RAK Ceramics has announced that it has been officially recognised as the world’s largest ceramic tile manufacturer by the Ceramic World Review, the best known and most widely circulated international magazine devoted to ceramic tile and sanitaryware production technologies.

The Ras Al Khaimah company dominated rankings of the top 25 ceramic tile manufacturers in 2009 with a total production output of 115 million sq m from 15 manufacturing facilities located in six countries.

RAK Ceramics has said it remains in a strong position to boost its current production capacity of 117 million sq m as expansion programmes are underway to cater to new markets in different parts of the world.

In 2008, RAK Ceramics was ranked fourth with a production output of 106 million sq m and through its well-executed, long-term strategic plans, the company has expanded and increased its production facility even during the current economic slowdown.

Dr Khater Massaad, CEO, RAK Ceramics, said: “Being recognised as the biggest tile manufacturer in the world underlines RAK Ceramics’ unmatched ability to consistently satisfy the demands of customers in terms of product quality and quantity.

“These distinctions from the Ceramic World Review likewise validate the success of our strategy to target and strengthen our presence in high-growth markets around the world, cementing RAK Ceramics’ status as a premier global brand and the number one choice for all types of ceramic tiling requirements.

“The Ceramic World Review has noted that the internationalisation of production has been a common trend among companies that have figured prominently on the list.”

Dr Massaad reaffirmed the company’s strong commitment to pursuing aggressive expansion programmes in new international markets and to maintaining its status as the undisputed global leader in the ceramic tile industry.

Large workforce
RAK Ceramics produces ceramic tiles, sanitaryware and tableware through its worldwide production and distribution facilities which collectively employ a workforce of 15,000 people.

Dr Massaad: masterminding

It pointed out that the establishment of production plants in different countries had been a key factor in the company’s highly successful globally focused marketing strategy, wherein up to 74 per cent of products are exported to over 150 countries.

The company continues to expand its businesses through joint ventures and diversification of its product range. RAK Ceramics has joined hands with Laticrete International Inc of USA to form Laticrete RAK, a joint-venture that offers highly effective, strong and durable tile adhesives, grouts and epoxy-based products having tiling applications. RAK Ceramics has also partnered with Kludi of Germany to establish Kludi RAK, which offers world-class bathroom and kitchen fittings that contribute significantly to ecological balance with its water-saving systems.

New business ventures initiated by RAK Ceramics include RAK Porcelain, which produces high-quality porcelain tableware for professional application in hospitality industry and consumer usage, and RAK Paints, which manufactures eco-friendly, water-based and epoxy-based high-quality paints with a variety of colours for industrial and residential usage.

RAK Ceramics is a $1 billion global conglomerate in the ceramic industry, offering a product portfolio comprising over 8,000 designs in ceramic tiles and Gres Porcellanato, and several models in sanitaryware. The company continues to be a global pioneer in the world of ceramics through innovative products such as RAK Slim, a new brand of 4.5-mm-thick tile that sets new industry benchmarks in thickness, strength, cost and ease of use.