The inaugural ConExpo Asia in mid-May welcomed an estimated 11,000 domestic and international visitors in what event organizer AEM hopes to be the beginning of a fruitful relationship with China's construction industry.

The Beijing show consisted of four days of seminars and exhibits split roughly 50/50 between Chinese and international manufacturers. Attendees were reportedly high quality equipment buyers and visitors from more than 70 countries participated, according to show management.

"ConExpo Asia provided an ideal arena for introducing Multiquip to local contractors and building professionals," said Poonam Kapila, Multiquip's director of marketing. "We've made an extensive commitment to Asia's construction industry and foresee exceptional growth in the years ahead."

Multiquip was among nearly 200 exhibitors at the event, May 15-18. The Carson, California-headquartered manufacturer displayed a host of concrete and masonry working equipment at the show, including walk-behind and ride-on power trowels, saws, mixers and light towers.

ConExpo Asia served as an important vehicle for Multiquip's expansion into Asia, coinciding with the opening of MQ-Shanghai, the company's new office and manufacturing facility dedicated to supplying quality equipment to China and throughout Asia.

ConExpo Asia was the first of two major trade shows slated for China in 2006. Bauma China, 700 miles south in Shanghai, sets up shop Nov. 21-24 where all indications are for a significant increase in attendees and exhibitors. Future ConExpo Asia shows will take place in 2007, 2009 and 2012.

Multiquip's presence at ConExpo Asia is playing a major role in the company's continued global growth. Since the early 1990s, Multiquip has expanded worldwide with dealers now selling products in more than 60 countries. Offices are also located in Manchester, England; Quebec, Canada; Guadalajara, Mexico; and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.