Carpet tiles from one of the world's largest manufacturers of commercial carpet, have been supplied and installed at the Citibank Headquarters Building by Bahrain-based MH Baluchi and Sons (MHB).

Some 3,400 sq m of high-specification carpet tiles from Interface of the US have been installed in all the carpeted areas of the prestigious project, says Hasan Mohamed Baluchi, general manager.

Grey Tonal carpet tiles were specified for the project. These are cushion-backed to ensure durability, have antimicrobial properties while being soil and stain resistant.

"Interface, one of largest manufacturers of carpet tiles in the world, commands 40 per cent of the global market share in its field,'' he says. "It has recently acquired two leading European firms, Heuga, a manufacturer of carpet tiles and Firth, which produces axminsters, wiltons and tufted carpets made with wool and man-made fibres and supplies carpets for both the upmarket residential and contract markets."

Interface produces carpet tile, broadloom carpet, resilient textile flooring, floor-care products, flooring adhesives, access flooring and underfloor management systems.

Interface has manufacturing locations on four continents, and offices in more than 100 countries. Its nine manufacturing facilities can be found in the US, Canada, Thailand, Australia, England, Ireland and The Netherlands. In addition to its standard global product offering, each facility is said to offer products that are specifically designed to meet local market needs.

MHB has been an agent for Interface for well over 16 years and is one of the longest-serving representatives for the American company in the region.

"We are very well established with Interface and have been steadfast in our support to them as we receive excellent backing from the firm," says Baluchi.

Some of the major installations of Interface carpets are at Bahrain International Airport, Batelco buildings, Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait headquarters, Bahrain University, Bapco, Banoco, Investcorp and Bahrain Bankers Training Institute.

In addition to carpet tiles, roller blinds from Vertisol Internacional of Spain have been supplied and installed by the company throughout the Citibank building.

The company has a manufacturing facility for Venetian, vertical and roller blinds and also implements office interior projects. Meanwhile, MHB has also diversified into the manufacture of doors and cabinets for villa projects at its joinery workshop.

The company also represents other leading manufacturers in Bahrain such as Tarkett Sommer of Sweden (parquet and vinyl flooring), Knoll upmarket workstations from the US, Fursys, a leading Korean office furniture manufacturer, as well as other furniture specialists from Germany and Italy.

Carpet tiles account for a major share - some 30 per cent - of the company's business, according to Baluchi.

He attributes this success to top quality materials and efficient staff. "We have very good fitters who are well-trained and have a number of years of experience behind them," he says.

Competition is severe in the field, he says. "We have instances where one project is contested for by as many as 20 subcontractors - which can make things very difficult," he points out.

Commenting on MHB's business levels, Baluchi says: "Business is picking up this year and prospects are getting brighter. A number of projects are being released and if the trend continues in the same vein, we can indeed look forward optimistically to the future."