30 March 2006

Ras Al Khaimah: RAK Ceramics is currently in the middle of a phased global expansion strategy under which factories will be established in Iran, the sub-continent, China, Sudan and the UAE.

Industry commentators predict RAK Porcelain, a new sister company of RAK Ceramics, the UAE's premier supplier of tiles and sanitaryware, will use the Hotel Show 2006 exhibition as a key tool to unlock regional and international markets.

It will emulate this rapid development, starting with the inauguration of their new 60,000 square metre factory in Ras Al Khaimah earlier this year.

With a capacity of 15 million pieces of dinnerware a year on two production lines, and a stock that will include six series and 150 different commissioned designs, RAK Porcelain expects the new facility to help realise their ambition to become a major supplier to the hotel industry worldwide.

"The capacity could be doubled to 30 million pieces annually which would make it one of the biggest porcelain tableware factories in the world," said Dr Khater Massaad, CEO of RAK Ceramics.

"We intend to equal the success of RAK Ceramics which has become a global leader in the ceramics industry in the space of just 15 years by delivering superior product quality and outstanding design competence with a focus on custom-made designs," he said.

According to Hotel Show project manager Maggie Moore, the participation of quality exhibitors such as RAK Porcelain is enhancing the reputation of local and regional suppliers, and widening their prospective markets as a result.

The Hotel Show 2006, organised by dmg world media Dubai Ltd, will be held from June 4-6 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre.

"While hotels have traditionally looked to countries such as Italy and Denmark for their restaurant tableware supplies, for example, the development of high quality products within the Middle East means that regional hospitality management can increasingly think 'locally' when sourcing these products," said Moore.

"With such strong demand throughout the region for specialist products such as bedding and flooring, lighting and laundry equipment, security and IT systems, and all manner of interiors and furnishings, UAE exhibitors are now looking not only to consolidate local markets, but further afield with great confidence."

By Nasouh Nazzal

© Gulf News 2006. All rights reserved.