What will be Bahrain's tallest tower at 172 m is set to take shape in Bahrain's prestigious Seef District on a 11,440 sq m plot of land opposite the Citibank headquarters.

Germany-based AMF Mineral-platten is actively promoting its range of performance ceiling tiles in the region which is said to be environment-friendly, safe, attractive and yet practical.

A new blinds manufacturing company is set to start up operations next month (February). Bahrain Blinds Manufacturer (BBM) is poised to start production of Venetian, vertical and roller blinds at its production facility in the Industrial Area of Sitra.

After years of stagnation, the construction sector in Bahrain is finally looking up. Greater government spending - spurred by the higher oil revenues over 2000 - and the landmark reforms by the Amir Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, have given the required impetus for the private sector to invest.

Coil Tech/US Chiller reports that interest in its services has been brisk despite the fact that the joint venture is just six months old.

Cybarco Bahrain, a wholly-owned Bahrain company, continues to build on its success in the construction market. Cybarco Bahrain says it is one of the country's leading construction companies having a vastly experienced management team capable of undertaking projects of any size or complexity.

Bahrain has given a BD2 billion ($5.3 billion) boost to housing with the launch of the National Housing Scheme last June. Under the ambitious plan, four new towns are to be built with housing for a total of 250,000 people, besides a number of housing units in various parts of the country.

Lift maintenance was its core activity for almost 13 years before Bahrain-based Gulf General Lift Services (GGLS) entered mainstream lift installation.

Consolidation of group activities, brand awareness and expansion of infrastructure are among the major plans for 2002 of French group Installux and its Bahrain-based regional office. Installux Gulf offers a wide range of products for the construction and interior finishing industries, including quality aluminium systems.

Formwork supplied by Bahrain-based Paschal Concrete Forms Company has helped in ensuring timely completion of a number of schools, hotels, residential and commercial projects in Bahrain, says a spokesman for the firm.

Bahrain Precast Concrete Company (BPC) has been busy over the past year on account of a high level of construction activity in Bahrain, according to the company. The Salmabad-based precast manufacturer is now gearing itself to meet the increased demand anticipated this year with an expansion of production capacity and new product launches.

Delmon Readymixed Concrete, one of Bahrain's foremost readymix firms, says it enjoys an excellent reputation in the market built upon quality and friendly but efficient service.