Hewetson Floors, a leading player in the raised access floor sector in the UK, is optimistic over the firm's business prospects in the Gulf, including Kuwait, says its Middle East sales manager Richard Coles.

''The company has been actively developing its markets in the Middle East for nine years, supplying high-performance systems to commercial offices, banks, power stations and desalination plants and is currently tendering for several major projects in Kuwait,'' says Coles. ''Hewetson's unwavering focus on providing high-value, high-performance systems backed by effective local representation is a very desirable package. It makes us very optimistic about substantially expanding our business here."

Hewetson says it was among the first companies to recognise the revolution in the workplace that would come with the spread of information technology. In business for over a century, it has been making raised access floors for some 40 years, and has amassed immense experience during that time. In 1999, it became part of the multi-national Kingspan Group and most recently it expanded to incorporate Thorsman and Durabella System floor brands within its portfolio. As a result, it offers a comprehensive range encompassing loose-lay, screw-down and factory-laminated systems.

A new product selector gives full construction details and specification guidance for all the systems, which are manufactured under an ISO 9002 quality management system and designed to comfortably exceed international performance standards, according to Coles.

The supporting pedestals feature a universal pedestal head common to all panel systems, so simplifying specification and procurement of the understructure. The pedestals are designed to accommodate floor slab irregularities.

In Kuwait the company's products are distributed by Fanan International, giving clients access to the full portfolio of systems.

A recently-completed contract in Kuwait City demonstrates the products in action. In the new MTC (Mobile Telecommunications Corporation) headquarters, two Hewetson steel-encapsulated wood-core panel systems were specified for different sections of the building by the largest designer and specifier in Kuwait.

In general office areas, loose-lay RMG 600 panels form the 120-mm finished floor height raised floor, beneath which underfloor power, telecom and data cabling is distributed. By contrast, equipment and computer rooms accommodate a much higher volume of cabling and also call for an anti-static floor. Here, RMG panels, supplied with a factory-laminated vinyl finish were specified to meet the static control requirements. The finished floor height was 400 mm reflecting the greater density of services in these sections. A total of 5,000 sq m raised floor area was installed.

"This project was won against very robust competition, particularly from alternative cementitious systems,'' says Coles. ''It is a very good example of the benefits of woodcore products, which have significant advantages, notably in terms of cost, weight, and low thermal conductivity.''

He continues: "The unique wrap-around design of the RMG panel consists of a core of high-density particleboard which is completely encapsulated in a galvanised steel shell, a construction which provides maximum strength and full electrical continuity. The panels are loose-lay for fast application and ready access in service. The120 kN medium-grade panel has an optimum strength-to-weight ratio and imposes only 30 kg/sq m on the substructure. This compares very favourably with the heavier cementitious systems. It also makes lifting and handling easier for the installer, which can benefit from the quality of the finished job.''

Technology investment

Hewetson has always made it a priority to maintain a technology edge essential for delivering the quality and competitiveness which have become the company's stock in trade. Managing director Terry Newman, a regular visitor to overseas clients, says: "Efficient, low-cost production gives us our business edge in all markets. But no company can afford to rest on its laurels; if a company doesn't invest in the future it will fail. It will deserve to."

Hewetson has just backed that philosophy with a £7.5 million ($11.3 million) investment in a new factory at its headquarters in Hull, UK. ''State-of-the-art timber processing and steel pressworks make this the most advanced plant of its type in the world,'' says Cole. ''It will have the flexibility needed to manufacture a range of panel types, and with a bespoke laminated line alongside, capacity has been boosted by up to two-thirds.''

''This major capacity increase translates into reliable delivery promises even at times like now when domestic demand is accelerating fast due to a major office construction boom. Moreover, it provides a wonderful platform for new product development, the next generation of access floors, now in development,'' he says.

Hewetson's experience in supplying high-profile, fast-track construction projects includes premises for Citibank, HSBC, British Telecom, Microsoft and Oracle Computers and working with top-ranking contractors such as Bovis, Balfour Beatty, Carillion, Laing, Kvaerner and Birse. In the Gulf, Hewetson has worked with Khansaheb, Arabtec, and for Enoc (Emirates National Oil Company) and Adma-Opco (Abu Dhabi Marine Operating Company for Onshore Oil Operations) among others.

Support and training

Hewetson is proud of the reputation for durability which its floors have earned. Training is an important aspect of the Hewetson package so technical seminars for local clients are a regular feature, as are technical training and updates for local distributors to ensure that expertise and skills remain fresh. These can be arranged both in the Middle East by visiting British managers, or by arrangement, at Hewetson's headquarters, says Coles.

Ensuring that its reputation for durability in service is maintained requires constant vigilance over installation. Therefore, in addition to training measures, the company is developing a system of proficiency certificates to promote high standards of installation, and British supervision can be built into the start and final stages of contracts if required.