PLASTIC in-lined sewage systems offer the best of both worlds, combining the flow coefficients and corrosion resistance of the 100 per cent plastic interior with the structural advantages and integrity of the concrete, according to Global Source Establishment, one of the region’s major suppliers of drainage and sewage accessories.

The Saudi-based company provides a range of products that can be used in such sewage systems including plastic-encapsulated steel rungs/steps, other plastic-coated manhole ladder steps and plastic accessories. It also supplies plastic welding tools and accessories for companies that work with concrete pipes and manholes that have plastic in-lining (mostly in sewage and drainage applications).

Its plastic-coated manhole steps range has found wide acceptance in the region. These steps are an innovation and major improvement over the traditional steel rungs/steps, according to Sameer Subair, assistant general manager of Global Source Establishment.

“Earlier, steel was simply bent in a ‘U’ shape and installed in the concrete manhole. But such steps rust and become very dirty in a few months time. Plastic-coated steps comprise a metal core (64 per cent) with a plastic coating (36 per cent). The metal core ensures that the step is strong and can withstand heavy loads while the plastic encapsulation makes it resistant to acid attacks and corrosion,” he says.

“Furthermore, the client has a choice of colour of the plastic to be coated. This not only enhances the aesthetics but helps in area-wise segregation,” says Subair. “Customi-sations such as the client’s and project owner’s names on the steps, and preferred colour, can also be done.”

The steps also come in a choice of metal cores. “For instance, a non-magnetic steel core such as a stainless steel core is preferred in areas near power stations. Similarly, an aluminium core is preferred where the core has to be non-magnetic and lightweight and in coastal areas where the water is more saline. A galvanised steel core would be a standard option that combines high load-bearing capacity and economy.”

Another advantage of having a plastic layer on the steps is that it gives a better grip as the surface is anti-slip, he points out. The steps are also easy to install as they come with ribbed ends, which act as anchors in the concrete. The plastic-coated steps have a standard dowel distance of 330 mm with shoulders on both sides, which act as an added protection for the user from falling or slipping.

Global Source’s primary product lines include equipment for lifting precast concrete elements, tools and equipment for plastic welding and plastic fabrication, material testing equipment for construction laboratories, in addition to the manhole ladder steps and plastic accessories used in sewer lines with plastic in-liners.

A plastic layer on the steps gives a better grip.

“What sets us apart from other suppliers is our long-term expertise and constant innovation in the drainage and sewerage field,” Subair continues. “Over the years, many suppliers tried to introduce cheaper options in the market but without taking into consideration the extreme weather conditions in this region. This caused serious issues with the plastic coating as they cracked under high temperatures.”

He adds that the temperature inside a sewage system is always much higher than that outside and this has to be taken into account in the engineering and composition of the step. “Since our steps are made in our own production facilities, every effort is made to ensure that the product of the best possible quality, is suited to the market in which it is sold and offers value for money,” Subair says.

Global Source has supplied these steps to various manufacturers and contractors who in turn are involved in major projects all over the kingdom. “Through our clients, our products are used all over the kingdom in various projects such as the King Abdullah Economic City, Princess Nora University, Imam University, King Saud University, and many other developments and civil construction projects. Our products are approved by the ministries and municipalities in the kingdom,” says Subair.

He points out that Saudi Arabia, which has always been keen on developing its drainage and sewage network, was the first to introduce plastic in-lined sewage systems in the region.

“Although plastic in-lined concrete systems are 25 per cent more expensive than standard concrete, they offer a range of advantages such as better performance, durability and aesthetics,” Subair adds.

Global Source offers plastic welding technology for sewage projects in and around Saudi Arabia, which it claims is “found uniquely in its showrooms”.

“These plastic welding tools are German and from the best in the industry worldwide. It is also worthwhile to note that we are amongst the main vendors for certain specific accessories to all the concrete pipe manufacturers in Saudi Arabia,” says Subair.

Global Source has also extended its plastic fabrication and welding tools business to include turnkey solutions from thermo-plastics such as setting up hot-dip galvanising plants for steel industries, storage tanks for chemical industries and other products, in collaboration with a German company.

Furthermore, the company is in the process of making a major foray into the field of supplying equipment for material testing. Subair elaborates: “At present, we are in talks with an Italian major in this field. If all goes well, we will be a major supplier for testing equipment for construction-based laboratories very soon.”

Given the diversity of its product offering, business has been good for Global Source and has been growing year on year, thanks to the constant increase in demand for its products. The company has registered a 40 per cent increase in turnover on a year-on-year basis from 2008 to 2009 and anticipates further growth over the next few years.

Subair comments: “Looking at the quantity and quality of projects over the coming years in Saudi Arabia, we have a very positive outlook about the coming years – not just for us but for all stakeholders involved directly and indirectly in the sector. Furthermore, various innovations making their way into the Saudi construction scene improve and increase our scope of supply.”

Speaking about the kingdom’s construction scene, Subair says that a lot has changed in the past few years. “In a way, the panic button that was triggered by the financial crisis worldwide did have a positive effect on the construction scene here as companies geared themselves to cope with adverse effects, if any, on Saudi Arabia, and in the process have optimised their resources.”

Another change, he says, has been in the mindset of companies, from buying what is cheap to buying what is ‘economic’ or something that offered more value for money.

“More recently, the Fifa 2022 World Cup coming to Qatar has positively affected commerce in the Middle East, although this is still intangible since it is very early stages,” he adds.

The company, which has 15 employees, operates a showroom and office near the Riyadh First Industrial Estate. It also has an 800-sq-m warehouse in the Faisaliyah area of Riyadh, and a factory in India. In addition, it is in the process of setting up branches in Jeddah and Dammam shortly.

Global Source focuses on prompt delivery, customer support, flexibility in dealings, and introducing products that suit market needs. “Our unique selling point has always been providing customers the facilities that they need and in being flexible. This comes from cultivating a habit in our staff to listen to clients, which nurtures a friendly and durable relationship with them,” he concludes.