Gulf Construction Online - Innovative line-up

Saudi Build 2009

On show ... one of the CNC machines.

Saudi Build 2009

Innovative line-up

01 September 2009

SOPHISTICATED computer numeric control (CNC) profiles processing machines will take centre stage among the array of products that Elumatec will put up at the Saudi Build, in a bid to further strengthen its presence in the local market.

The German firm plans to promote its CNC machines, exhibiting the five-axis PC control double-head cutting machine for cutting profiles and a four-axis CNC profile machining centre for carrying out operations on the profiles such as milling, routing, end milling and tapping.
Among the new products that will be on display is the four-head corner crimping machine which is used in the assembly of doors, windows, and curtain walls.
A specialist in the manufacture of machines for processing aluminium and unplasticised polyvinyl chloride (uPVC) profiles, Elumatec offers a complete solution from production planning, machine supply and installation to training, service, after-sales support and software development. It caters to a wide range of industries that includes automotive, construction and metal processing.
The company hopes to capitalise on the show by promoting its local presence in providing service and after-sales support, according to Ayman Droubi, general manager of Elumatec – Middle East.
“Our recently-established Saudi office will also help enhance our local presence,” he adds.
Elumatec is looking to penetrate the metal processing market and its GCC operations are gearing to tap the growing metal processing industry in the region.
“Our product line is equipped to meet the demands of a GCC market that is diversifying rapidly in the field of metal processing,” says Droubi.
“We will place great emphasis on our industrial applications as the region’s metal processing industries continue to grow beyond the construction sector.
“Within the GCC, our equipment has traditionally been used in the construction sector for the production of doors, windows and structural façade,” he explains. “However, as the region develops in other industries, we are seeing a larger number of metal industries emerging, broadening our scope for catering to more and more industrial applications.”
The company hopes to take advantage of Saudi Arabia’s position as a major player in the GCC economy. “The kingdom represents huge business potential and accounts for a major share of the GCC market. With the country’s growth plans on track and a positive economic outlook for the future, every company is keen on expanding its presence in Saudi Arabia by marketing its products and securing contracts in various industries,” Droubi says.
Elumatec is not new to the Saudi market, having executed its first contract in the kingdom in the early 1980s.
It has two regional offices in the GCC: a main office located in Jebel Ali Free Zone in the UAE and a recently-established office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The company has also opened a new office in Mumbai, India.
“We are also looking to expand our presence in the region by opening offices in Qatar and Kuwait and enhance our support for existing and future clients,” he says.
Commenting on its performance in the region, Droubi says: “The company’s business levels have been on the rise since 2000. We have experienced phenomenal growth in all markets within the GCC year on year.
“We experienced a bit of a slowdown in the first quarter of 2009 due to the financial crisis that has hit the world. However, business has started to pick up with several contracts in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, and Qatar. Overall, business will be down compared to last year, but certainly not as bad as anticipated.
“With the exception of 2009, we hope to continue to grow regionally as we have established a solid presence here and are certain the economy will bounce back, something we’ve already starting to sense.”
Among the significant developments within Elumatec is the expansion last year of its production facility in Germany, which boosted its capacity by 30 per cent.
Elumatec has equipped several aluminium production facilities in the region. Its recent projects include Reem Emirates, an aluminium façade production facility expansion, and Al Baddad International, an aluminium tent production facility, both in the UAE; Technical Glass and Aluminium and Alumana Industries, both façade and structural curtain-wall production facilities in Qatar; Alfanar Construction Systems Factory’s (aluminium), expansion, Asamco Arabia’s aluminium production facility and Saad Trading, Contracting and Financial Services Company’s aluminium façade production facility, all in Saudi Arabia; and Al Rawad Aluminium, an aluminium façade production facility in Kuwait.
Headquartered in the southwestern German city of Mühlacker-Lomersheim, Elumatec has established in 1928 and has subsidiaries and branch offices in more than 45 countries around the world. Led by managing director Eugen Lutz, Elumatec with an annual turnover of $250 million (2008).
According to Droubi, the company made its debut at Saudi Build in 2007 but in a limited capacity as an information stand, where it nevertheless managed to clinch a few contracts for the establishment of an aluminium processing facility.
Elumatec will be present at Stand B219 at this year’s Saudi Build.