Gulf Construction Online - In the spotlight

The Big 5 Special

The Emirates hangar ... Marlon Clickfix1040 used.

In the spotlight

01 November 2015

Brett Martin will be at The Big 5 show to demonstrate its world-class range of rooflights and glazing materials, discuss project requirements and present its plans for the region, where the construction sector continues to go from strength to strength.

The leading UK manufacturer of high-performance polycarbonate roofing and glazing, FRP (fibre-reinforced plastic) rooflights and bespoke rooflight systems has strong local representation in the region and recently established Brett Martin DWC in Dubai, the UAE.

According to a senior company official, as Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE look set to lead the world over the next five years, the expanding and evolving Middle East market – which accounts for three of the world’s top five fastest growing markets – can rely on UK supply partners with proven credentials like Brett Martin.

For over 50 years, the UK-based firm has built its market leading reputation on quality and reliability. As well as ongoing investment in the latest manufacturing technologies, innovation and product development, the manufacturer and supplier demonstrates total commitment to quality – with more than 250 product certifications and assurances throughout the product range.

Brett Martin’s export credentials span more than 70 countries worldwide. It has a team of experienced product specialists, engineers, and sales and service personnel who support projects in the UAE region. To further reinforce its commitment to the Middle East market, the company recently formed Brett Martin DWC, which includes a full-time business development manager responsible for project-based business, offering bespoke technical back-up and product expertise across the region.

“It’s an exciting time for the region and our permanent presence in the Middle East will make it easier for our customers to do business with us,” explains David Biggs, general manager of Brett Martin DWC.

“From design and specification through to installation and completion, we will provide advice and guidance to ensure every project in the Middle East is completed to the highest standard.”

He says rooflights and glazing systems can transform internal spaces, being the most effective way to introduce natural daylight into buildings.

“Offering complete design flexibility, Brett Martin’s Marlon Polycarbonate range of high-performance plastics can be used for a number of applications across the commercial, industrial, agricultural and horticultural sectors,” Biggs adds.

The Marlon FS range of flat polycarbonate glazing, available in thicknesses from 1 to 15 mm, provides high impact resistance without compromising light transparency. At only half the weight of glass, it’s easier to handle and install and remains flexible enough to be thermoformed, cold bent or fabricated, offering brilliant design flexibility, Biggs points out.

For superior insulation performance in a range of structures from 4-55 mm, Marlon ST Longlife multiwall polycarbonate offers U-values as low as 0.83 W per sq m K for roofing and glazing applications.

“An ideal system for the Middle East construction market, Marlon ST Blue is an innovative transparent sheet containing Cool Light Technology which cleverly blocks the heat transmitting near-infra red solar energy where temperature control is a key requirement,” he states.

For light, bright and naturally lit spaces, the Marlon Clickfix1040 is described as being the complete architectural glazing system. Developed by Brett Martin’s in-house product development team, Marlon Clickfix1040’s tongue-and-groove connections simply interlock to form glazed areas of unlimited size and shape.

“Marlon Clickfix1040 comprises lightweight 40-mm 10-wall polycarbonate panels,” explains Biggs. “With thermally broken aluminium profiles, fixing clips and rubber gaskets, the installation is quick and efficient with no need for vertical profiles, reducing both material costs and installation time. It can also be used for roofs, as cladding or partitioning, internally or externally.”

He says some 10,000 sq m of Marlon Clickfix1040 panel glazing system was used to create a stunning vertical façade at Emirates Airlines’ new aircraft hangar at Dubai International Airport.

“The 25,000-sq-m maintenance hangar accommodates four Airbus A380s. To provide maximum natural daylight and create a safe and healthy internal working environment, Marlon Clickfix1040 was installed as a vertical glazing element around the entire building perimeter,” he adds.

Among other products, the Trilite FRP, with extended weathering capabilities and options, can satisfy a wide range of specification requirements for light transmission, safety levels, U-values and fire ratings of virtually any project – making it a popular choice for the demanding Middle East construction industry. Supplied translucent, colour-tinted or opaque, Trilite can also be designed to meet a range of architectural design and cladding specifications. Available in an extensive range of profiles, the tried-and-trusted Trilite range is suitable for built-up roof systems or composite sandwich panels. Trilite Ultra 45 FRP also has FM Approval – making Brett Martin the only manufacturer outside of the US to gain this prestigious and globally-recognised certification for quality, he claims.

With headquarters located on its founding site in Co Antrim, Northern Ireland, the company has grown in scale to employ more than 800 people at several locations throughout the UK and Europe.

Brett Martin is one of the UK’s most successful independent manufacturing companies with facilities audited to stringent British Quality standards BS EN 9001 and the BS EN 14000 environmental standard. It has the largest polycarbonate extrusion site in Europe, and the widest range of products available from a single source supplier.

Brett Martin will be at Stand D67, Hall 2, in the UK Pavilion at The Big 5 Show.