Panama Canal CEO to keynote Modex

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The MHIA has announced that Alberto Alemán Zubieta, CEO of the Panama Canal Authority, will deliver a keynote at next year’s Modex show. The expansion of the canal, and its expected effect on US cargo flows, is part of the reason for the launch of the new show.

The very first Modex (Modex 2012), the North American materials handling expo, will be held in Atlanta on Feburary 6 of next year. The opening of the expanded canal in Panama in 2014 heralds a new era in southern distribution, prompting MHIA to move the North American part of its decades-old materials handling event, called NA, from Cleveland and Atlanta.

A spokesperson said, “Scheduled for completion in 2014, the expansion of the Panama Canal is certain to change global freight movement and open up new opportunities, but precisely how is yet to be determined.”

Zubieta, CEO of the Panama Canal Authority will deliver a keynote presentation on the impact of the canal. He will explain the advantages of enlarged cargo handling facilities, and faster and cheaper goods from Asia.

Modex will feature 500 North American supplier displays from segments including overhead cranes, hoists, safety devices, packaging and technology.

Statistics compiled by the MHIA over the last year show that 22% of attendees have current or potential plans to expand distribution capacity.

The event will include educational recourses of 17 industry organisations. It will host 70 seminars on manufacturing, distribution and supply chain topics geared towards increasing productivity and profitability.

Panama Canal CEO to keynote Modex