Al Anwar Ceramic Tiles Company has devised a five-point strategy to garner a greater presence in the Gulf Cooperation Council Region.

The company, which produced 6.14 million sq m of tiles of various descriptions in 2006, is doubling its production capacity in the belief it can win significantly more orders in the region’s growing construction industry.
According to Al Anwar, the ceramic tile industry in the GCC area aggregates 85 sq m per year and it estimates that the market is growing at about 10 to 12 per cent per year.
So it has decided to focus on a network expansion in Saudi Arabia, develop its institutional business in the UAE, look to greater penetration in other GCC markets, work towards further domination of the Omani market and promote its brand based on a clear branding strategy specific to the different markets.
In Oman it has a strong dealer network and has succeeded in improving service efficiencies. It has also introduced contemporary designs that are gaining popularity in the country.
During 2006, as well as the GCC region, the country exported its products to Syria, Yemen, Jordan, Pakistan, Tanzania and Nigeria. 
Established in 1998, the company has a plant in Nizwa with machinery imported from Italy and built with the technical collaboration of Italian companies. The plant uses locally available raw materials with pigments, fritz and glazes coming from Italy and Spain.
Its range of tiles comprises decorative tiles, ceramic floor tiles, border tiles and ceramic wall tiles. The product range has been developed in a way that the tiles can be used for both small houses and bungalows. 
Its “Al Shams” range consists of glazed wall and floor tiles in a variety of designs and shades to suit every decor. The tiles are manufactured to international standards, with designs sourced from leading Italian firms.
Al Ceramic achieved a net profit of RO1.196 million ($3.1 million) in the first half of 2007, up 18 per cent over the corresponding period in 2006.
For the whole of 2006, the net profit was RO1.782 million, an increase of 32 per cent from the previous year. Gross revenues grew by 19 per cent to touch RO8.5 million.