Gulf Depot promotes waterproof panels
01 February 2012
GULF Depot, one of the largest retailers of building materials in Saudi Arabia and rest of the GCC, is promoting the benefits of the Fibo waterproof wall panels, which were introduced into the Saudi market in 2010.
It is the sole importer and retailer of the complete wall covering system that comprises waterproof and highly decorative panels, produced by Fibo Trespo of Norway since 1952.
“These panels are a unique system for cladding walls in bathrooms, wet rooms, kitchens, food preparation areas, laboratories and shower blocks. The panelling has also been used in reception areas, offices and garages, combining beauty and practicality and providing an instant waterproof, hygienic wall surface,” says Ihab Tabbara, general manager of Gulf Depot, which this year marks its 10th anniversary.
He says this method of surfacing walls gives more than just higher performance. “Wall panels can be much more cost effective than tiles. When a room is clad with panels, the time saved in not having to apply adhesive, then grout the joints and clean up afterwards is considerable. No grout joint means that germs and mould cannot grow in the gaps as the grout deteriorates over the years, thus ensuring the wall is as hygienic as it is durable,” he explains.
The Fibo panels can be fitted directly onto concrete walls, over existing tiles or if necessary onto timber or metal studs/framework, so saving the cost of applying a gypsum base board or time in removing old tiles for the walls.
Fibo panels consist of a plywood core covered with a decorative high-pressure laminate (HPL) on the face and a backing laminate (HPL) on the reverse. The long edges are delivered with the unique Aqualock ‘click lock’ tongue-and-groove system for concealing fixings with a 45-degree chamfered edge. The plywood core is a specially developed seven-layer, 9-mm birch plywood core, which is FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified, according to him.
“The panels have good impact, scratch and heat resistance and conform to Class Two surface spread of flame, tested to BS 476 parts Six and Seven and a full range of CE markings and European standards. Cleaning the panels is very simple. Just use a damp cloth or a mild non-abrasive cream cleaner,” says Tabbara.
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The Fibo panels ... can be fitted directly onto concrete walls, tiles, timber or metal studs/framework. |
Corners and edges use the Fibo aluminium sections to ensure a professional, aesthetically-pleasing, accurate waterproof joint is made. These five profiles are also stocked by Gulf Depot.
The panels, each weighing 12 kg, are 10.2-mm thick and measure 2,400 by 600 mm with the Aqualock joint. Gulf Depot stocks six colours in its warehouse and the full range of 37 face patterns and 12 tile patterns are available.
The company’s website, www.gulf-depot.com, has a full technical catalogue available to view and download. Gulf Depot can also email a step-by-step guide on how to install the panels, which is made easier by a video on the website and on You Tube that gives tips and techniques on how to deal with pipe access holes and corners during installation.
The product and samples to demonstrate the Aqualock jointing system are displayed at all Gulf Depot stores.
Gulf Depot, the retail division of the Roots Group, was established in 2002 with its head office in Jeddah. The company has 150 personnel on its rolls and enjoys an annual turnover of $16 million, operating in five GCC countries.
The firm currently has more than 40 stores, located in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Syria, Lebanon and the UAE, and intends to boost this number to 50 by the end of this year.
“This year marks a major milestone in Gulf Depot’s history, being the 10th anniversary since we opened the first Gulf Depot store in Baladiah Street, Jeddah, in April, 2002,” Tabbara says.
As well as events and promotional activities to mark this event, the company was due to open its new 350-sq-m flagship store in Obhor, Jeddah, at the end of last month.
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Gulf Depot showroom ... well stocked. |
The product range displayed at Gulf Depot stores is drawn from some of the largest European manufacturers of quality products which, apart from Fibo, include Bosch, Armstrong, Spit, Wavin, Legrand, and Kimmco as well as products sourced from its group companies such as Admix, A Metal, Roberts and Izomar.
“This core range of products is complemented by locally sourced products that reflect local market preferences and helps make each store relevant to their local community,” Tabbara says.
Gulf Depot is on the constant look out to increase and widen its stock profile to include new ranges and develop its offering to new market segments.
“Over the last six months, we have widened our range of Wavin plumbing fittings to offer seven complete ranges of fittings; more stores now stock electrical switches from Legrand; and electrical cables and a range of energy-efficient lamps from Grand,” he says.
Last month saw the introduction into its stores of a range of aluminium composite panels, under the brand name Aluface, where each face is bonded to a polyethylene core with a backing of aluminium. This range is available from stock in six colours and two sheet sizes.
Elaborating on these panels, he says: “The panels are 4 mm thick and are durable and weather-resistant, lightweight and extremely rigid. They are ultraviolet (UV) resistant, have excellent thermal qualities and solar radiation abilities, thereby restricting the heat gain inside the building.
“The panels can be easily cut, routed and formed using conventional woodworking tools, and can be bent to make curves and column covers. These panels are self-cleaning under normal exposure with rain water, and stains can be removed with power washing.”
Apart from the company’s interactive web site that features all its products, latest catalogues, news and technical information, Gulf Depot has a customer loyalty scheme in place and an approved contractor scheme which allows its customers to select from its database a suitable contractor that meet its standards of workmanship. Each store has a list of contractors for their area. In addition, the company has a fully functional training centre for staff and customers.
Looking to the future, the company remains focused on its goal of being the supplier of choice in most countries throughout the GCC and the Middle East, to widen its customer base through enhancing and developing its product ranges and services, to ensure customer satisfaction and to consolidate its position as the top retailer of building materials in the region.
Gulf Depot’s products have featured in many prestigious projects. Recent assignments include Princess Nora
University, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (Kaust) and many new office buildings.
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