Gulf Construction Online

Saudi Build 2009

On display ... new MLCP system.

Saudi Build 2009

New benchmark

01 September 2009

AT SAUDI Build, Uponor will raise the curtains on its latest piping technology for towers, which is expected to set a new benchmark in multilayer composite pipe (MLCP) systems with regard to safety, quality and reliability.

Fewer parts, greater flexibility, easier planning and quicker processing are the key advantages of Uponor’s new MLCP system for risers in the dimensions of 63 mm to 110 mm, says Jens Schuell, marketing manager of the Germany-based Uponor.
The Uponor MLCP riser system follows a modular design principle. It requires just 27 components as against 300 for a conventional 63 to 110-mm plumbing system. Hence, standard projects can be easily planned with the help of the new system, which also provides customised solutions to tide over tricky situations.
In the case of unforeseen circumstances at a construction site, the highly flexible system will facilitate easy dismantling of all the connections and will quickly adjust to the new task.
The MLCP system is durable as the multilayer composite pipes, certified to German DIN 16833, is made up of a combination of polyethylene and aluminium. This makes the system robust, oxygen-tight and resistant to pressure and change in temperature, leading to a durable installation.
Its modular design makes work simpler. For the pressing of the 90 and 110-mm fittings, the existing battery pressing tool UP 75 can be used. In addition, the pressing process can now be carried out at the workbench rather than overhead or in difficult-to-reach places. This leads to better results and reduces the danger of accidents at construction sites, says Schuell.
“The MLCP riser system puts an end to multiple reductions. It is designed in such a way that large and small diameter pipes can be connected in a single step, which simplifies and speeds up work and results in a far more stable outcome,” he points out.
Also, fewer components mean easier-to-maintain stocks, cutting delays during delivery, especially in a contingency, and also contributing to cost-effectiveness. A small stock needs less storage space, enabling distributors to profit from the high turnover rate of the system.
Uponor also looks forward to promote the underfloor cooling concept to the Gulf market, which it sees as vibrant, despite the troubled times.
“With its multilayer pipe system and PE-Xa pipe system, Uponor is the specialist for plumbing and underfloor cooling building solutions. Uponor manufactures pre-insulated pipes systems, which are used for district cooling and supplies these systems to the entire Arabian Gulf region,” he says.
While its sales levels internationally have taken a dip because of the financial crisis, Uponor is making concerted efforts to ensure its success in the long term.
“We have intensified our sales and marketing activities in the kingdom, in the wake of last year’s lull. While our sales levels generally have been below last year’s, however, our business in the Gulf region has been steady, especially in the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia,” says Schuell.
The company’s Gulf presence has been centred on Saudi Arabia, where it has been involved in several hotel projects especially in Makkah.
Uponor is one of the leading suppliers and manufacturers of multilayer composite pipes worldwide with a distribution network in more than 100 countries. With its heating, cooling and plumbing systems, products and services, it offers suitable solutions for residential, commercial as well as public building projects. Uponor systems and products are manufactured in 11 plants in six different countries.
“Our objective is to develop and offer first-class and environment-friendly systems, which contribute to a constant improvement of our living and working environment,” Schuell says.
The company provides its partners in the plumbing and heating business with solutions for radiant heating and cooling, tap water installations and radiator connections. The systems continue to be used in the applications such as compressed air and sprinkler systems. The product range includes pre-insulated pipe systems to be laid in soil as well as house connections for local heat supply.
Uponor provides a wide range of services including training and seminars at the Uponor Academy, a technical hotline as well as support on the construction site and assistance in project calculation. Special software programmes are also in place to maximise performance levels of tap water and heating pipe networks.
More than 3,800 employees are involved in the worldwide operations of Uponor, whose turnover for 2008 stood at €949.2 million ($1.38 billion) and investments at €58.1 million, with research and development (R&D) investment for 2008 topping €18.6 million ($27 million).
Uponor has its own sales offices in all countries across Europe and North America. Its international sales office takes care of business activities in the Balkans, Western, Central and East Asia, Africa and Latin America.
Uponor will be present at Stand E224, Hall 2 at the expo.