International Rubber Company (IRC) says it is targeting the African continent after witnessing significant exports to GCC markets in recent years.

IRC, a leading manufacturer of synthetic rubber profiles in the Middle East, and a subsidiary of Masharie LLC, the private equity arm of Dubai Investments, achieved sales worth Dh 34 million ($9.25 million) in the first half of this year riding on the crest of an unprecedented construction boom in the UAE and the region.  Sales in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain together with substantial supplies to the home market helped boost the total sales turnover. As the real estate sector advanced, demand grew for its rubber insulation products.

Sales in the UAE in H1 were Dh18 million compared with DH35 million for the whole of last year while Saudi  Arabia accounted for Dh7.3 million and Qatar Dh 4.5 million in the first half against Dh13 million and Dh6 million respectively for the whole of 2013. 

The company, which operates a 10,000 sq m facility at Dubai Investments Park (DIP), is now eyeing the African market given the massive growth potential on offer.

“IRC has witnessed robust growth this year, and the encouraging sales are reflective of the massive demand for our top-quality products. We are associated with some of the most prestigious projects in the UAE and Gulf region, which reinforces our reputation as the leading manufacturer of synthetic polymer and rubber products in the Middle East. We have ambitious growth targets in place – and our high-quality products and services will augur well for us in this competitive landscape,” said Khalid Al Jarwan, general manager of Masharie LLC.

Notable projects undertaken by IRC included the Presidential Palace in Qatar, King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in Riyadh, Masdar City, Jalila Hospital, Yas Mall, Fairmont Hotel, Fujairah Electricity and Water Authority  offices, Sorouh Commercial Building, Hilal Bank and Saraya Residential Houses in the UAE, and Muscat International Airport in Oman, among others.

 “Our future strategy centres on further enhancing our world-class product offerings with the introduction of bearing pads, which will meet the diverse customer requirements in the region,” Al Jarwan remarked.

Last year, the company launched Siltech, a general-purpose permanently elastic silicone sealant.

IRC is also the authorised distributor of silicone sealants for Momentive Performance Materials (formerly GE Bayer Silicones) in the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kenya and Tanzania. The company is the authorised distributor for 3M construction and electrical products in Saudi Arabia.