Partnership aims to offer customers fully integrated Building Management Systems solutions

Dubai, December 10, 2007: In light of the region's fast-paced growth of the property sector and the growing need for efficient Building Management Systems (BMS), Al-Futtaim Engineering, the Al-Futtaim Group's market leading multi-disciplinary engineering organisation, today announced that it has partnered with Trend Control Systems Limited, one of the world's leading BMS manufacturers, to offer Trend BMS solutions across the UAE.

Mr. Dawood Ozair, Managing Director, Al-Futtaim Engineering said: "This partnership represents a key element in Al-Futtaim Engineering's ambitious plans to widen its business horizon in line with its future growth strategy in the region and to assist the construction industry and developers to conserve energy and so contribute to sustainable urban development."

"Trend Control Systems are installed in prestigious projects worldwide and in the region, like Heathrow Airport, Oxford University, London Eye, Royal Albert Hall, European Parliament at Strasbourg, Grosvenor House Hotel - Dubai, Montgomerie Golf Club House - Dubai, Burj Residence - Dubai, Ritz Carlton - Doha, Qatar Foundation and Sheikh Issa Library - Bahrain.

"Trend has always been ahead of the curve in offering cutting-edge integrated solutions to help lower costs while meeting changing market needs. This partnership is the next logical step, as we look ahead to take advantage of future opportunities," he added.

TCP/IP is the truly open standard and the most future proof Network Protocol for Data, Voice, Video and Building Automation in all types of Building. Trend's web based range of DDC Controllers makes it a perfect fit for installations ranging from network convergent buildings to remotely monitored country/area wide networks. 

"By combining our vision, years of experience and technological resources with Al-Futtaim Engineering's reputation and reliability, we plan to deliver unparalleled integrated solutions and services to our clients," said Yazdi Daruwalla of Trend M.E. 

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About Al-Futtaim Engineering:
Al-Futtaim Engineering, a member of the Al-Futtaim Group, is a multi-disciplinary engineering organisation operating across the UAE and Qatar with over 30 years of successful operation.

Al-Futtaim Engineering is a certified ISO-9001:2000 company. The company provides total solutions to the building industry through its proven expertise in scaffolding and formwork, elevators and escalators, MEP, security and low voltage systems, air-conditioning, sanitary ware and facilities management. Having successfully represented strong international brands like Hitachi, Toto, Sanyo and Chubb as well as many others, has resulted in Al-Futtaim Engineering being respected in the industry for timely execution of fast track projects on budget.

Al-Futtaim Engineering's involvement in numerous large scale projects also reflects the company's commitment to high standards of quality and total reliability.

About Trend Control Systems:
Trend is the award winning manufacturer of Building Management Systems, with a worldwide distribution and support network covering over 50 countries. Its fully integrated control solutions are able to meet the most complex requirements of modern buildings.

Founded in 1980, Trend has undergone rapid and consistent growth, achieving turnover in excess of $100m YTD 2007 (Product supply). Trend is a BSI registered company, complying with the requirements of BS EN ISO 9001: 2000. This quality assurance standard covers the sales, marketing, design, manufacture and support of Building Management Systems.

Through close control and monitoring of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and other building services, Trend systems are able to minimise energy consumption and maintain consistently comfortable conditions - as well as bringing other key benefits such as lower plant maintenance costs and remote monitoring. Trend Systems are to be found in virtually every type of building, from schools, hospitals and leisure centers to mixed use towers, shops and factories. Suitable for the largest building complexes and multi-site applications, they are still cost-effective in even very small premises.

Trend the market leader in the UK has now been in the Middle East for more than a decade, with a wide and growing install base in Qatar, UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait.  This focus on the Middle East has resulted in strengthening its Partner-Network in Oman, Pakistan & Egypt.

For more information, please contact:
Geoffrey Watson
Head of Corporate Communications
Al-Futtaim Group
Tel: +971 4 228 2101 Ext.214
Fax: +971 4 227 9801
Email: victoria.jacks@gmasco.com  
Web: www.al-futtaim.com  

© Press Release 2007