Mapei, the world leader in the production of adhesives and chemical products for the building industry, says its business last year was extremely healthy as it grew 30 per cent over 2014.

“Over the past few years, we have constantly recorded sales growth, proving that our business model is successful and our products and services are enthusiastically accepted by the market,” says Stefano Iannacone, managing director Mapei Construction Chemicals, UAE.

Mapei Construction Chemicals is Mapei’s UAE subsidiary. It was created in line with Mapei’s globalisation strategy to be closer to the market. It boasts a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility based on a 40,000 sq m plot at Dubai Investments Park (DIP). 

“Around 80 per cent of our products are manufactured in the UAE, while the rest are manufactured by Mapei Italy,” said Iannacone.

From the Dubai facility, the company serves the entire GCC region, Pakistan and selected countries in East Africa.

Iannacone: prospects good

The company exports cementitious-based products such as adhesives, flooring and repair chemical products. In addition, it also exports admixture products and a waterproofing line. Its top markets in the region are Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

STRATEGY

Commenting on the company’s business strategy he said: “We constantly try to evaluate and bring in products from our main office that suit our local requirements. We also expand our portfolio of locally manufactured products based on market requirements. One such product is the Ultratop, which is a cementitious based flooring product.

“This year we are planning to expand our warehouse and production facilities by adding an additional 25,000 sq m warehouse, and we will begin the construction of a 2,000 sq m regional head office. Both investments will be carried out at our Dubai Investment Park facility,” according to Iannacone.

He further said: “Mapei constantly pays particular attention to the requirements of the market in which we operate. Particularly in this region, we spend our efforts in providing the right solutions and services to the continuously growing construction market.

“Despite a number of slowdowns in announced projects, we see growth opportunities in the construction of infrastructures, schools, hospitals and affordable housing in addition to the growing regional hospitality industry.”

This year Mapei is looking at strengthening its market presence in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Oman by enhancing its existing sales channels and by reinforcing the ties it already has with the major regional players. 

With its head office in Milan, Italy, Mapei was founded in 1937. It has 68 plants in 32 countries on five continents and employs 8,500 employees. Its annual turnover is around $2.7 billion.

QUALITY ADHERENCE

The company’s concrete repair range

At the Dubai facility, all products are manufactured to the most stringent health, safety and environmental requirements as well as complying with the latest material standards such as GSO: ISO 13007-1 and GEV.

Products are then tested in one of the region’s most advanced temperature- and humidity-controlled QA/QC laboratory.

Mapei also offers a unique stone testing service where natural or artificial stone can be tested and classified for stability and absorption, enabling the most suitable and durable installation materials such as screed and adhesives to be specified.

The company has a commercial and technical training centre conveniently located in Dubai in order to ensure the highest levels of service and support for its customers.

PROJECTS

Some of the projects the company has been associated with include Ferrari World, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi; Burj Khalifa, Armani Hotel, Dubai International Airport terminals 1,2 and 3, Burj Al Arab and Atlantis Hotel in Dubai.

GREEN FOCUS

Globally Mapei’s longstanding commitment to the environment extends to its facilities, products and processes – from minimising waste to maximising use of recycled materials. In addition, the focus of its research and development efforts is to formulate ecologically sustainable products and systems which do not include solvents or pollutants.

Mapei is a proud innovator of environmentally responsible solutions and a manufacturer of more than 150 LEED-compliant products, the industry’s largest selection of eco-friendly products.