For the past five years, Sharjah-based Anchor Allied has been among the leading manufacturers of adhesive tapes and silicone sealants in the Middle East.

"Our range of silicone sealants has been widely accepted in the Middle East and Asia Pacific region," says Mr Sarkar, plant manager.

The silicone sealants produced by Anchor are also exported to 49 countries.

"We even produce custom-colour silicones required on prestigious projects by architects, consultants and contractors," he adds. "The acetoxy silicone we have sold in the Middle East has been well received by consumers because of its high quality and reasonable price."

"Silicone sealants are fast replacing chalk sealants in the construction segment and are widely used in aluminium and glass, sanitary, expansion joints, building construction, automotive applications etc,'' Sarkar comments.

Anchor also manufactures acrylic sealants used widely in the aluminimum and glass industries, siliconised duct sealants and an engine gasket maker that is designed for the automotive and building material segments.

Anchor Allied places great importance on producing quality products and increasing quality awareness among its customers.

Sarkar states: "Quality is the key issue. The Middle East has become a dumping ground for sub-standard products from Europe and Far East, which have very poor adhesion.

"A lot of goods being imported are sub-standard and do not conform to international quality norms. We at Anchor are striving hard to educate customers to be alert about such products. Anchor is making efforts to educate its customers at all levels of the market.''

Earlier this year, the company increased its silicone production capacity to 5,000 tonnes per annum.

Anchor's full range of adhesives, including its epoxy four-minute adhesive products, are widely used in the DIY (do-it-yourself), construction and automotive segments.

The company says it is continues to exert every effort to launch new products to satisfy consumer requirements for high-quality products at a economical price.