01 December 2024

Jeddah-based Mattex, a leading provider of polymer-based synthetic materials, is aligning its operations to capitalise on the surge in demand driven by the kingdom’s mega projects while maintaining its international market position.

The company has been actively involved in several high-profile projects across the kingdom, including sports field development, landscape enhancements, and infrastructure projects.

To meet the increasing demand, Mattex is optimising its production capacity and supply chains “while actively pursuing significant expansions to scale operations and modernise its capabilities”, Fayez Ali Al Malki, CEO of Mattex, tells Gulf Construction in an exclusive interview.

Mattex’s manufacturing facility in Jeddah plays a pivotal role in its global operations, enabling the company to serve diverse markets efficiently. The company is now actively investing in expanding and modernising this facility to further strengthen its position as a global leader in the industry.

Looking ahead, Mattex envisions a key role in shaping Saudi Arabia’s future, contributing to the country’s Vision 2030 by providing sustainable and innovative solutions.

“Mattex envisions transforming Saudi Arabia’s arid landscapes into sustainable green spaces, aligning with the kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030. By providing environmentally-friendly artificial grass, we significantly reduce water consumption while contributing to greener, more vibrant urban areas,” Al Malki states.

The company is focused on reducing its environmental impact and developing eco-friendly products, while also addressing global challenges such as microplastic regulations and certification requirements.

Excerpts of the interview with Fayez Ali Al Malki:

 

What are the most notable projects Mattex has been involved in within Jeddah and the wider Saudi region over the past year?

The company has played a pivotal role in several significant projects across Saudi Arabia, demonstrating its expertise in various sectors. These include the development of sports fields, such as football stadiums, cricket pitches and public parks, contributing to the country’s growing recreational infrastructure.

In the Red Sea region, the company has been involved in landscape enhancements and green space development, supporting the transformation of the area into a sustainable hub. Additionally, the company has undertaken critical geosynthetics projects, such as reinforcing roads and bridges and contributing to dam construction to enhance water management and infrastructure durability.

The education sector has also benefited from its expertise, with the installation of sports fields for schools across the country. 

Beyond these, the company has been active in entertainment zones, public event spaces, and recreational areas like the AlUla football field and other municipal facilities. Moreover, the company continues to contribute to Neom’s ambitious initiatives, delivering sports fields, landscaping solutions, and infrastructure development in line with the region’s futuristic vision.

 

Are there any upcoming projects in the Jeddah region that excite Mattex? 

There are several exciting upcoming projects in Jeddah and the surrounding regions that showcase the company’s versatility and innovation. These include major infrastructure projects, such as road and bridge construction utilising geosynthetics for enhanced durability and performance, as well as the application of geosynthetics in dam projects to improve water management and structural resilience.

Additionally, plans are under way for the development of new football stadiums and public parks as part of urban redevelopment initiatives. The company is also expanding its contributions to the Red Sea development, focusing on landscaping and sustainable infrastructure. In the education sector, large-scale installations for schools are set to enhance sports and recreational facilities. Furthermore, the company remains deeply involved in Neom’s developments, providing advanced solutions for sports fields, recreational zones, and geosynthetics-based infrastructure to support the region’s vision for sustainable growth and innovation.

 

How significant is the Jeddah manufacturing facility to Mattex’s global operations?

The Jeddah manufacturing facility plays a crucial role in positioning Mattex as a global expert in soft flooring components and solutions, landscaping and sports artificial grass, as well as geosynthetic applications. This facility’s advanced capabilities and strategic location enable Mattex to cater to diverse markets efficiently, reinforcing its reputation for delivering high-quality products and innovative solutions across these key sectors.

 

How does Mattex plan to enhance its Jeddah facility for global expansion?

The Jeddah facility serves as a cornerstone of Mattex’s global expansion strategy. While specific details of ongoing initiatives remain confidential, the company is actively pursuing significant expansions to scale operations and modernise its capabilities. Mattex is committed to continuously exploring and evaluating potential opportunities within relevant market segments to strengthen its global position. These efforts aim to ensure Mattex remains at the forefront of the flooring industry, delivering innovative solutions and maintaining its competitive edge worldwide.

 

How has business been for Mattex this year, and what factors have influenced performance?

Business performance has been strong, driven by our involvement in Saudi Arabia’s mega projects and continued demand in international markets. This success is attributed to our unwavering focus on quality, customer service, and strategic partnerships.

 

How does the company plan to meet this domestic demand while maintaining its global market share?

The increased demand from Saudi Arabia’s mega projects has necessitated strategic planning to balance local and international commitments. Mattex has aligned its operations to support these projects without compromising its global market share by optimising production capacity and streamlining supply chains. We are also exploring innovative ways to enhance efficiency and scale production to ensure sustainable growth.

 

How does Mattex maintain its competitive edge internationally?

Mattex maintains its competitive edge internationally by offering a comprehensive product portfolio that meets diverse market needs across various industries. The company is known for delivering exceptional quality and service, ensuring customer satisfaction and long-term partnerships. Additionally, Mattex provides strong price-to-quality value, making its solutions both cost-effective and reliable, which positions the company as a preferred choice in the global market.

 

How does the geographical distance from its global markets impact Mattex and how is the company addressing them?

Mattex leverages its strategic advantage of being centrally located in Saudi Arabia, which provides seamless access to key global markets such as North America, Latin America, Far East Asia, and Oceania. This central location enables efficient distribution and robust supply chain management. The company collaborates closely with relevant authorities in Saudi Arabia, ensuring streamlined export processes and timely, cost-effective delivery to its customers worldwide. Additionally, Mattex continues to strengthen its position as a trusted partner by fostering strong relationships with customers and stakeholders. This effort is further supported by Saudi Arabia’s advanced logistics infrastructure, helping to enhance operations and global market access.

 

What steps is Mattex taking to reduce its environmental impact?

Mattex is committed to reducing its environmental impact through a range of initiatives aimed at fostering eco-friendly practices. The company has achieved ISO 50001 certification for energy management, demonstrating its dedication to efficient resource utilisation. Mattex also focuses on developing products that are 100 per cent recyclable, aligning with global efforts to minimise waste. Additionally, the company is working towards achieving zero waste to landfill while making significant strides in reducing its carbon footprint, further reinforcing its commitment to environmental responsibility.

 

How does Mattex ensure the environmental friendliness of its products from sourcing to disposal?

Mattex ensures its products are environmentally friendly by incorporating eco-conscious practices at every stage of the product lifecycle. This includes sourcing recyclable raw materials to minimise environmental impact, developing products designed to be recycling-friendly, and employing cutting-edge technologies to reduce waste output during manufacturing. These efforts reflect Mattex’s commitment to delivering solutions that are not only high-quality but also environmentally responsible.

 

What are the key innovations Mattex has achieved recently?

Mattex has been recognised within the industry for its major innovations across indoor soft flooring, outdoor flooring, and geosynthetics. The company continues to develop groundbreaking solutions that align with industry trends and customer needs. Exciting new innovations are currently under way and will be unveiled at major global events such as FSB in Cologne (Germany), Big 5 Saudi, and other relevant industry exhibitions, reinforcing Mattex’s position as a forward-thinking leader in its field.

 

What is Mattex’s vision for its role in Saudi Arabia’s construction and manufacturing sectors over the next 5–10 years?

Mattex envisions playing a pivotal role in transforming Saudi Arabia’s arid landscapes into sustainable green spaces, aligning with the country’s ambitious Vision 2030. By providing environmentally friendly artificial grass, Mattex significantly reduces water consumption, contributing to the development of greener, more vibrant urban and recreational areas. Beyond landscaping, Mattex is committed to supporting the construction industry in Saudi Arabia’s giga projects through advanced geosynthetic applications. These include critical infrastructure solutions for road and bridge reinforcement, dam construction, and erosion control, ensuring durability and sustainability. Through innovation and expertise, Mattex aims to be a trusted partner in building a thriving future for Saudi Arabia.

 

What challenges does the polymer-based synthetic materials industry face, and how does Mattex navigate them?

The polymer-based synthetic materials industry faces several global challenges, including increased focus on sustainability, stricter microplastic regulations, and evolving certification systems for sports fields. Mattex navigates these challenges proactively by offering premium-quality products that meet high standards and leveraging its extensive expertise to adapt to both regional and global regulatory requirements. This approach ensures Mattex remains a trusted and forward-thinking player in the industry.

 

Anything you would like to add about Mattex and its vision for the future?

Mattex’s vision is deeply aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, reflecting a commitment to fostering innovation, economic growth, and environmental responsibility. As a leading provider of advanced polymer-based synthetic materials, Mattex focuses on delivering products that impact daily life by enhancing homes, playgrounds, and modern construction projects. Our product range serves diverse segments, including the construction of buildings, roads, infrastructure, playgrounds, stadiums, parks, and more. By implementing zero-waste manufacturing processes and supporting transformative projects, we aim to turn ambitious ideas into reality. Moving forward, Mattex is dedicated to building stronger connections with its customers, understanding their needs, and delivering solutions that truly make a difference. As a responsible corporate entity, Mattex strives to balance growth with environmental stewardship, ensuring a brighter and greener future for generations to come.

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