Gulf Construction Online - Rawlplug to expand Jebel Ali warehouse

UAE Focus

Fixing solutions ... a wide range from Rawlplug.

Rawlplug to expand Jebel Ali warehouse

01 April 2015

UAE-based Rawlplug Middle East, a specialist in a wide range of fixing solutions, plans to expand its warehousing facility at Jebel Ali Free Zone in Dubai as part of a strategy to boost its presence in the region.

The Middle East arm of the UK-based Rawlplug, which has been operating in the Gulf for more than 30 years through a network of distributors, has witnessed double-digit growth in sales and market share over the past few years.

“This year will be as good or even better,” said a spokesman for the company.

The company’s R&D (research and development) department is always coming up with new fixing solutions as well as developing existing products with special consideration to the environment. It is currently developing products with a focus on insulation and façade fixings.

Rawlplug set up its regional hub at Jebel Ali in 2006 to better serve its customers and reduce delivery time.

Commenting on plans to expand its warehousing facility, the spokesman said: “It is a priority project to be implemented this year in order to cope with an increased demand for our products in the regional markets and to streamline logistic operations.”

The product range of the company, which has almost 30,000 line items corresponding to products and its variants, includes bonded anchors, which are offered in a wide range of systems like glass capsules, cartridges and foils, and mechanical anchors, which are metal anchors.

Fixing solutions ... a wide range from Rawlplug.

Commonly referred to as chemical anchors or resin anchors, bonded anchors can be split into two main groups – capsule and injections systems, both of which consist of two chambers, one filled with a polymer resin and the other with a hardener. Various resin types are available in each system from polyester to vinylester and epoxy, he stated.

Bonded anchors are used for fixing threaded rod, internally threaded sockets and rebar to many types of structure. They can be used in all structures from concrete to low-strength blockwork, including solid and hollow materials such as perforated brick, hollow block and hollow precast concrete.

Mechanical anchors, used for high-load and technical applications, are offered as throughbolts, shield anchors and heavy-duty expansion anchors.

Rawlplug also offers a wide range of façade insulation fixings including Etics and insulation fixings, and frame fixings available as fixings, screws and anchors.

On the construction scenario, the spokesman said: “Given the expanding population and increased demand for housing, infrastructure and service, we expect a steady growth in the construction sector at least for the next decade.”

Some of its key projects in the region include Sidra Medical and Research Centre, Kempinski Marsa Malaz Hotel in Pearl Qatar and Brooq Residential Tower in Dafna – all in Qatar; Makkah Holy Haram expansion, Mataaf, Shamiya Extension Hospital, North Haram development – power transmission cable, Al Haramain High Speed Rail Phase One and King Abdulaziz International Airport Development Phase One in Saudi Arabia; and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) new headquarters (car park), Maysan Residence in Najmat, Reem Island, Four Seasons Abu Dhabi, Presidential Palace Abu Dhabi, Damac Golf Community, Damac Towers by Paramount, and Akoya Golf Community, all in the UAE.