The Big 5 Dubai

THE BIG 5 DUBAI

The number one event for construction industry professionals

TELL US YOUR STORY

AND WE’LL TELL THE WORLD urope and Middle East Outlook is a digital and print product aimed at boardroom and handson decision-makers across a wide range of industries on the continent.

With content compiled by our experienced editorial team, complemented by an in-house design and production team ensuring delivery to the highest standards, we look to promote the latest in engaging news, industry trends and success stories from the length and breadth of Africa.

We reach an audience of 165,000 people across the continent, bridging the full range of industrial sectors: mining; oil & gas; logistics; resources; manufacturing; construction; engineering; technology; food & drink; retail; finance; and healthcare.

In joining the leading industry heavyweights already enjoying the exposure we can provide, you can benefit from free coverage across both digital and print platforms, a free marketing brochure, extensive social media saturation, enhanced B2B networking opportunities, and a readymade forum to attract new investment and to grow your business.

To get involved, please contact Outlook Publishing’s Managing Director, Ben Weaver, who can provide further details on how to feature your company, for free, in one of our upcoming editions.

WWW.EMEOUTLOOKMAG.COM BEN WEAVER Tel: +44 (0) 1603 959 650 Cell: +44 (0) 7932 096 423 ben.weaver@outlookpublishing.com

C O N T E N T S

E

V

E

N

4

THE BIG 5 DUBAI

T

The number one event for construction industry professionals

F E A T U R I N G

6

DIGIROBOTICS The Future is Now

14

CORYS BUILDING MATERIALS Seizing Opportunities and Anticipating Change

Making life easier with robotic

Doing its bit for growing exports and the Oman

20

MUNA NOOR Pipe Pioneers

Taking the long-term view

WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

3

T H E

B I G

5

D U B A I

Live product demonstration

Workshop

2 016

The 37th edition of The Big 5 welcomed more than 75,000 participants, breaking last year’s record, organiser dmg events Middle East, Asia & Africa announced at the end of the four-day long event he largest construction exhibition in the Middle East will be back at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 26-29 November, 2017, while the co-located Middle East Concrete (MEC) and PMV Live shows will run again in 2018 (26-28 March), as standalone events.

Following this year’s success, the next edition of The Big 5 will further focus on the theme of ‘Technology in Construction’. Event Director, Josine Heijmans, also said HVAC-R exhibitors will be clustered in a dedicated product sector in light of the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration industry’s strong

4

WWW.EMEOUTLOOKMAG.COM

development in the Region.

Moreover, The Big 5 2017 will go smart. Thanks to the introduction of the new Konduko smart technology, exhibitors will be able to send digital content to visitors, while capturing and qualifying leads from their smart phones. All visitors will be equipped with a Smart Badge that will interact with the exhibitors’ Smart Readers.

“With its recordbreaking number of exhibitors and visitors attending the event, The Big 5 2016 was a great success, and the show will be even bigger and smarter next year,” Ms. Heijmans stated.

To know more about the show, visit www.thebig5.ae.

Expo 2020 Bureau Executive Director, Najeeb Al Ali

The Big 5 2016 opening: HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum

SHOWCASE YOUR PRODUCTS AT THE LARGEST CONSTRUCTION EVENT IN THE MIDDLE EAST SPACES ARE LIMITED BOOK YOUR STAND TODAY

80%

OF EXHIBITORS SOLD PRODUCTS TO NEW KEY BUYERS IN 2016

Smart Building & Design Technologies

Construction Tools & Building Materials

Building Envelope & Special Construction

Building Interiors & Finishes

MEP Services

CONTACT US

+971 (0) 4 438 0355 info@thebig5.ae www.thebig5.ae

D I G I R O B O T I C S

The Future is NOW DigiRobotics’ determination to usher in the new generation of smart technology is epitomised by the success of its robotics and autonomous systems on an increasingly global scale Writer: Matthew Staff Project Manager: Tom Arnold

s one of the world’s leading robotics companies, DigiRobotics’ rapid rise to prominence has laid the foundations for even more widespread success in the future as it looks forward to new innovations, new customers and new geographies.

In just four years since the Company’s inception in UAE, DigiRobotics has become a worldwide operator and developer of modern, innovative robotics systems and technologies, developing both organically and via acquisitions to now comprise offices in London and Riyadh as well.

Reaching all corners of the globe from these presence points, its goal to make industrial processes smarter, more efficient and more advanced has been realised across numerous industry sectors and an increasingly large client-base.

6

WWW.EMEOUTLOOKMAG.COM

M

A

N

U

F

A

C

T

U

R

I

N

G

WWW.EMEOUTLOOKMAG.COM

7

D I G I R O B O T I C S

BECKHOFF

B

eckhoff Automation implements open automation systems based on PC Control technology. The product range covers Industrial PCs, I/O, and Fieldbus Components, Drive Technology and automation software.

The Company’s products can be used either as individual components or can be integrated seamlessly to comprise a complete system.

The “New Automation Technology” philosophy represents universal and open control and automation solutions that are used worldwide in a wide variety of different applications, ranging from CNC-controlled machine tools to robotic systems.

As a prominent customer, DigiRobotics Technologies specialises in turnkey robotics and machine automation solutions globally. Its core competencies include industrial production lines working on several different kinds of materials, as well as education, transportation, media, military industries and robots in public areas.

Managing Partner of DigiRobotics, Bilal Al Hattab

“DigiRobotics is the first and only UAE solutions provider, and is a leading tech Company in robotics and autonomous systems,” affirms the Company’s Managing Director, Bilal Al Hattab. “We are the only Company to operate from Dubai with full capacities and technologies created and integrated locally as per our clients’ requests and requirements.

“Today we offer diverse solutions for various industries: including autonomous vehicle guidance; an automated warehouse transport management system; welding robotic applications; a laser and plasma cutting system; laser de-painting robots; engraving solutions; palletising robots; and various autonomous vehicles for public transportation, floor and beach cleaning, grass cutting and trash collection.

“We are proud to customise each solution for our clients.”

8

WWW.EMEOUTLOOKMAG.COM

As the exclusive system integrator for the Germany based robot manufacturer KUKA, DigiRobotics Technology has a skilled team of engineers to integrate complex robotics systems into various industrial requirements.

We are the only Company to operate from Dubai with full capacities and technologies created and integrated locally as per our clients’ requests and requirements

In collaboration with Beckhoff, DigiRobotics has been able to achieve advanced seamless automation using our products. The platform supported by the EtherCAT communication bus Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx allows for highly flexible and demand based automation without the need for tedious configuration and testing, thus saving time and engineering effort.

“We are proud to be a part of the ongoing success of DigiRobotics Technologies and we profoundly thank them for being one of our first customers to use mxAutomation protocol for KUKA Robots.”

Mr Chandran Velayudhan Regional Manager, GCC Countries, BECKHOFF Automation FZE Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx

BECKHOFF AUTOMATION

D I G I R O B O T I C S

WiGo – 3d-printed driverless car

Continuously evolving and working on strategic projects with its global clients and Government entities, DigiRobotics’ subsequent status as the dynamic leader of its domain in the GCC region is an indictment of the local focus it adopted from inception; established as a free zone Company under Tecom authority since 2013 and now existing as an 11-department, international business employing more than 150 people worldwide.

“Our mission is to significantly augment autonomy and robotics to deliver unique services; to develop the advancement of autonomy and robotics; to drive the evolution of autonomous industrial robotics and immersive simulations; to enable a better quality of life; and to pioneer a sustainable autonomy and robotics industry,” Al Hattab emphasises.

10

WWW.EMEOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Facilitating autonomous industrial robotics

Group goals include developing sustainable technologies to bridge the real and digital world, in order to remain relevant long into the future from an efficiency, intelligence and innovation point of view.

“At DigiRobotics, we believe in facilitating autonomous industrial robotics and immersive simulations to

enable effortless automation through intelligent and creative solutions, products and services,” Al Hattab says. “The idea is to provide advanced industrial solutions to our customers to increase production safety factors and to create the perfect balance between reducing manpower and increasing production.

“With DigiRobotics, customers not only keep their businesses in line with high-tech trends, but also secure their investments with professional services and strong partnership support.”

Currently comprising more than 50 types of robots, AGVs and drones, the sheer scale that DigiRobotics has evolved to has resulted in a recent diversification of the business structure; introducing a three pronged division approach to cater for each segment more concertedly.

M

A

N

U

F

A

C

T

U

R

I

N

G

Technical Director, Dr Rafiq Swash

Industrial robots for engraving, palletising

Svitlana Voznyuk, Marketing Director

While the original DigiRobotics arm continues to focus on robot products and the automation of factories, its DiDrivers subsidiary now looks after autonomous vehicle development including driverless conversions, autonomous trolleys for airports, 3d-printed driverless cars, grass cutters, beach cleaners, and driverless forklifts.

Finally, DiDrones - as the name suggests - hones in on drone

Engineers working on AGVs

WWW.EMEOUTLOOKMAG.COM

11

D I G I R O B O T I C S

development with core products including the autonomous drone taxi, autonomous cargo transportation, and autonomous fire response among the products coming to the fore as a consequence.

“In DigiRobotics we believe in creating a world of autonomous vehicles and robotics by enabling intelligent and self-adjusting solutions in which we are naturally navigated into a world where autonomous vehicles and robotics are seamlessly and harmoniously working together, side-by-side, with people,” Al Hattab explains. “Our main customers therefore include industrial factories in GCC, airports and seaports worldwide, the Government sector, healthcare entities and educational institutions; the diversity of which is improving our overall sales strategy.”

A new generation of smart technology

In order to keep evolving in the future it is imperative for DigiRobotics to remain ahead of the industry curve and to remain innovative in the eye of the tech storm. The pressure in recent times has been on augmenting the experiences and integration of technologies to deliver intelligent and more organic solutions, yet on a multisector basis.

This difference between the needs apparent in a governmental environment or a private sector environment, or education, or finance,

OmniMove – smart warehouse management

BusGo – first autonomous bus, made by DigiRobotics for public transportation in UAE

12

WWW.EMEOUTLOOKMAG.COM

or any other scenario, is what makes DigiRobotics’ proposition so challenging to fulfil, yet differentiating once fulfilled.

“DigiRobotics is a dynamic leader of all robotic and autonomous solutions in the GCC region and has a unique selfcreated robotics system worldwide,” Al Hattab proudly states. “DigiRobotics does not have competitors in the GCC region - our nearest competitors located in Japan, USA and the EU - but this makes our work more dynamic as we focus on improving and diversifying

M

A

N

U

F

A

C

T

U

R

I

N

G

DigiRobotics can look forward to extensive diversification in the future with TruGo – autonomous seaport truck

our products and services on a more global level than local.”

To this end, DigiRobotics can look forward to even more extensive sector diversification in the future as it looks to leverage the existing portfolio of clients and history of successful projects. Potential in seaport automation is one example of this while the Company also plans to increase factory automation by 55 percent in Saudi Arabia and UAE over the coming years.

Operations Director, Matthias Krause

Al Hattab concludes: “DigiRobotics is creating a whole new generation of smart technology; more powerful, more intelligent, and more accessible than ever before to empower us into the augmented world of autonomous and robotic solutions.

“Whenever worldwide visitors will come to UAE they will witness examples of what we can do; enjoying all levels of autonomous innovation that has been created and implemented by DigiRobotics.”

WWW.EMEOUTLOOKMAG.COM

13

C O R Y S

B U I L D I N G

M A T E R I A L S

SEIZING O pportunities and Anticipating Change Corys Building Materials has built a reputation for excellence in the manufacturing industry while consistently retaining its core customer focus Writer: Phoebe Calver Project Manager: Tom Arnold orys Building Materials has always taken a long-term view when it comes to devising and implementing its Company strategy; having worked hard to build its reputation for quality, innovation and customer service over the years, it intends to build on and strengthen this in the future.

Gaining the title as an industry leader in both product technology and manufacturing excellence, Corys Building Materials retains its core customer focus, with a number of initiatives in place to improve efficiency and speed of response.

As part of Green Coast Enterprises, a private Group established in Dubai

by Abdul Ghaffar Hussain in the 1970s, the Company has a solid network of support. The Group currently employs more than

14

WWW.EMEOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Jeremy Rowson, CEO

1,000 people, and actively manages a number of industrial and commercial businesses and financial investments.

“Despite the fact that Corys Building Materials was formed relatively recently as a holding Company for Green Coast Enterprise’s businesses in the building materials sector,” explains Jeremy Rowson, Chief Executive Officer at Corys Building Materials.

“Its roots can be traced back to 1977 when its subsidiary, Hepworth was

established as a manufacturer and supplier of piping systems in the UAE. As well as having manufacturing companies in the UAE and Qatar, we also have subsidiary companies in Oman, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.”

From this early start, the organisation has expanded and diversified into three main business units: Hepworth, Corys Build Centre and Corys Geosynthetics.

Hepworth, based in Dubai, is the leading

M

A

N

U

F

A

C

T

U

R

I

N

G

WWW.EMEOUTLOOKMAG.COM

15

C O R Y S

B U I L D I N G

M A T E R I A L S

Becoming a one-stop shop for target customers with a much broader range of MEP products

manufacturer and supplier of plastic pipes and fittings in the UAE and Qatar; marketing integrated piping systems to the construction industry.

This branch of the Company supplies a full range of products based on PVC, polyethylene, polypropylene, ABS and polybutylene technologies.

“We are proud of our long and fruitful association with two of the world’s leading plastic pipe technology providers; Wavin, based in the Netherlands, and Georg Fischer, based in Switzerland,” continues Rowson. “Both of these relationships are more than 30 years old and have greatly contributed to the success of Hepworth’s brand and reputation for quality in the region.”

Hepworth’s focus is split into key market segments, including, buildings, utilities and infrastructure, industrial and irrigation and agriculture; all of which are supported by dedicated sales and technical support teams which concentrate on each sector.

In addition to this, Hepworth has a

16

WWW.EMEOUTLOOKMAG.COM

We are proud of our long and fruitful association with two of the world’s leading plastic pipe technology providers; Wavin, based in the Netherlands, and Georg Fischer, based in Switzerland

skilled and experienced contracting team which provide on-site support to customers for welding and assistance with installation.

Corys Build Centre is a new concept in the retailing of building materials for small to medium-sized contractors and maintenance companies in the region.

This sector of the Company operates from newly refurbished premises in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Al Ain and Muscat.

“Although the main product range that we offer at Corys Build Centre is currently pipes, fittings and related items, our portfolio is being expanded with the aim of becoming a one-stop shop for target customers with a much broader range of MEP products,” adds Rowson. “Our goal over the next three years is to have 20 outlets of Corys Build Centre in the region.”

The third business unit of the Company is Corys Geosynthetics, a specialist supplier of geomembranes, geotextiles and other complementary

M

A

N

U

F

A

C

T

U

R

I

N

G

AD 78 x 96mm Version2_Layout 1 27/01/2017 10:38 Page 1

CUSTOMERS ARE OUR FIRST PRIORITY!

Parabond Pipe Cement Co., Inc. is committed to conducting business with integrity and excellence.

We provide consistently reliable and innovative products and services, based on mutually agreed upon standards and furnish the technical assistance needed to assure these products are used efficiently and safely.

The Plumbers’ First Choice for Plumbing Products

Parabond Pipe Cement Co., Inc. Export Department, 190 E. Washington Street P.O. Box 749. Chagrin Falls, OH 44022 U.S.A.

Phone: 001 440 247 3570 Fax: 001 440 247 2132 Email: info@m-winc.com

products for infrastructural and industrial projects. Corys Geosynthetics has been manufacturing geomembranes in Dubai for eight years under the Kangaroo Plastics brand, has a dedicated team of technical experts and supplies projects running throughout the region. More recently, export sales have included Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Iraq and Central Asia.

Let’s create

new markets.

Increasing capacity

In order to keep up with industry demands, the Company is continuously expanding its capacity; last year increasing its manufacturing capacity with the addition of new plastic pipe extruders in Dubai and Qatar and a new injection moulding machine in Dubai.

“In order to expand our manufacturing capacity, we have not only been buying new equipment but a we have also been building new factories,” clarifies Rowson. “In January, 2017 we began manufacturing operations at our new factory in Dubai

Blown film technology

Top packaging and converting solutions

Beijing | Busto Arsizio | Chicago | Dubai | Frankfurt | Istanbul | Mexico City | Mumbai | Sao Paulo

luigibandera.com

WWW.EMEOUTLOOKMAG.COM

17

C O R Y S

B U I L D I N G

M A T E R I A L S

Investments Park, with the intention to relocate our staff to this new Head Office in a couple of months.

“This will be the newest PVC pipes and fittings factory in the world, which is very exciting for the Company.

Last year we also completed the construction of our second factory in Qatar which will increase our manufacturing capacity there.”

The Company has also started on its new polyethylene pipe factory in Abu Dhabi, which will be complete at the end of 2018.However, the Company is also looking at opportunities to increase its footprint and access new markets though acquisitions as well as through organic growth.

“Last year we were proud to launch our new Technocore range of multilayer PVC pipes. We have purchased two Rollepaal extruders for the UAE and Qatar, enabling us to introduce this technology for the first time in the GCC,” adds Rowson.

“PVC multilayer pipes are commonly used in Europe and North America as they offer higher performance and enhanced handling properties.

“Technocore pipes have walls

Adhering to sustainability and carbon footprint trends

18

WWW.EMEOUTLOOKMAG.COM

comprising foamed PVC held between solid PVC inner and outer layers. The reduced carbon content of the foam is absolutely in line with recent trends for sustainability and reduced carbon footprints in the construction industry.”

The Company worked closely with Wavin, the world’s leading technologists in this area, to launch the technology and gain acceptance in the local markets; continuing Corys Building Materials’s many decades of technical and commercial work with this strategic partner. It is a clear example of the Company showing leadership in its industry and differentiating itself through technical and market innovation.

“At the end of last year we launched an entirely new range of solventsocket PVC pipes to provide high quality but economical systems for large villa projects within and outside the region; we are expecting huge growth from our new Dacta range and have already made our first sales.”

Strong competitor

For a Company with such vast experience in the industry, Corys Building Materials is aware of what it takes to be a success and considers that, in the main part, this lies with engaging skilled, experienced and motivated employees.

“Throughout our recruitment process we are very

Engaging skilled, experienced and motivated employees

Hepworth congratulated by one of Dubai’s largest developers because of an urgent issue on a site; Hepworth was able to get a technical team on-site within 20 minutes of receiving the first phone call from the client

M

A

N

U

F

A

careful, ensuring that any potential new staff not only meet the requirements of the position we need to fill, but also have the personal values which are compatible with the Group’s core value set,” affirms Rowson. “Within the region, we have employees of approximately 30 different nationalities, who have diverse cultural, linguistic and religious backgrounds. This has created a highly varied working environment.

“For the manufacturing industry our staff turnover is low, which we believe is a strong reflection of the fact that our staff are highly committed and feel that they are a vital part of the working community.”

Corys Building Materials differentiates itself through its product quality, technical expertise and customer service. Recently, Hepworth was congratulated by one of Dubai’s largest developers because of an urgent issue on a site at the centre of

C

T

U

R

I

N

G

Differentiated by product quality, technical expertise and customer service

Identifying new technologies and opportunities for the industry and region

the city. Hepworth was able to get a technical team on-site within 20 minutes of receiving the first phone call from the client.

“We are aiming to keep this level of fast response and strong customer relations throughout all sectors in the business. Corys Building Materials is already a strong competitor, but is getting even stronger, and in three years’ time we will be operating from more manufacturing sites and will have more retail outlets open through Corys Build Centre,” concludes Rowson.

“We have already identified some new technologies that we are keen to introduce to the region, and hope to have these launched and adopted by the industry in the next few years.

“We are particularly excited by the opportunities and challenges to be faced in the coming years as Dubai prepares for Expo 2020.”

WWW.EMEOUTLOOKMAG.COM

19

M U N A

N O O R

PIPE

PION Muna Noor makes the right pipe, at the right quality, for the right price as part of its never ending strive for manufacturing excellence Writer: Matthew Staff Project Manager: Tom Arnold

20

WWW.EMEOUTLOOKMAG.COM

M

A

N

U

F

A

C

T

U

R

I

NEERS

N

G

una Noor has built its market-leading pipe manufacturing reputation upon a bedrock of excellence and the determination to be the best in everything it does; an ethos which acknowledges the challenges of the industry yet continues to find the optimum solution.

Now employing more than 450 people, across four factories in Oman, the pioneer and leader in the Middle Eastern pipe manufacturing domain can boast a key role in numerous innovative projects across multiple industries over the years; a testament to the brand’s progressive character, unrivalled capacities, and everexpanding product range.

“To date, Muna Noor’s divisions deliver large-scale and bespoke HDPE, uPVC, DWC and multi-layer HDPE pipes, fittings, plastic fabrication, lining for steel pipes, traditional and electro fusion welding solutions, complete irrigation systems, SCADA control systems and a multiplicity of valves and controls for water,” affirms the Company’s General Manager, Grant Phipps. “The Company continues to develop products and state-of-the-art solutions with the aim to exceed client expectations and collaborate on new and exciting projects.

“Muna Noor can offer unique pipe solutions for modern, unconventional and economic pipe laying applications in dredging, desalination, water and sewage, irrigation, oil & gas, telecoms, industrial, mining, construction and infrastructure sectors.”

Muna Noor’s superior offering is compounded by recognition and certification to this end - ISO 9001:2008 certification to be precise - and this primary commitment to deliver quality products and services to its loyal customer base has most recently been epitomised by a new venture in opening trade outlets across Oman and the Emirates to increase

WWW.EMEOUTLOOKMAG.COM

21

M U N A

N O O R

the distribution footprint of its aforementioned portfolio.

All told, this footprint comprises Muscat, Salalah, Barka and Sohar in Oman; Duqm and Dubai in the UAE; and further sales points across the GCC, Iran, Africa, and neighbouring Asian nations.

“Our latest large order came from Mozambique for large diameter PE pipes where 55 container loads were despatched in late November, 2016,” Phipps includes as an example of this

Boubyan Petrochemical Company (K.S.C) “Muna Noor’s quality and success has also been recognised by financial industry leaders in the region and has been made a subsidiary by the Boubyan Petrochemical Company (K.S.C), which is a blue chip Company of the Kuwait Stock Exchange and premium institution in Kuwait for investment in the field of petrochemicals by the private sector,” Phipps explains. “Boubyan Petrochemical Company is the first private-sector Company in Kuwait to invest in the governmentcontrolled petrochemical sector.

“The Company was established on 12 February, 1995, and started its business by taking a 10 percent equity stake in Equate Petrochemical Company, the world-scale petrochemical joint venture between the governmentowned Petrochemical Industries Company and Union Carbide Corporation (now a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company) of the United States.”

22

WWW.EMEOUTLOOKMAG.COM

excellence on an ever-expanding scale.

“We drive being the best there is in everything we do. Of course this is a never-ending and very difficult task, but we only believe in being the best there is in our class.”

Set up 42 years ago, initially as a plastic pipe manufacturer and as one of the first companies in Oman, Muna Noor’s evolution over the years to its current status under the stewardship of Boubyan Petrochemicals is indicative of the progressive philosophy it tries to adhere to; continuously looking at new and innovative ways to market.

Go-to Company

“Two good examples of this are the recently installed double-wall corrugated polypropylene pipe production line installed in our Sohar factory, the only one of its type in the GCC,” Phipps enthuses. “This line produces an extremely strong polypropylene pipe for drainage and sewerage. The pipe has a socket jointing system that allows for the pipes to be installed very quickly.

“The second example is installed in the same factory and is the only 1,200 millimetre multi-layer polyethylene pipe facility in the GCC.

M

A

N

U

F

A

C

T

U

R

I

N

G

JORDAN CARBONATE COMPANY

Jordan Carbonate Company are major producers and exporters of various grades of

Calcium Carbonate N AT U R A L A N D T R E AT E D

with production capacity of 400KMT/year

P.O.Box 1059, Amman 11118 Jordan Tel +962 6 5665517 Fax +962 6 5664668 sales@jordancarbonate.com

leading through

a global network

One of the world’s leading producer of PVC stabilizers and metallic soaps.

We supply many customers in the PVC processing, petrochemical, food personal care, pharmaceuticals, and rubber, cement and coating industries around the world.

SunAce Gulf Co. Ltd

| T: +966 13 341 2230 / 2240

E: sales@sunace.com.sa | P.O. Box 11121, Jubail Industrial City 31961, Saudi Arabia

WWW.EMEOUTLOOKMAG.COM

23

M U N A

N O O R

“This new generation of multi-layer HDPE pipe is ideal for the poor and stony soils of the Oman and other GCC & MENA countries which can produce high stresses in the pipe wall when sharp objects press on the buried pipe.”

Overcoming regional and industrial challenges to reach the desired solution is a trait synonymous with Muna Noor and this reputation spreads further into its trading divisions; incepting innovative new designs for customers across its trading outlets.

Phipps continues: “The new design features a number of firsts for Muna Noor and Oman. Reducing the length of the trade counter removes physical barriers between customers and employees, to create a bright and open environment. The office areas have now been integrated into the branch itself, making it far easier for branch staff to greet and service customers. Merchandising has also been introduced, with a range of fastmoving stock, trade essentials and seasonal items on immediate hand for self-selection.

“While customers are selecting products they need, they can take advantage of coffee, water and comfortable seating provided to enhance their experience.”

At the time of the Salalah facility’s launch, Phipps described the unveiling as a “massive landmark” while also emphasising the need to use it as a launch pad for new locations to be opened in 2017.

“We need to ensure we maintain our momentum for growth and reach our target of becoming the ‘go-to Company’ for PVC, polyethylene and double-wall corrugated pipes.

“In addition, a larger range of valves, irrigation equipment, solvent cements and pipe fittings will be stocked in each branch. Throughout the next year the stock range will grow into new areas to fully service our customers’ needs.”

24

WWW.EMEOUTLOOKMAG.COM

M

A

N

U

F

Growing the Omani economy

A

Constantly upgrading its plant and facilities to stay at the leading edge of technology and process developments, Muna Noor has gone as far as to work with a German university in order to implement the very best in global production operations.

And to complement this adherence to mechanical and operational excellence, the business’s employment and personnel strategy is every bit as refined.

“Recent management changes have brought about a new extremely progressive culture, simply based upon getting it right every time,” Phipps says. “We are now a customer-facing Company that is evolving very quickly to provide our customers with a total solution.

“We have a policy of obtaining the

C

T

U

R

I

N

very best personnel we can in order to keep the Company ahead in this skills race, and this means that we scour the world for the best-in-class.

We have Omani, Indian, English, Polish, Egyptian, Jordanian, American and Lebanese staff, while remaining very committed to the Omanisation process and placing a big emphasis on employing local Omanis wherever possible.

“Oman supports us and we support Oman.”

Simultaneously, Muna Noor is also working hard to embrace the most modern and advanced technologies on an internal level to improve efficiencies - a focus that has embraced enhanced automation, a new website, and a comprehensive ERP system - while also bridging the gap between the

G

industrial world and the surrounding Omani communities via a vastly growing corporate social responsibility arm.

As a master agent in the GCC trading world, and a long-time leader in the manufacturing domain, the responsibility placed at Muna Noor’s doorstep to drive Omani growth is one that is not only accepted, but embraced as it looks towards the next stage of its impressive development.

“My desire is for Muna Noor to grow to sufficient size and profitability, to float Muna Noor on the Omani stock exchange, and to ensure that we have the most content and safe workforce within Oman.

“Ultimately, we want to make sure that we will have ‘done our bit’ for Oman with regard to growing exports and the Omani economy.”

WWW.EMEOUTLOOKMAG.COM

25

Outlook

Creative Services

Complementing the production of Africa Outlook, Asia Outlook and Europe & Middle East Outlook magazines, Outlook Publishing’s award-winning in-house team is now utilising these same specialist production skills to offer a full and bespoke range of editorial, design and marketing services via its new Outlook Creative Services division.

For more information on how we can work with you in providing a plethora of completely flexible and customisable production services, please visit www.outlookpublishing.com/creative-services

DESIGN: Stephen Giles +44 (0) 1603 959 656 steve.giles@outlookpublishing.com

EDITORIAL: Matthew Staff +44 (0) 1603 959 655 matthew.staff@outlookpublishing.com

Mandy Farnell +44 (0) 1603 959 661 mandy.farnell@outlookpublishing.com

Phoebe Calver +44 (0) 1603 959 660 phoebe.calver@outlookpublishing.com