False ceilings specialist AMF says it is the best choice for buildings that need bright, clean and hygienic surroundings, such as hospitals, laboratories, clinics and food stores.

The German-based AMF recently opened a representative office in Dubai, UAE, as part of a drive to boost business in the Gulf, and will be participating at this year's SaudiBuild.

AMF manufactures and markets a wide range of false ceilings and two of its products - Hygena and Thermaclean - are specifically manufactured for sanitary and hygienic applications.

"Among the most important sectors of the ceiling market are applications which demand the highest possible level of hygiene" a company spokesman says.

He continues: "Clinics, hospitals, laboratories and pharmacies need hygienic surface coatings to prevent bacteria and fungal growth.

''AMF's Hygena ceiling panel comes with a highly-effective anti-microbial surface coating on all surface patterns. This means users still have the proven superior construction features of AMF ceiling panels as well as design freedom.

"For hygiene standards as required in food stores and butcheries, AMF recommends its Thermaclean ceiling panel.

''In addition to fungicide and bactericidal treatment, the panel also has a vinyl coating, which makes it dust-resistant and washable.

"Its smooth surface offers high light reflectance in excess of 90 per cent, which helps save energy and reduce lighting costs."

Thermaclean is installed in the AMF System C (exposed system) for easy access to services in the ceiling void.