A decade of rapid growth in Dubai has given rise to many prestigious construction projects in the city.
Floor covering specialist Mehrtash Trading Enterprises (MTE) has played a major aesthetic part in the development of Dubai's leading projects, including Tower No. 1 (Dusit Hotel).
"When we started our floor-covering division in 1991, there were few companies in our line of work in Dubai," says managing director Majid Mehrtash, who holds a Masters Degree in Engineering from the US. Mehrtash had witnessed first-hand the highest standards of customer service there, and wanted to introduce such a policy to Dubai.
"The process began with education, explaining to clients what was available, and at the same time advising them on the type of products suited to their needs," he says. ''Such a philosophy still rings true today and ensures that the covering is also installed correctly.''
MTE pays detailed attention to the finer points of the floor coverings and carpets which it supplies. Manufactured mainly in Europe, the coverings are thoroughly scrutinised for raw material, production process and for reactions to factors such climatic conditions and maintenance aspects, he points out.
The suppliers themselves are also vetted comprehensively to ensure that they comply with MTE's service philosophy. This includes ensuring that the supplier is well connected to an airport/seaport with good links to Dubai.
MTE handles an extensive range of European-manufactured floor coverings, and is also the authorised agent for a number of high-quality products which command a premium in the market, including Ulster Woven Axminster, Dura tufted carpets, Tintawn Tufted, Gerflor vinyl and rubber flooring, Parqueterrie solid wood parquet, Quickstep range of laminated parquet and many others.
For the Tower No. 1 project (Dusit Hotel), MTE is supplying carpets for Presidential Suites, all the public areas (Thai Restaurant, ballroom and pre-function room, Executive Lounge, lobby lounge, hotel and apartment entrance) and corridors for both hotel and apartments.
"We have come a long way with this project," says Mehrtash. As of the end of February, the project was 60 per cent complete. MTE started talking to designers in September 1998, and was awarded the carpet contract two years later, almost to the day.
The carpets for the project are manufactured in Europe using a Computerised Yarn Placement (CYP) loom, possibly the first time that this has been used for a Middle East project
''A pioneer, MTE is the first to introduce laminated parquet to Dubai. It is also the first ISO certified specialist flooring company in the Middle East,'' says Mehrtash. ''Its ability to offer unique floor coverings with the highest standards of service has won the company many significant contracts in Dubai, including the Burj Al Arab, Al Ghurair Center refurbishment, the Hilton Beach Jumeirah, Hilton Dubai Creek, Sheraton Towers, Sheraton Jumeirah, Holiday Inn Dubai, Welcare Hospital, Dhaid Hospital, and other hotels in the city.''
''MTE's service and products have been a stunning success, a situation which looks likely to continue.
''A majority of our customers come back to us with repeat orders, thus, appreciating the quality service provided by MTE. We have a full order book for the foreseeable future" concludes Mehrtash.
