MIDDLE East Metal and Wood Industries Company (Metalco), which lists within its project portfolio some of the most prominent projects not only in Saudi Arabia but also in the wider GCC region, is planning to expand its global footprint beyond its traditional boundaries.

In addition, as a leading manufacturer of wood and metal doors in the region, the firm is keen to boost its product line next year to meet the requirements of clients in the Middle East.

Given the sheer volume of projects coming on the Saudi market, the company sees a surge in demand for its products. In addition, there is a diversity of projects being launched which demand special products, hence the need to expand its offering.

“The construction industry has been growing in leaps and bounds in Saudi Arabia over the past years, and continues to boom,” says Zakwan Tantawi, the company’s deputy general manager.

Several large projects are under construction while many others are in the planning stage such as National Guard projects and the Prince Sultan Airbase, to name a few, he adds.

The company has been involved in a number of projects in the kingdom such as the Princess Nora bint Abdulrahman University for Women, King Saud University and Sabic (Saudi Basic Industries Corporation) headquarters – all in Riyadh and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (Kaust) in Thuwal near Rabigh.

Its clients list includes the ministries of communication and information technology, higher education, health, education, interior, justice and finance; Saudi Electricity Company (SEC); Saudi Telecommunication Company (STC); Saudi Aramco; Almarai; Al Khafji Joint Operations, and others.

In addition, Metalco has been involved in numerous prestigious projects outside the country. These include the Formula One Race Course at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi; Doha International Airport in Qatar; Nad Al Sheba Race Course in Dubai; Al Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait; and Zayed University in Abu Dhabi.

Established in 1997, Metalco manufactures standard and fire-rated hollow metal and wooden doors, and doors that combine wooden leaves with steel frames.

It also provides door hardware, being the authorised dealer in Saudi Arabia of Cal Royal Products, a major US hardware manufacturer.

The ISO 9001:2000-certified company offers fire-rated, blast-proof, bullet-proof and acoustic doors that are certified by reputed laboratories such as Underwriters Laboratories, Intertek Testing Service, Chiltern International Fire and Warrington Fire.

The company has a production capacity of 120,000 metal and wooden doors, following a recent expansion of its metal and wood production lines.

Metalco has enjoyed a good financial position over the past years, with turnover increasing year-on-year. “The company has managed to ward off any effects of the financial downturn, thanks to the business acumen of its financial experts, who are capable of understanding the changes in the economy and acting accordingly,” Tantawi says.

With its main factory and warehouse located in the Third Industrial Area of Riyadh and its sales support office at Olaya, in central Riyadh, Metalco serves the requirements of the region through its 700-plus professionally-qualified employees, who provide quality services to clients and help ensure customer satisfaction.