Conmix of the UAE, a manufacturer of pre-mixed plasters and ready-mixed concrete, will not only be showing off its latest technological innovation but also listening to its customers, at the Big 5 show.

"We will be promoting our standard range of product and introducing a special cement plaster for the aerated lightweight blocks," says market development manager Tariq Al Debsi. "We will also try to get feedback from our customers on what new materials, they feel, should be developed."

He continues: "We have participated at previously at the Big 5, which is the largest event of its kind in the Middle East and is unique because of the various exhibitors it attracts and range of products on display. At the show, we will be looking forward, as always, to target new markets.

The Sharjah-based Conmix was established in 1975 as a venture between Bukhatir Investments, German Gulf Enterprises of the UAE and Karl Epple GmBH of Germany.

It manufactures of a wide range of pre-mixed plaster, cement and gypsum-based pre-mixed plasters, from the basic cement plasters, tile glues and decorative plaster to the most advanced non-shrink grouts and premixed powders for civil engineering applications.

Conmix's main plant is located in Sharjah over a built-up area of 15,000 sq m. Its other plants are located in Dubai and Umm Al Quwain.

Its production facilities comprise four fully-computerised ready-mix concrete batching plants and two dry-mix plaster plants with support equipment and facilities.

ISO 9001 certified, Conmix says it follows stringent quality regulations and its products meet all the relevant ASTM and DIN standards. The company has a fully-equipped laboratory and a research and development facility to help it maintain its requisite standards.

Conmix produces over 50 types of plasters and mortars for external and internal use and it has a distribution network covering more than 20 countries, including the GCC states.

The company is in the process of setting up a new plant in India, which is expected to become operational shortly, according to Al Debsi.

"Business for Conmix has been slower this year than the last and the company is now eyeing new markets to which it hopes to start supplying soon," says Al Debsi.

"Overall, the market in the GCC is stable and should pick up in the future,'' Al Debsi adds.