A big part of Hunter Douglas's success is based on its wide network of agents and indirectly with the main interior designers in the world. ''We try to create new products in close cooperation with this network to fulfil the demands of the market place,'' says a spokesman for the company.

"In architectural products, the strategy is equal and therefore we continuously broaden and enhance our products, so to offer increasingly versatile applications to architects and designers,'' he continues. ''It is very much Hunter Douglas' approach to create solutions for architects and designers and not just offer them standard products. This approach is widely appreciated by this group because it helps them to realise their personal and genuine ideas instead of having to choose from a standard range of products. This approach helps Hunter Douglas to develop new products.''

One of the latest examples of a newly-developed product is the curved linear ceiling programme with possibilities for convex as well as concave curves for an acceptable price level.

Hunter Douglas also offers Luxalon aluminium ceilings systems. Also marketed under the name Luxalon are the company's facade systems. These comprise:

All systems are well documented and details based on AutoCAD software are available to architects and consultants to assist them to specify the materials.

The window covering division is the largest product group.

"The company's strategy is to grow the market and enhance its market share by offering a fully integrated line of fashion and colour-coordinated alternative window-coverings and developing innovative proprietary window covering products mainly for upscale market," says the spokesman. "The strength of Hunter Douglas is definitely its product development. Every year, new products are introduced of extremely high design and technical quality. Last year, our new hardware systems for roller shades and vertical blinds, the EOS systems were prizewinners of the most innovative product award on the window covering exhibition R&T in Stuttgart, Germany.''

Elaborating on the company and its operations, he says: "The company is a highly decentralised, global federation of entrepreneurially-

managed, profit-responsible companies manufacturing and marketing similar products, suitably adapted to local markets.

''One of the group's philosophies is 'Think global but act local'. The group's management style is entrepreneurial, dynamic and performance orientated. Communication lines are open and informal. Authority is widely delegated and personal initiative encouraged, subject to approval of budgets and business plans and follow-up through periodic reporting. The guiding principle is maximum accountability, but minimum interference.

"In the Middle East, about 30 companies in different countries, which market and manufacture our products in their protected areas, represent Hunter Douglas. Service and sales support is given through the local Hunter Douglas office in Dubai, where specialists are available for assistance on every different product group. Our specialists can also be called upon by specifiers, consultants or architects directly for any information required.

''Hunter Douglas as a market leader in most of its product lines attributes its success to new product development, low-cost manufacturing, dedication to customer's service and creative marketing. Product development is vitally important to the development of our business.

''Our principal research and development facilities are located in the US, the Netherlands and Germany and all operations develop and adapt products for their local markets."

Besides the Dnata office, recent projects include Emirates Towers, Internet and Media City and the newly built Al Rostamani head office, all in Dubai. In Abu Dhabi its projects include Bin Mubarak office building, Hareb Al Yousef building and the Abu Dhabi World Trade Center.