A Saudi pioneer in the manufacture of high quality pre-painted steel and aluminium coils, Unicoil aims to increase its capacity utilisation this year to tap into what it calls "unlimited potential" for growth.

The company plans to increase production to 85 per cent of the factory's overall capacity of 120,000 tonnes.

It recently launched a new slitting and cut-to-length line at its Jubail plant which will support its end-user customers.

Unicoil president Fahad Al Thukair says the increase in capacity utilisation is "to fulfil market demand for Unicoil products and in anticipation of future business growth."

"Unicoil's vision is to be the market leader in the supply of coated coil products and our mission is to achieve excellence in quality and service to our customers," he says.

The company expects to attain ISO 9002 certification soon as part of this mission.

Unicoil is the first Saudi company to manufacture pre-painted steel and aluminium coils, and brings together a unique partnership of skills and experience, Al Thukair says.

The company recently clinched large orders for its pre-painted coils from China and shipments are due in October and November.

The company's plant in Jubail has the capability to pre-paint the full range of coil strip products including cold-rolled steel, galvanised steel, zinc aluminium-coated steel and aluminium.

It is one of the leaders in supplying pre-painted steel and aluminium to makers of pre-engineered buildings, lighting fixtures, sandwich panels, refrigeration and cold stores in the Middle East.

It says that while at home it has reduced the country's dependence on imported material, in the export market it has gained recognition in Asia, Europe, Africa and the Far East besides other GCC and other Middle East states.

The company will be showcasing its products at the SaudiBuild 2002 in Riyadh as well as the Big 5 show in Dubai as part of its aggressive efforts to pursue growth in both domestic and international markets.

Unicoil is a joint venture between Al Zamil Group of Companies and Al Rashed Industrial Group. It began production in December 1997.