall

New construction machines that have never been displayed at a public event in Sri Lanka and a pre-used construction equipment auction were among the exciting new additions to this year's edition of the 'Construct' exhibition by United Tractor and Equipment (UTE).

'Construct' is the premier trade show in Sri Lanka dedicated to the Construction Industry and this year it was held for the 11th consecutive year.

In its third consecutive year as the main sponsor of the Construction Machinery and Equipment show and fourth year of participation at the Construct exhibition, Sri Lanka's sole authorised Caterpillar representative had also taken several steps to enhance awareness of its products and services at its stall, which attracted large crowds.

Construct 2011 was held from 19th to 21st August 2011 at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Exhibition Centre at the BMICH complex in Colombo. The exhibition was declared open by His Excellency Mahinda Rajapakse, the President of Sri Lanka. At the opening of Construct 2011, UTE Group Chairman and CEO, Priath Fernando presented a die cast model of a Cat D11 dozer to President Mahinda Rajapaksa as a token of appreciation.

UTE Chairman (Mr.Priath Fernando with the President Mr.Mahinda Rajapakse)

New machines on display at the UTE stall included the 336D Hydraulic Excavator, which was introduced to the country in the latter part of last year and the 120K Motor Grader. The UTE stall, one of the largest at the exhibition, also featured D4 type Dozers, the signature machine type synonymous with the Caterpillar brand in the country. Pre-used D4 type Dozer was also on display in the pre-used machinery section, for which a separate area had been designated.

Cat machines on display

UTE had dedicated the entire E block of the exhibition venue to give customers an in-depth awareness of its product support options. Seminars on parts, services and customer support and training with regard Caterpillar construction equipment, were conducted on a daily basis with the participation of representatives from Caterpillar. Also the local customers got a unique opportunity to interact directly with Caterpillar representatives and gain valuable knowledge about Cat products and services. The product support services booth gave a comprehensive understanding of various product support options available with Cat. The Caterpillar product support team headed by Mr.David A. Carletti was at hand to provide additional support needed in educating visitors to the Product Support booth.

(A product Seminar conducted by a Cat representative)

This year's show was unique in that it really demonstrated the synergy between Caterpillar and UTE in delivering results in a market which is at a rapid phase of growth. "The unprecedented visitor response at the UTE stall this year is a strong indication of the enhanced potential for growth of the company, due to the resurgence of the country's construction sector," Riyad Ismail, the company's GM said. "It is also an illustration of the trust enjoyed by Caterpillar products and the support services offered by UTE."

In total over 5,000 people -- a quarter of the estimated number of visitors to the exhibition -- visited the UTE stall, the company said.

United Tractor & Equipment (Private) Ltd (UTE) has been the sole authorised dealer for Caterpillar earthmoving equipment and power generators in Sri Lanka since 1947.