Gulf Extrusions, one of the largest aluminium extrusion plants in the Gulf, is opening a Qatar office as part of its expansion into that country.

The move comes in the wake of the company’s increased activity in the Qatari market, triggered by the construction boom there. Market forecasts indicate investments worth Dh16.9 billion ($4.6 billion) will flow into Qatar’s construction sector in 2006 alone and an astounding Dh183 billion over the next five years. Gulf Extrusions will open a full-fledged sales office in Qatar by the end of 2006.
“Qatar is today witnessing a phase of unprecedented economic growth, epitomised by the country’s booming construction sector,” said Robert Holtkamp, Gulf Extrusions’ director of sales and marketing. “For Gulf Extrusions, Qatar has traditionally been a key target market. There has been a significant increase in our activity in Qatar over the past few years, during which we won several prestigious contracts and strengthened our position in the local market.”
Holtkamp said it was the right time to open a full-fledged sales office in Qatar.
“Having a direct presence in Qatar will allow us to serve our clients in close proximity, and fulfill their needs and requirements more efficiently. To cater to increased demand, we have more than doubled our production capacity,” added Holtkamp.
Gulf Extrusions recently increased its annual production capacity from 30,000 tonnes to 65,000 tonnes. The raise in production capacity was necessitated largely by the company’s stepped-up activity in the Qatari market. Gulf Extrusions supplies high-quality aluminium profiles for various industrial and architectural projects in Qatar, including the prestigious Al Dafna Towers.
Commenting on the market scenario in the GCC, Holtkamp said, “There is strong competition in the regional aluminium profile sector as a result of modern economic policies being pursued by most GCC countries. However, Gulf Extrusions has carved a niche for itself by combining a steadfast commitment to quality with an ability to meet diverse customer requirements.”
Gulf Extrusions produces over 7,000 aluminium profiles, ranging from architectural sections to components for household items, AC grills and customised products. The company also extrudes products of several European suppliers and companies under agreement.