Tuesday, 26 December 2006

RAS AL-KHAIMAH: The Zamil Steel (ZS) new factory in Ras Al-Khaimah, UAE, recently started producing on a small scale while pressing forward with the completion of the facilities.

"The enormous potential of the UAE market makes the new facility one of the most important steps ZS has taken in its global expansion initiative,"  a statement issued by the company said. The total investment in this new plant is SR175 million ($46.7 million).

"Our national sales have been rising steadily over the past few years, increasing by more than 40%. Specifically, our pre-engineered steel buildings (PEB) sales have reached their highest point ever, which has allowed us to maintain our grip of the PEB market in the GCC countries. These factors, among others, have encouraged us to continue implementing our global expansion strategy," said Adnan Al-Mansour, President, Zamil Steel.

According to Ibrahim Al-Solaia, vice president project, Zamil Steel, the construction of the new plant at Ras Al-Khaimah began in early January of this year. The first phase of the new facility is almost completed and manufacturing in small scale has started and is on track for full operations by the end of the first quarter of 2007. The plant will be capable of producing 40,000 metric tons per annum of pre-engineered steel buildings, open web steel joists and floor decking. The second phase of the factory, scheduled to be operational by the end of 2007, will add an additional 12,000 metric tons per year of steel lattice towers.

The new facility will be equipped with the latest and most advanced technology available. Complete technical, engineering and administrative departments will be available to meet customer requirements in a comprehensive manner. The new plant will be also integrated into the Zamil Industrial Investment Company's (ZIIC) IT network, streamlining the production and delivery processes of the finest quality steel products.

"ZS RAK will mainly serve the UAE market, as well as neighboring Gulf countries. It is a crucial addition to our international network of manufacturing facilities and will help us continue to meet the demands of our customers with the same level of quality and dependability they have come to expect from us," concluded Adnan Al-Mansour.

© The Saudi Gazette 2006