Aswar precast systems ... designer finishes.
EIIC to showcase wide product range at Batimat
01 April 2008
Emirates International Investment Company (EIIC) will put the spotlight on the products and services offered by its portfolio of companies when it participates at Building Futures Gulf by Batimat later this month.
Some of the innovative products that will be promoted include precast concrete fencing and wall systems.
The leading Abu Dhabi-headquartered private holding company has sizeable investments in the various growth sectors of the UAE, Gulf, and wider Mena (Middle East and North Africa) region.
Established in 1999, EIIC focuses on the industrial, property and investment sectors. In the industrial sector, the company is involved in building materials, petrochemicals, metals and the agro-industry.
In a recent development, EIIC has embarked on setting up a $408 million (Dh1.5 billion) clinker-cement factory project in Abu Dhabi. The factory will be built over three phases within three years and will be ready for production by the end of 2010.
Another of its distinctive ventures in building materials is its subsidiary company, Emirates Precast Fences Factory (Aswar), which produces a wide range of designer precast concrete fencing and wall systems.
Aswar’s distinctive product line includes woodAcrete, brickAcrete, stoneAcrete and railAcrete fencing systems.
“Having the appearance of wood, brick and stone respectively, these modular precast concrete walls and fences satisfy a wide range of applications and tastes,” says Sanjay Tripathi, marketing director, EIIC. “With deep textures on both sides, the warmth and appeal of Aswar’s products are further enhanced by a high-performance reinforced concrete mix design for optimum reliability and durability.”
These fencing systems can be used for a wide range of applications, including screening walls, perimeter fences, security walls, low retaining walls, sound barriers, small enclosures or modular buildings.
Aswar’s modular wall systems use interlocking panels and posts made of high-performance steel reinforced pre-coloured concrete. Because of their innovative design, installation is easier and faster than other types of walls and fences, Tripathi says.
Elaborating on the installation process, he says: “I-shaped posts are set into concrete footings and aligned at 380 cm centres, matching the panels, which measure 360 cm in length by 52 to 60 cm in height and 9.5 to 13 cm in thickness. These are inserted into the moulded-in post groove to form an interlocking wall. Precast trim caps, textured to match the wall, are laid on top of the posts and panels to provide a finished and distinctive look.”
“Our architectural fencing and wall systems are unique and innovative solutions for any specific needs for boundary walls. They provide beauty by imitating the natural characteristics of any kind of stone, old brick and wood on both sides, using an integral coloured concrete mix design and a special innovated moulding system,” Tripathi explains.
“Given the lifestyle and security requirements in the Middle East in general, coupled with the construction boom, there is presently a strong demand for designer fences. Our solutions have added a new brand of precast systems, a new category of fencing solution for the market’s needs,” he adds.
Aswar’s fencing and wall systems provide seamless beauty and have the ability to withstand wind, soil, sound and thermal movements. They are maintenance-free and do not require to be re-painted, while being fully resistant to rotting, burning, termite invasion or cracking, according to the company.
Aswar has incorporated a state-of-the-art production process that was specially designed for the firm, with its special equipment having been fabricated in Germany. It currently has a capacity of 150,000 sq m (approximately 60,000 linear m) per year, which it is planning to boost to 250,000 sq m (100,000 linear m), while introducing other innovative fencing products in the near future.
Presently, EIIC is studying several offers and options to set up a distribution network in the Northern Emirates and rest of the Gulf region.
