27 August 2011

Expansion of sales network part of aggressive growth strategy in key niche markets

MAPEI, leading global manufacturer of adhesives, sealants and chemical products for buildings, has announced that it has recently appointed Emirates Ceramic as its fifth reseller in the UAE. The appointment of Emirates Ceramic as its newest UAE reseller is part of MAPEI's aggressive expansion campaign in key niche markets and underlines the growing reputation of MAPEI as a building material of choice in the country.

Emirates Ceramic, a member of Al Jaber Group in Abu Dhabi, is a major supplier of ceramic and sanitary ware in the UAE. The company is also aiming at having the best selection of LEED-rated building materials in the market, thus complementing MAPEI's solid track record as a leading provider of eco-friendly building materials.

Laith Haboubi, Business Development Director, MAPEI, "Growth opportunities continue to emerge and we are certainly very eager to take advantage of the exciting business prospects that have been created. MAPEI's appointment of Emirates Ceramic as our newest reseller is part of our strategy to penetrate new niche markets and to make our products evermore easily accessible to our customers. Moreover, this partnership underlines the growing demand for MAPEI products. In this regard, we are confident that Emirates Ceramic will be able to support our efforts to further increase our share of the UAE market, in particular in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi."

Mohsen Hankir, Executive Manager, Emirates Ceramic, said: "MAPEI is one of the most solid and recognizable brands in the market so we are excited to sign this new agreement. Leveraging our extensive sales network, we are looking forward to help expand the market reach of MAPEI and boost its market visibility. Moreover, our strategic partnerships with high-profile brands such as MAPEI are in line with our commitment to offer the best quality building materials in the UAE market."

MAPEI is well known for its range of adhesives and sealants used to install ceramic, natural stone and other finishes such as wooden, PVC and sports flooring. The company has been involved in some of the most challenging construction projects in the region, including the Armani hotel in Burj Khalifa, Qasr El Sarab resort, Atlantis Hotel on Palm Jumeirah, the Emirates Palace Hotel, Burj Al Arab, and Dubai International Airport's Terminals 1, 2 and 3.

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About Mapei
Founded in Milan in 1937, Mapei is today the world leader in the production of adhesives and complementary products for the installation of all types of floor and wall coverings. The company is also specialized in other chemical products for building: from water-proofing to special mortars, from admixtures for concrete to products for the restoration of ancient buildings.

Mapei Group's production may be summarized as follows: sales in 2010 were 1.9 billion euros and the total number of Mapei Group employees is 7500.

The Group now counts 68 subsidiaries with 58 production facilities in operation in the 5 continents in 27 countries.

Mapei's UAE subsidiary is Innovative Building Solutions LLC (IBS-Mapei). As part of its long-term commitment to the Middle East, the company commenced production in February 2009, at its 40,000 sq.m state-of-the-art facility at Dubai Investments Park.

For further information, please contact:
Orient Planet PR & Marketing Communications
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P.O.Box 23345, Dubai, UAE
Email: media@orientplanet.com
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© Press Release 2011