Gulf Construction Online - RWI to launch new insulation pipes

UAE Focus

RWI to launch new insulation pipes

01 September 2016

Rubber World Industries (RWI), a leading manufacturer of closed-cell rubber insulation Gulf-O-Flex, and part of the Shaikhani Group of Companies, will launch rubber insulation pipes at The Big 5 show in Dubai later this year.

Mahmood Shaikhani, group director of Shaikhani Group, said RWI has been an exhibitor at The Big 5 for the last 10 years and has showcased new products every year.

“Last year we introduced rubber sheets mainly used in the shipbuilding industry. This year we are introducing rubber insulation pipes. The pipes are large, at 5 inches in diameter and 3-½ inches in thickness. Currently, no one else is offering this product in the market,” he said.

RWI also plans to invest in a new factory in Ras Al Khaimah to meet the growing demand for its products.

“We have been growing year on year with sales figures last year reaching Dh73 million ($19.6 million). In order to meet the demand for our products, we are looking at setting up a factory in Ras Al Khaimah,” he said.

The company expects growth in the construction sector to further drive the demand for its high-quality rubber insulation products, which Shaikhani said could match the requirements of the developments. It is set to intensify its efforts in order to fulfil the surge in demand through increased production and aggressive expansion initiatives.

RWI was established in 1993 at a 30,000-sq-ft facility. Today, its production unit covers a 130,000-sq-ft area. The company exports to 90 countries worldwide and is a major shareholder in the Middle East. Around 40 per cent of its production is exported outside the GCC. Besides the UAE, its main markets are Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Iran and India. Its current manufacturing capacity is 800 containers a year.

“In terms of quantity, we are producing 40,000 ft daily. However, there is still a gap. Inquiries and orders we receive are double our current capacity. So there is an expansion plan for more production lines to cater to the rising demand. In six to eight months, we will be increasing the capacity with the help of new lines,” he said.

Globally, RWI has an office and warehouse in Houston, US, and an office in London, UK, in addition to distributors all over the world. It also recently bought land in Sri Lanka to set up a factory. “We are planning to set up a base there since the cost of labour, power and transport is cheap. The factory will cater to Asian and African countries like India, Nepal and Kenya. Sri Lanka is also a big market for RWI,” Shaikhani said.

In addition, RWI has joint ventures in South Africa and Mexico.

Shaikhani said RWI currently had projects worth Dh25 million ($6.8 million). The projects segment accounted for 30 per cent of its business while 30 per cent came from the air-conditioning market. Exports accounted for the remaining 40 per cent.

The Big 5 will be held from November 21 to 24 at the Dubai World Trade Centre in Dubai.