AL KOBAISI Group of Bahrain says that its new Kobaisi Building System (KBS) has drawn the interest of many contractors both within Bahrain and in the neighbouring countries, especially in Saudi Arabia where there is a surge in housing projects.

This system and other innovative products have made the group, one of Bahrain’s longest established, amongst the most respected construction companies in the country.

Abdulla Essa Al Kobaisi, managing director of Al Kobaisi Group and the brains behind the KBS, points out that Saudi Arabia currently needs some two million housing units for its citizens and his system can provide a cheap and quick solution to that problem.

“Our Saudi office has seen a great deal of interest in the system from clients in the kingdom and we are in discussions with contractors as to whether to transport entire building systems from here or set up a plant there itself,” he says, adding that, there is a good possibility that “we may set up a plant there since the inquiries are huge and interest is great”.

The group launched the advanced-technology KBS together with Kobaisi Precast (KPC) in May 2012. The patented building system was personally developed by Al Kobaisi with the help of Nuspl, a leading German precast equipment manufacturer.

Al Kobaisi says the response to the system is good, and it is currently being tested by many different clients.

The KBS is being used across Bahrain in a number of projects especially housing.

“Currently, most of our projects in Bahrain are for the Ministry of Housing. We are developers of social housing projects,” he says.

The company is working on some 150 units including apartments as well as villas in Hidd, Arad, Sanad and Demistan areas with work to soon start in Eker as well. It has also set up many mock-up house models using the KBS for Diyar Al Muharraq and other companies.

Al Kobaisi says the system has so far not faced any competition since it’s unique. “It is patented, and produced using special machines in a special set-up of allied components – building system, precast, readymix, concrete blocks, aluminium doors – a skilled team and most importantly, know-how. And while others may be able to produce it, they will not get the same quality, cost and time saved,” he claims.

Insulation lightweight block (above) made from silica wood product.

Furthermore, Al Kobaisi revealed that a new steel plant would be set up under the group banner in an announcement that coincided with the group’s Bahrain National Day celebrations.

“This addition worth €3 million ($4.1 million) is related to our business and will meet our needs as well. The plant is being set up in collaboration with an Italian company, and the machinery will be shipped to Bahrain shortly.”

Kobaisi will be providing the building and the Italian partner will be providing the machinery and expertise.

In addition, the company has also launched a new insulated lightweight block that is specified and approved in Europe. The block is made using silica wood product and cement.

“It’s cheaper as compared to other similar blocks because scrap wood is used in its production. The scrap wood, treated with sodium silicate, is used instead of sand and aggregate cutting the weight,” says Al Kobaisi.

He says it’s an entirely new product in the GCC, adding that it has great environmental benefits since all kinds of wood from scrap-yards and construction sites can be used.

“I am sure there a lot of scrap wood in the country – the municipality in Bahrain alone is estimated to currently have more than 50,000 tonnes of scrap wood. They can’t burn it since it will harm the environment and can’t keep it since it takes up space. So, our product offers a beneficial solution,” he says.

Al Kobaisi says the treatment plant for the purpose will be set up in joint venture with the Italian partner and will cost around €4 million ($5.48 million). The silica wood product would have anti-bacterial and fire-resistant properties.

“The production of these blocks will also cut down on the import of raw materials used for concrete blocks such as cement and aggregate, and of sand that is dredged from the sea. Also, this block will be half the price of the lightweight insulated blocks here in the market,” says Al Kobaisi.

For 2014, Al Kobaisi plans to continue his focus on social housing to meet the huge demand with one of the best and cheapest solutions. The group has also brought in new machinery for all existing divisions to enhance its products and services.

Other plans under way include setting up a state-of-the-art concrete batching plant in Hidd using equipment and technology from Italy’s Marcantonini, a manufacturer of concrete batching plant and concrete distribution systems. The plant is expected to be the first of its kind in Bahrain and will also serve as a cement storage and bagging facility, while producing readymix for the market and meeting the requirements of a new block-making factory to be built alongside.