Gulf Construction Online - Mapei boosting its Dubai operations

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Mapei boosting its Dubai operations

01 December 2009

MAPEI, a global leader in the production of adhesives, sealants and chemical products for buildings, emerged triumphant at The Big 5, when its Keraflex product beat more than 140 environment-friendly products to grab a Silver 2009 Gaia Awards medal.

The key product is a Leed (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-compliant, high-performance cement-based adhesive that is described as being ideal for ceramic tiles and stone materials.

Returning to The Big 5 for the fifth time with its broad portfolio of products, the company provided visitors with advice on correct material selection, specification, installation and finishing and also conducted technical seminars about innovative ‘cool roofing’ solutions and correct tile installation.

The Italian company, meanwhile, reaffirmed its strong commitment to the Middle East region, saying it offers the largest potential for growth.

“It was just a few years back that Mapei decided to make an investment in Dubai and manufacture our products here,” says Dr Giorgio Squinzi, managing director of the company.

Since March, Mapei has been producing its products in powder form and by January next year, it will start producing them in liquid form.

“A good percentage of our products will be manufactured here in Dubai. The 40,000-sq-m facility, with a production capacity of more than 100,000 tonnes, will be self-sufficient and be able to cater to the UAE and other neighbouring countries,” he says.

The company has done well this year despite the downturn, and has managed to maintain steady growth. “In fact, we expect a growth of seven to eight per cent this year following the acquisition of Polyglass, one of the world’s largest producers of waterproof and weatherproof membranes based on modified bituminous felts, with manufacturing facilities in both Italy and the US,” adds Dr Squinzi.

With Polyglass, Mapei will be launching a new range of waterproofing systems, including PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and polyethylene membranes.

Mapei has introduced premium-value construction and building solutions that are optimised for the region. “For example, Ultraplan Maxi, a single-component ultra-fast hardening self-levelling compound, was one of the key products used in the Marina Bay hotel development as part of the Abu Dhabi F1 preparation while Topcem, a rapid hydration screed was used successfully on the Dubai Metro,” says Laith Haboubi, business development manager at Dubai-based IBS-Mapei.