Given the trend towards replacing traditional materials such as copper and cast iron with plastics in the Gulf region’s building and infrastructure industry, Wavin Overseas, a leading supplier of plastic pipe systems and solutions in Europe, is looking forward to returning to the Big 5 show this year and strengthening its presence in the region.

Wavin provides plastic pipe systems and solutions for tap water, surface heating and cooling, soil and waste, rain and storm water, sewers, distribution of drinking water, and gas and telecommunication applications.
Owning reputed brands such as Osma, Hepworth and Ekoplastik, the company will be showcasing a wide selection of its well-known products at the Big 5 show. These include its famous Wavin Tegra full plastic manholes and inspection chambers and Wavin Ekoplastik PPR hot and cold water supply system; its unique Wavin AS noise reducing soil and waste system; the Wavin X-Stream pipes and fittings sewer system; and the innovative Wavin AquaCell rainwater infiltration units.
Apart from displaying its products, Wavin will this year add value to its participation at the Big 5 with a full-day seminar on water management issues.
The two-session seminar by Wavin will be conducted on the second day of the show. The first session will dwell on the subject of ‘Above-ground applications with plastic pipe systems’ covering topics such as low-noise soil and waste systems; push-fit plumbing systems for drinking water and heating; cable ducting; and surface heating and cooling. The theme of the second session is ‘Below-ground applications with plastic pipe systems’ and will feature presentations on water management, including rainwater infiltration; sewer and drainage; and inspection chambers and manholes.
Commenting on the Big 5 show, Emiel van den Boomen, marketing and communications manager of Wavin Overseas, says: “The show is the place to be for suppliers to the building and infrastructure market in the Gulf, like Wavin Overseas. Wavin offers the total package of plastic pipe systems in various materials, such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PP (polypropylene) and PE (polyethylene), and brands being Hepworth, OSMA, Wavin, Ekoplastik and BORplus.
“Wavin Overseas has been present in the Gulf region for many years now. We want to commit ourselves to the region which is one of the main reasons that we are exhibiting at the show.”
Speaking on the areas Wavin Overseas has been recently focusing on, van den Boomen says: “Water management systems are becoming increasingly appealing to developers worldwide who are looking for solutions in water attenuation, infiltration and re-use of rainwater. Wavin focuses on water management issues, offering a complete system solution.
“Rainwater can be captured, transported and stored for infiltration or re-use. Our systems for this purpose are innovative and have been well-received globally and regionally. Wavin infiltration units, for instance, have been installed in Dubai for rainwater management purposes.”
“At the show, Wavin is also focusing on its fully-plastic Wavin Tegra manholes and inspection chambers, which are used in sewer systems to create access for inspection and maintenance.”
Elaborating on the benefits of Wavin’s Tegra manholes and inspection chambers system, van den Boomen points out, “Thermoplastics pipes systems - with their high flexibility and strainability in combination with their robust rubber seal joints – offer an excellent solution for obtaining a tight and well-functioning pipeline system. They are also very easy to install. This is why thermoplastics pipes enjoy enormous popularity worldwide.
“In contrast, in the case of concrete or brick chambers, connections between pipes and the chambers are not optimal, resulting in leakages. Add to that the poor performance in operation of concrete chambers and their susceptibility to corrosion and abrasion, besides the difficulty in their installation, and you can see why thermoplastic chambers are being increasingly preferred over them.
“Wavin developed the Wavin Tegra chamber range to ensure a sustainable infrastructure. Through its modular concept (separate base units with flexible inlets, shafts and covers), sturdiness and high strength, full tightness, optimal flow performance and perfect access facilities, the chamber complies with the most stringent requirements. The requirements are met in both the 600 mm and 1,000 mm sizes of Wavin Tegra. It provides a quality-assured long life span of at least 50 years, with the least amount of operational problems,” he adds.
With a presence in 28 European countries, and manufacturing sites in 17 countries, Wavin is active primarily in the building and installation market, and in civil and infrastructure works.
Headquartered in Zwolle, the Netherlands, Wavin employs approximately 7,000 people and reported revenues of €1.6 billion ($2.3 billion) for last year. In Dubai, Wavin has a sales office which is part of Wavin Overseas, the central export organisation of the Wavin Group.
Further information on Wavin Overseas and its wide range of systems can be obtained from its website at www.wavinoverseas.com. Those interested in joining the Wavin Seminar on November 24, can register at www.wavinoverseas.com/big5.
Wavin can be found at the Big 5 in Hall 1, Stand 1B42 (part of the UK Pavilion).