Having opened an office in Dubai this year, Armstrong World Industries, a global leader in the design and manufacture of floors, ceilings and cabinets, will be participating for the first time at the Big 5 show to create greater awareness of its physical presence in the market.

Commenting on the company’s participation, sales manager for Africa and Middle East Narris van Egeerat says: “We have been present in this region since a long time and now have an office in Dubai. The main reason for exhibiting at the Big 5 is to show that Armstrong is present in the market with a dedicated sales team, to present innovative solutions, as well as highlight our work for the Dubai airport project as proof of our capabilities.”
Some of the solutions and innovations that will be showcased at its stand include the Ultima Canopy, Optima Canopy and Metal Canopy under its canopies range, its Bioguard range (antimicrobial), Metalfoam, metal wall cladding solutions and clean-room system solutions (tiles and grid).
Based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Armstrong operates 40 plants in 10 countries and has approximately 12,800 employees worldwide. Its consolidated net sales last year totalled approximately $3.5 billion.
The group enfolds Armstrong Building Products (ABP), a worldwide leader in manufacturing and marketing acoustical ceilings and suspension systems for commercial and residential applications, and Armstrong Metal Ceilings. Since 2000, the Gema Metal Ceilings Group has also become affiliated to Armstrong World Industries.
Armstrong’s suspended ceilings have been installed in a variety of environments to fulfil a number of purposes, says Egeerat. “They offer enhanced acoustics – for example they can be designed to improve sound absorption or to help ensure a high level of room-to-room sound insulation (attenuation) or even active acoustics (i-ceilings).
“They can also provide easy access to building services such as air-conditioning, lighting and data cables, and can be incorporated into the design of a building to meet aesthetic considerations.  Finally, they offer a degree of humidity resistance and a good light reflectance.”

Ceiling ranges
Armstrong designs a wide variety of tile types and suspension grids that can meet each of the above criteria where required, Egeerat. In addition, the entire Armstrong range is formulated and tested to meet stringent fire reaction standards, and, when combined with Armstrong’s own grid system, many tiles can provide structural protection in the event of fire, he states.
Armstrong offers a full range of mineral fibre tiles, available with a variety of surface finishes from smooth to textured, providing a wide range of acoustic performance.
Its metal ceilings are made from galvanised steel painted with polyester powder paint. Metal tiles are available in a wide range of perforations and colour options and are particularly suitable for use with the Axiom range of extruded aluminium perimeter solutions or for special application areas. They have a clean, modern appearance and provide design flexibility along with the best possible acoustic properties for contemporary design, states the company.
Armstrong also produces a range of wood ceilings. Says Egeerat: “These can be used to create a welcoming environment.  Wood tiles can be plain or perforated, to suit acoustic needs, and come in a choice of six wood veneer or paper laminate finishes to meet aesthetic demands. Solutions are also available for specific areas such as antimicrobial, 100 per cent RH and clean-room grids.”
In addition, Armstrong provides suspension systems that co-ordinate with its tile products.  “Depending on the tile design, the grid can be hidden or be part of the ceiling’s overall look. Like its tiles, Armstrong’s suspension systems are manufactured to meet demands for performance, durability and aesthetics. In particular, their design can enhance a building’s resistance to fire by delaying and minimising internal collapse,” he adds.
i-ceilings
Armstrong’s i-ceilings sound panels are high-quality flat speakers, designed to look like the other ceiling tiles.  “They offer quality sound and broader coverage with fewer speakers, and are supported by Armstrong’s acoustic capabilities. They can be used to provide background or foreground music and public address systems,” Egeerat explains.

Canopies
Armstrong offers a wide range of canopies (Infusions, Ultima, Orcal, Axiom and Optima canopies) in a choice of shapes, sizes, colours and textures. 
They can be used to add visual interest to any space, enhance the acoustical benefits, define an area, provide a visual focus or create ceiling a sculpture, states the company.
Armstrong products have been well received in the region, and the company sees a double-digit growth until the end of 2008 in the GCC countries. It is also finding an ever-growing market for its products in the major African countries such as South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Egypt.
The company has executed a wide range of projects in the GCC region including the Nissan and Renault showroom in Doha, Qatar where 3,500 sq m of its K-H 400 and R-H 200 systems were installed by Sayyar Trading Company in the showroom and office areas.
Other projects include the Prince Zaid University, Dubai (35,000 sq m); Motorcity, Dubai (70,000 sq m); Police headquarters, Dubai (90,000 sq m); Doha Airport, Qatar (approximately 100,000 sq m); Abu Dhabi Airport; Abu Dhabi (approximately 70,000 sq m); KAUST project; Saudi Arabia (150,000 sq m); King Abdullah Economic City project; Saudi Arabia (approx 100,000 sq m); Jeddah Airport, Saudi Arabia (50,000 sq m); University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (100,000 sq m); Abu Dhabi Financial Centre, Abu Dhabi (70,000 sq m); Kuwait Petroleum, Kuwait City (50,000 sq m).
Armstrong will be present at Stand V13 in the Zabeel Hall.