RABIE Al Takyeef Factory (RTF) has seen continued success over the past six years since its inception, registering a year-on-year increase in turnover – even during the global financial downturn.

“RTF started operations in 2005 in Riyadh. Since then, its annual turnover has continued to increase. In 2010, the turnover was 15 per cent higher than in 2009, while that of 2009 was 35 per cent up on 2008,” says Faisal Mustafa, the CEO of the Riyadh-based air-conditioning accessories manufacturer.

Mustafa attributes the company’s performance to the stability of the Saudi market. “The construction market in Saudi Arabia was not as affected as were some other neighbouring countries, and this has helped us maintain a good business performance,” he says, adding that the company – in common with others in the market – adopted a more cautious spending approach while reducing its profit margins to tide over a challenging period.

The company expects to achieve an increase in its turnover yet again this year and into the next year as well.

RTF, which manufactures air-conditioning outlets (grilles and diffusers) as well as air duct accessories and miscellaneous air duct equipment, has been supplying to various projects in Saudi Arabia since it launched operations. “Whether it is a government or a private development, a mega or a small project, RTF products are there,” says Mustafa.

Some of the many big projects the company has recently supplied to are the National Hospital and the Princess Nora University (both in Riyadh), King Faisal University in Hofuf, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University, and Madinah Hospital.

Since its establishment, the company has been regularly introducing new products to its product portfolio, thanks to a policy of continuous investment in research and development. “This year we have introduced our new VAV (variable air volume) terminal boxes,” says Mustafa.

In addition, the company is also working on certifying its products while continuing to enhance their quality in cooperation with sub-suppliers of raw material and accessories.

“We feel that only through continuously developing and enhancing our products, we can maintain customer confidence and satisfaction in dealing with us,” he says.

RTF is also working closely with many international organisations to standardise its products and introduce better testing and calibrating techniques.

Over the next year, the company plans to further develop some of its production lines as well as to introduce a new line of products to be able to serve its customers all under one roof.

Commenting on the construction sector in Saudi Arabia, Mustafa says: “It is obvious that the construction sector in the kingdom is booming this year and will maintain this trend for the coming years. Also with the new schemes that King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz announced lately regarding the housing sector, we expect a healthy and active construction scene in the country for the next year.”

RTF’s main office, main showroom and its 7,000-sq-m factory and are located in Riyadh. The company, which has more than 150 employees, also has offices and showrooms in Al Khobar and Jeddah.