01 December 2006

Rubber World Industry, considered to be the sole producer of rubber insulation products in the UAE, has embarked on a major expansion that will triple its production capacity within five years to meet surging demand, in the wake of ongoing multi-billion-dollar construction projects in the Middle East.

The company is currently investing Dh90 million ($24.50 million) on a three-phase expansion plan which will increase its production capacity from the present 1,000 to around 3,000 containers per year by 2011, in order to retain its monopoly in the local and other Middle East markets.
“We are exploring foreign markets due to increased demand for our products as a result of heightened construction activity worldwide,” says Mahmood Shakhani, managing director of the company.
He continues: “We will be shortly setting up an additional manufacturing facility in Umm Al Quwain in the UAE, which will have the capacity to meet increased demand, in the wake of  growing awareness among consultants, planners, contractors and technicians of the benefits of using rubber insulated products in building construction to reduce energy consumption in the long-run.”
Rubber World Industry has an edge over other regional competitors as it has installed 10 production lines to manufacture a wide range of rubber insulation products in around 300 different sizes, according to Shakhani.
Presently, the firm produces a wide range of rubber insulation pipes and sheets that meets almost 95 per cent requirements of the local and regional markets. lt also exports rubber insulation systems to more than 37 countries that includes the US, Germany, Russia, Canada and Singapore.
Established in Ajman Industrial Area in the UAE, Rubber World Industry is the only second such manufacturing facility in the GCC after Saudi Arabia. It has been producing a versatile range of rubber insulation pipes and sheets since 1995 to meet requirements in oil and gas fields, constructions, shipping and automobile industries.
“We score over Chinese, German and other competitors as our products are of high quality and standards and are offered at affordable prices. Gulf-O-Flex is recognised for its better performance as compared to other insulation systems,” he claims.
Some of the major projects in the UAE that have been using Gulf-O-Flex include Ajman Complex, Silver Sand, Nakheel’s Palm lsland, China Town Phase 4, International City, Discovery Trend and the new campus at Abu Dhabi University, among others.
“We never compromise on the quality of our products, although the cost is on the rise in line with international market trends. Rubber insulation is a petrochemical product and prices remain on higher side due to the bullish oil market this year but our customers realise the situation and accept the increasing prices,” Shakhani points out.
The Government of Ajman and the local Chamber of Commerce and Industry has also been very supportive in the setting up of this unique rubber insulation plant, he says.
“There are only seven rubber insulation plants around the world and the UAE plant is among the few that not only meet local demand but also earns foreign exchange by exporting the rubber insulation products to other countries,” says Shakhani. “In recognition of its high-quality products, Rubber World Industry has been winning the best exporter award in Ajman for the past few years.’’
The company’s manufacturing process is based on the latest technology from Europe, with raw materials being exported from Saudi Arabia, Korea and India as well as Europe.
“Our strength also lies in our ability to customise our range of rubber insulated products as per requirement of individual customers, which gives us an edge over rivals. A sustained effort on our part to offer the most suitable insulation system with a perfect balance of cost and performance ratio has also been the formula for our success so far,” concludes Shoaib Burney, general manager.

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