Installux Gulf, the regional office of the French group Installux, achieved a record 2000 with over 25 per cent increase in turnover compared to 1999, according to general manager Basim Al Saie. Over the past year, the aluminium systems specialist has tried to consolidate its growth, build on its customer base and penetrate markets such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Its Bahrain office workforce has more than doubled and now includes dedicated sales and technical teams to look after customers in all markets. In addition, a full-time sales engineer has been engaged in the UAE to serve the market.

Installux Gulf was set up in April 1997 to meet the region's requirements for a wide range of products for the construction and interior finishing industries, including quality aluminium systems with aluminium extrusions produced in the Gulf and accessories supplied directly from France.

Commenting on the construction sector and the company's latest projects, Al Saie says: ''Last year (2000) started rather slow business-wise as a result of the low oil prices prevailing over 1998-99. Business in the second half of the year picked up steadily and we expect the next two years to be very busy, especially in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Abu Dhabi.

''Our largest project during 2000 was a 33-storey landmark building in Dubai known as the Al Mureikhi Building on Sheikh Zayed Road for which we supplied two-sided structural glazing curtain-wall, in addition to doors and windows systems.''

''Another landmark project was a 22-storey building in Qatar. Following the success of this project, Installux has just secured an order for a five-storey office building for Qatar National Navigation and Transport Company (QNNTC).

''In Kuwait, we have won a prestigious project on the waterfront called the Aida Building, having also secured a larger project for the Commercial Real Estate Company (CRC). This marks a significant breakthrough for Installux as, so far, all our projects have been from the private sector for small to medium-size projects. Installux, last year, also completed work on the Al Nafisi Kidney Center in Kuwait.''

In Saudi Arabia, it has finished work on a rehabilitation center in Dammam as well as a commercial building in Hail.

In the home market, Installux has completed work on the Public Health laboratory at Sulmaniya.

''Installux has achieved major success in the residential villa market in Bahrain where its systems are getting a lot of recognition from the end-users as one of the best aluminium system on the market,'' Al Saie continues.

The company's product range has also been expanded in line with increased sales and demand, he says.

''Over the past year, we have launched a curtain-wall system, comprising traditional curtain-wall with concealed inside opening, tilt and turn or hinged windows which has already been supplied to a large project in Lebanon,'' says Al Saie.

''During the first quarter of 2001, we intend to launch an innovative system for making aluminium gates and entrances, targeted at the residential sector. The system will offer the benefits of the light weight of aluminium, it will have a powder-coated finish and will be virtually maintenance-free. In addition, it will offer the choice of being able to use a variety of door operators for access.''

Installux also plans to start design work on three major products, says Al Saie, without revealing details.

The company has also made concerted efforts to increase awareness of its products in the market, including participation at leading exhibitions. At the Big 5 show last October, for example, the company had a joint stand with Somfy, the leader in automation technology for the shutters and awning sector, and Roche Stores, a company within the Installux group, displaying a wide range of awnings for residential and commercial applications which generated a great deal of interest, according to Al Saie.

During 2001, Installux plans to market its other products such as shop-fitting and awnings and develop its customer network.

Al Saie also intends to enhance the firm's lead in terms of quality, delivery and customer service and to further penetrate the GCC markets with new customers - prospects for which are very promising since the company is already in discussions with a number of clients who have expressed interest in its systems.