UAE-based Rawlplug Middle East, a specialist in a wide range of fixing solutions, will expand its warehousing facility in Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), Dubai, next year to cope with an increase in demand for its products

The Middle East arm of the UK-based Rawlplug, which has been operating in the Gulf for more than 30 years through a network of distributors, has witnessed double-digit growth in sales and market share over the past few years.

The company witnessed 65 per cent growth during the first six months compared with the same period last year,” said a spokesman for the company.

“We are also looking at new markets in Asia for further growth,” he added.
Rawlplug set up its regional hub at Jebel Ali in 2006 to better serve its customers and reduce delivery time.

The spokesman said the warehouse expansion was a priority project.

The company also plans to introduce new products including passive fire protection systems and a range of green fixings for sustainable projects.

The product range, which has almost 30,000 line items, includes bonded anchors, which are offered in a wide range of systems such as glass capsules, cartridges and foils, and mechanical anchors, which are metal anchors.

Commonly referred to as chemical anchors or resin anchors, bonded anchors can be split into two main groups – capsule and injections systems, both of which consist of two chambers, one filled with a polymer resin and the other with a hardener. Various resin types are available in each system from polyester to vinylester and epoxy, the spokesman stated.

Bonded anchors are used for fixing threaded rod, internally threaded sockets and rebar to many types of structure. They can be used in all structures from concrete to low-strength blockwork, including solid and hollow materials such as perforated brick, hollow block and hollow precast concrete.

Mechanical anchors, used for high-load and technical applications, are offered as throughbolts, shield anchors and heavy-duty expansion anchors.

Rawlplug also offers a wide range of façade insulation fixings including Etics and and frame fixings available as fixings, screws and anchors.

About the regional market, he said: “Given the expanding population and increased demand for housing, infrastructure and service, we expect steady growth in the construction sector at least for the next decade.”

The company has recently been awarded projects including Al Fattan Plaza, Nakheel Mall, City Walk phase II, Hardrock Hotel, Akoya Oxygen, Marina 106, Rotana Hotel and Blue Water Island (all in the UAE).

Some of the other key projects in the region include Sidra Medical and Research Centre, Kempinski Marsa Malaz Hotel in Pearl Qatar and Brooq Residential Tower in Dafna (all in Qatar), Makkah Holy Haram expansion, Mataaf, Shamiya Extension Hospital, North Haram development – power transmission cable, Al Haramain High Speed Rail Phase 1 and King Abdulaziz International Airport Development Phase 1 (all in Saudi Arabia).