UAE-based Rawlplug Middle East, a specialist in a wide range of fixing solutions, plans to expand its warehousing facility at Jebel Ali Free Zone in Dubai as part of a strategy to boost its presence in the region.

The Middle East arm of the UK-based Rawlplug has been operating in the Gulf for more than 30 years through a network of distributors. It is currently developing products with a focus on insulation and façade fixings.

Rawlplug had set up its regional hub at Jebel Ali in 2006 to better serve its customers and reduce delivery time.

Commenting on plans to expand its warehousing facility, a spokesman for the company said: "It is a priority project to be implemented this year in order to cope with an increased demand for our products in the regional markets and to streamline logistic operations."

The product range of the company, which has almost 30,000 line items corresponding to products and its variants, includes bonded anchors, which are offered in a wide range of systems like glass capsules, cartridges and foils.

Commonly referred to as chemical anchors or resin anchors, they can be split into two main groups – capsule systems and injections systems. Both systems consist of two chambers, one filled with a polymer resin and the other with a hardener. Various resin types are available in each system from polyester to vinylester and epoxy, he stated.

Bonded anchors are used for fixing threaded rod, internally threaded sockets and rebar to many types of structure. They can be used in all structures from concrete to low-strength blockwork, including solid and hollow materials such as perforated brick, hollow block and hollow precast concrete.

Hollow substrates require the use of a mesh sleeve to contain the resin, said the company spokesman.

Mechanical anchors are metal anchors for high-load and technical applications and are offered as throughbolts, shield anchors and heavy-duty expansion anchors.

Rawlplug also offers a wide range of façade insulation fixings including Etics fixings and insulation fixings. and frame fixings available as fixings, screws and anchors, he stated.

As part of efforts to expand its presence in the European market, Rawlplug has opened a new branch in Portugal. In the international scene, the company intend to establish a presence in Hong Kong, India and other Far Eastern markets.

On the construction scenario, the spokesman said: “Fuelled by expanding population and increased demand for housing, infrastructure and service, we expect a steady growth in the construction sector at least for the next decade.”

Some of its key projects in the region include Sidra Medical and Research Centre, Kempinski Marsa Malaz Hotel in Pearl Qatar and Brooq Residential Tower in Dafna – all in Qatar; Makkah Holy Haram expansion, Mataaf, Shamiya Extension Hospital, North Haram development – power transmission cable, Al Haramain High Speed Rail Phase One and King Abdulaziz International Airport Development Phase One in Saudi Arabia; Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) new headquarters (car park), Maysan Residence in Najmat, Reem Island, Four Seasons Abu Dhabi, Presidential Palace Abu Dhabi, Damac Golf Community, Damac Towers by Paramount, and Akoya Golf Community in the UAE.

The Rawlplug Group, said to be the oldest fixing solution provider in the world, employs more than 1,900 staff in 13 companies across four continents.-TradeArabia News Service