Gulf Construction Online - Cool performance

The Big 5

Cool performance

01 November 2010

AL KHOBAR-based Refrige-ration House Group (RHG) is hoping to stage a “cool” performance when it makes its debut at The Big 5, in an effort to extend its reach in the Middle Eastern markets.

On show at the event will be its range of air distribution devices such as grilles, dampers and filters as well as industrial and commercial fans, with the spotlight being on its latest collection.

This comprises its UL (Underwriters Laboratories)-listed fire dampers (air nozzle), combination fire-smoke dampers, rooftop centrifugal (RTC) exhaust fans and inline square (ISQ) centrifugal fan up to 1,000 mm in diameter, and make up (MU) fan up to 500 mm diameter as built driven.

In addition to its products, the company will also be promoting the products of its principals such as Danfoss of Denmark, Carel of Italy and Lau and Bayley of the US, according to group executive director Majed Al Khalaf.

“Our association with international companies specialising in the manufacture of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) equipment and materials provides us with access to up-to-date technologies, technical information and skills available with these companies,” Al Khalaf adds.

Danfoss’ product line comprises thermostats and compressors for refrigerators and freezers, refrigeration controls, automatic controls for heating plant, systems controls, components for burners and boilers, industrial instrumentation, precision step systems, industrial automatics, variable frequency drives and controls, and hydraulic components.
RHG is a leading wholesaler and retailer for HVAC spare parts and accessories from numerous international companies and supplies the market through its trading division.

Given its extensive experience in the field, the group ventured into the manufacturing business setting up two factories – National Factory for high-quality air distribution devices such as grilles and filters and Saudi Fan Industries which specialises in all kinds for Industrial and commercial fans. RHG also operates in the contracting sector through Klimatechnik, its electromechanical contracting division, which has completed a large number of major projects all over the kingdom.

The group is today a registered vendor to Saudi Aramco, Saudi Electricity Company and the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (Sabic) group of companies for all divisions.

Commenting on the group’s performance, levels, Al Khalaf says business has grown 25 per cent. “The level of demand in the domestic market for various refrigeration and air-conditioning accessories and spare parts has been above our expectations over summer,” he says. “However, prices remain highly competitive.”

Its contracting division has started work on new projects in Al Qassim area while its manufacturing segment has secured two government projects. The company is currently involved in the College of Science project under a contract worth SR15.25 million ($4 million), as well as the College of Economics, both in Al Qassim and expected to be completed in 2011. It is also working on the Saad Health Sciences Centre in Al Khobar, which is due to be completed this year.

According to Al Khalaf, the group is aiming to keep abreast with market trends by gradually introducing modern technology and machines to attain even higher quality and meet international standards.

In line with these plans, RHG intends to build a testing chamber conforming to AMCA standards for its design and development department.

Established in 1978, RHG is headquartered in Al Khobar with production facilities located in the Second Industrial City of Dammam and has other offices in Riyadh, Jeddah, Madinah and Buraidah. More than 500 employees work for the group whose turnover stands at $50 million.

RHG carries more than 6,000 items in stock for immediate delivery around the year. The stock consists of tools, fittings, instruments, refrigeration oil, contactors, relays, valves, copper coils, copper pipes, insulation, ventilating equipment, grills and diffusers, ducting material and Freon bags, filtration equipment, aluminium compressors air-conditioning and refrigeration control systems, duct heaters, condensing units, belts and motors, among other projects.

The Klimatechnik division has one of the most experienced engineering staff in the HVAC and electro-mechanical industries. “From start to finish, their attention to detail and careful supervision of the project ensures that RHG’s work is always of the finest quality,” says Al Khalaf.