MUSCAT -- The cutting-edge technology put in place by Oman Ceramics Co SAOG, Oman's only sanitary ware manufacturer since 1999, has been very successful in its export drive. Oman Ceramics' Wave brand of sanitary ware products have penetrated over 12 different countries and are available at over 500 outlets around the world.
Chief Executive Officer Vish Natrajan (pictured) says, the Wave brand of sanitary ware products are popular in Oman, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, Syria, Sri Lanka, India among other countries. Almost 30 per cent of its production is exported to the UK. Over the past decade, Oman Ceramics has been hugely successful in export markets and is the clear market leader in the Sultanate's sanitary ware market. Early on Oman Ceramics decided to go in for cutting-edge technology for manufacturing sanitary ware.
Take, for example, its double glaze technology, which helps produce the highest glaze in the country when compared to European standard. Oman Ceramics is therefore a major exporter to European countries and it is the only manufacturer of sanitary ware in Gulf region. The company's plant in Sohar is equipped with highest pressure casting machine in the Gulf.
Oman Ceramics has also earned well-deserved praise for its power flush technology, which helps to get the flushing at even single flush and flushes completing without leaving any residues. Its Green Wave for water saving closets, which comes with 2/4 lit flushing options, is also popular in the domestic and export markets. Similarly, Oman Ceramics' noise-free soft close seat cover is a big hit in the market as this innovation caters to customers' needs.
Natrajan says, Oman Ceramics' products are tested and approved by CERAM (world's largest independent Ceramic Testing Body), and also meet the requirements of British Standards, Saudi Arabian Standards Organization and are approved by various leading consultants, builders and government organisations. The company exports 50 per cent to 70 per cent of its production. Oman Ceramics is set to expand its market share in Oman as well as in export markets. Some of its innovative products such as gold plated ash bowls, trendz bowls in marble finish have a big potential for expansion.
The company has also planned to diversifies into other categories such as taps, tiles, showers, vanity cabinets and accessories. A 100 per cent Omani brand, the Wave is a source of pride for Omanis when they see its huge export to Europe. The brand came into being when Oman Ceramics Company SAOG (OCC) was set up in 1999 to manufacture high quality vitreous premier sanitary ware primarily for exports to the discerning customers in Western Europe. Oman Ceramics is well entrenched in the domestic market and abroad.
The machinery at the plant was supplied and erected by a reputed UK ceramic machinery manufacturer. Founded after putting in place cutting-edge technology, OCC grew rapidly as it began to export its products to European countries. Natrajan says, "Our manufacturing plant boasts state-of-the-art plant and machinery and technical know-how".
From the selection of raw materials to the delivery of finished products, every phase of the process reflects a commitment to providing the highest-quality products. Oman ceramics pioneers on introducing new innovative technology starting from the raw material selection to manufacturing of its products.
By Hasan Kamoonpuri
© Oman Daily Observer 2009
