Rubber World Industries (RWI), manufacturer of closed-cell rubber insulation Gulf-O-flex in the Gulf and Southeast Asia and part of the Shaikhani Group of Companies, has appointed Leminar Air Conditioning Co, one of the largest HVAC distribution and manufacturing companies in the region, as the exclusive distributor of ‘Gulf-O-flex’ rubber insulation for HVAC applications in the UAE.

Following the announcement, Leminar said it would secure Dh30 million ($8.1 million) in annual sales in the UAE. The agreement was signed by Fareed Majeed, general manager, RWI, and Pramodh Idicheria, general manager, Leminar Air Conditioning - Dubai.

RWI claims it has captured 56 per cent of the Middle East market for rubber insulation pipes, sheets and other rubber-derived products.

The company’s insulation products have been used lately in projects including Al Raha Beach development, Saadiyat Island project and Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. In addition to expanding its distribution network, the company is increasing its current production capacity. By 2013 it plans to have a production capacity of 3,600 container loads annually by 2013 and is investing Dh30 million to achieve that level.

Abu Baker Shaikhani, chairman, RWI, commented: “Amidst projections that global demand for rubber products will rise by 4 per cent annually to reach 26.5 million tonnes by 2011, we have outlined a production run of over 2,000 containers this year. We are also positive that this will mark a year of growth for both Rubber World Industries and Leminar, as we collaborate to supply the best closed-cell rubber insulation products to UAE customers.”

Leminar makes ductings

Leminar started its business in the UAE in 1989, leveraging the clout of the Al Shirawi Group of Companies across the construction industry and a host of other sectors. Today, the company operates from four local offices and maintains nine showrooms across the UAE and Qatar. In addition to distributing high-quality HVAC products, it manufactures rectangular and spiral HVAC ducting, maintaining four manufacturing plants, which have obtained certifications such as ISO 9001, AHRI (ARI) and various industry awards.

“The Gulf-O-Flex brand’s market standing provides us with a great selling point, and we are planning to further strengthen its position by providing customers with excellent service that matches the unparalleled quality of the product. We are proud to become the distributor for an established player in the UAE rubber insulation market and a trusted partner of many construction companies for their world-class developments,” said Idicheria.