Gulf Construction Online - Exitile to launch new panels at GulfBid

Ceilings, Floors & Partitions

Exitile’s panels with Biocote ... keeping bacteria at bay.

Exitile to launch new panels at GulfBid

01 February 2006

Leading UK-based manufacturer of metal access panels Exitile – buoyed by the acceptance in the region of its access panels which feature a new Biocote Antimicrobial powder finish – is planning to make its presence at the GulfBID (Gulf building, interiors and design exhibiton) slated to be held in Bahrain this May.

“Due to our success at the Big 5 show in Dubai late last year, we have planned our participation at further exhibitions for 2006. Next on the list will be GulfBid following which, we intend to participate at the HKTDC (Hong Kong Trade Development Council) show in Hong Kong later in the year,” says Bill Almen, export director
According to Exitile, the powder finish can be used for a range of applications owing to its ability to effective keep away bacteria and other microorganisms.
“Exclusive to Exitile access panels, the Biocote formula is based on silver ions that are mixed with the powder applied,” explains Almen. “Silver, which is a natural element, works to ensure that bacteria cannot reproduce and remains active for the natural lifetime of the access panel. The panels have an identical finish, with no variation in either colour or texture. After manufacture, each batch is then independently laboratory-tested to ensure full compliance and receives certification. The applications are numerous with hospitals and laboratories immediately coming to mind as being primary users, but in reality any environment where cleanliness is of importance will be able to benefit.”
Operating out of Nuneaton, the company’s manufacturing facility runs a double shift system to ensure a rapid turnaround of orders placed, he points out.
Originally founded in 1989, Exitile has seen continuous growth since inception. “This growth has been very much linked to a huge investment in research and development to ensure that Exitile is able to continue to lead from the front. Innovative products such as Biocote are merely a continuance of this development. Exitile access panels now boast an exciting range of products that can cater to every need. With building regulations continually being upgraded, Exitile has kept its products in line with the new requirements as follows:
Sound: A range of acoustic panels rated at up to 46 decibels have been tested;
Air: Airtight panels have been successfully fitted to a number of laboratories where it is imperative that airflow is restricted;
Water: A system of waterproof seals ensures that these panels are ideal in damp environments such as saunas, swimming pools and shower rooms. They can also be manufactured in stainless steel to give added resistance to moisture;
Fire: With resistance in walls of up to two hours and ceilings of one hour already tested Exitile is now aiming for an industry first with a soon-to-be-tested, four-hour rated panel. The product has been targeted at the Far East market where a lack of prime real estate space has seen buildings being built further underground than ever before, says Almen.
Ceramics: The Exitile tiled door panel is yet another industry first. Already rare as it had been fire tested for one hour, an uprated panel successfully completed a two-hour test late last year.
He adds: “With full in-house technical expertise, Exitile can ensure that nothing is ever too bespoke. A large range of standard panels is always kept in stock to satisfy everyday needs. However, the design or size of panels need never be an issue. Previous problems such as an L shape panel and specials to fit under a sloping ceiling are but two of the many requests that have been completed to the satisfaction of a previously concerned client. The saying ‘the answer is yes, what is the question?’ seems to fit perfectly.”
“Previously having been reactive rather than proactive in export sales with hospital projects in countries such as Saudi Arabia and Russia, apartment blocks in Hong Kong were nonetheless some of the multitude of tasks completed. The company however took the decision to turn this into a proactive approach at the start of 2005. By the end of the year, a dedicated multilingual export team, which has a wealth of experience, was already helping clients globally.”
“Building on existing contacts and seeking new partners has led to an exciting growth and the start of a new era for the company,” he points out.
“To show that its intent was serious Exitile attended the Big 5 exhibition in Dubai last November. While the primary aim was to promote the company in the UAE, Exitile in fact recorded visitors to its stand from a total of 21 different countries. We have been extremely pleased not only with the high volume of visitors but also that the majority who called to the stand came for a specific reason. Resultant enquiries have been high and very much ongoing,“ he says.
During the past 12 months, Exitile has entered into agreements with representative agents worldwide including a few major companies in Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi and Dubai.