Gulf Construction Online - Powder coating ace looks to fabrication

Oman

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Powder coating ace looks to fabrication

01 March 2005

In the face of fierce competition, Al Omania Powder Coatings (OPC) has utilised its survivor instinct to the fullest and has recently diversified into the fabrication of mild steel and stainless steel products to supplement its core aluminium coating business.

The company can now offer a diverse range of custom-made products that can match the standards offered by international manufacturers. These products range from railings and balustrades to chairs, desks, filing cabinets and tubular products.
It also offers stainless steel products with a mirror finish.
Now in its 13th year of operations, OPC was a pioneer in its field but over the years has seen a number of competitors open shop in the Sultanate.
“While our market has not expanded, the larger aluminium fabricators now have a choice of some 30 aluminium coaters to select from – for many of whom quality isn’t a key consideration,” says Arun Kalbag, general manager.
Quality is the top priority for OPC – and it is this focus that has helped it secure landmark projects such as the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque where it was responsible for coating all the aluminium and filigree work. The company has just clinched two other landmark projects in association with Metal Engineering: the first at the Barr Al Jissah Resort and the other for Sayyidah Mezoun bint Ahmed mosque.
The company has a good team of fabricators and has made a gradual investment in equipment to take on a diverse range of fabrication jobs.
“Over the past three years, we have diversified into as many sectors of fabrication as possible. We have fabricated tubular furniture including steel desks and chairs for the Ministry of Education in Oman and exported products such as fencing to the UAE, Kuwait and Qatar,” he adds.
Part of the Shanfari group of companies, Al Omania Powder Coatings undertakes powder coating for aluminium/steel extrusions, sheets, fabricated structures, supply of aluminium products and components and specialised surface finishing. It has one of the most versatile and multi-functional plants in the GCC that is capable of carrying out polyester, metallic, PVDF coating, epoxy and fusion-bonded epoxy coating – all under one roof. It also carries out stove enamelling and sand blasting.
Its 2,500 sq m facility in Rusayl employs a staff of 50 including fabrication and powder coating teams who have been charged not to compromise on quality, he says.
The company offers a choice of 180 colours and can also provide custom colours to meet specific requirements.
“A unique aspect of our facility is that we can coat flagpoles ranging from 6 to 15 m in length. Our plant has a huge capacity and is equipped with state-of-the art equipment,” he points out.
OPC has a list of loyal customers who have benefited over the years from the support, commitment and consistent quality that it provides, says Kalbag who has been with the company since its early days and witnessed its cycle of growth. He also has a keen insight into the various nuances of the industry.
“I have kept contacts at the grassroots level – right to the drivers of our clients and have adopted the attitude of a company that wants to stay in business for a long time,” he comments.
Turning to the future, Kalbag says: “We intend to continue diversification to the extent possible and add as many new sectors to increase our revenue. We hope to create a niche sector of business for Al Omania Powder Coatings.”
“There are many projects on the anvil. Industrial growth is on the rise as a direct result of the surging oil prices. I see brighter prospects in the market in the long term,” he adds.