State-of-the-art curtain-walling technology from Europe is now being offered by Arabian Aluminium of the UAE, under a tie-up with the Germany's Gutmann.

Dubai-based Arabian Aluminium has tied up with a leading German maker of curtain-wall systems to offer the latest technology to the regional market.

Arabian Aluminium is part of the Abdulla Al Ghurair group of companies and specialises in architectural curtain walling and structural glazing. It says it offers more than three decades of experience in the field.

The company recently formed an association with Gutmann of Germany which offers ready-made solutions for complete external cladding packages using the state-of-the-art technology.

Gutmann is part of Thyssen Schulte Gutmann Group, one of the largest industrial groups in Europe. It was established in 1937 and today uses the most modern CAQ and CAD (computer-aided design) systems, both in production and in development.

"We have tied up with them because they offer curtain-wall systems using the latest technology," says Arabian Aluminium general manager Dr Wilfried Hingst.

"Tying up with the company will also provide additional benefits for our clients as they would get an additional system guarantee, one from us and another from Gutmann. Under the collaboration, we will get primary items required for the system from Germany."

In addition to curtain-walling (fully unitised, semi-unitised and stick wall) and structural glazing of high-rise buildings, Arabian Aluminium also undertakes fabrication and installation of practically all types of aluminium doors and windows, staircases, louvres, shopfronts, skylights, stainless steel works, composite panel claddings, automatic sliding/swing doors, rolling shutters, partitions, handrails and other glazing works for such buildings to provide clients a complete external package (single source).

Arabian Aluminium also fabricates custom-engineered products for special applications in a variety of shades and finishes. The company has modern CAD machines and plotting arrangements.

Its 5,000 sq m of manufacturing facilities include automatic computer-aided machines for processing aluminium profiles and glass. The fabrication shop is well-equipped to manufacture various types of curtain-walls, windows, doors and railings.

Under the new management led by Hingst, Arabian Aluminium was downsized to suit its existing requirements. It is now expanding due to increased projects and better market situation.

"Facility expansion is also under review because big-size projects are coming up in the future. The trend is very clear. In the next three to five years, there will be an increase in the number of projects in the emirates," says Hingst.

"Financially, we are strong being part of Al Ghurair group of companies. We also have one of the biggest workshops in the UAE. We are reviewing facility expansion, as with the increase in number of projects we may need to expand capacity. We may move to a bigger premises and bring more machinery."

The company has acquired some big projects in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and many other large ones are in the pipeline.

"The market is very positive in view of the projects but unfortunately the price level is still very bad. When the market was down, prices had fallen drastically. Although the market has improved and is becoming better, the price level continues to remain low," says Hingst.

"Competing for new projects has become a challenge as clients still go for the cheapest price. It is sad but generally today all companies are judged by the price whereas, in actuality, there is a lot of difference in quality of products and services they have to offer.

"In my opinion, clients should insist on high quality specifications and make sure via consultants and architects in direct supervision that high quality is implemented on the site.

"At low prices, it is difficult to give good quality. We have set a level for ourselves and we did not compromise on quality during difficult market conditions. We took the challenge and the recent award of big projects shows that good work is rewarded."

The company is active locally as well in foreign markets. It is now in the process of establishing an office in Doha, Qatar, where it has already undertaken projects.

"We have completed structural glazed curtain-walling of a six-storey building at Mansoura and are actively participating in other upcoming projects,'' he says.

Arabian Aluminium is also expanding to Kuwait and is quoting for projects there. It is also executing projects in Senegal.

The company says its trained workers are one of its most important assets. It employs over 200 people and is managed by a technically qualified management team with relevant work experience. Arabian Aluminium says its aim is to provide the market with high-quality "external cladding packages" at reasonable and competitive costs.

The company also has extensive collaboration agreements with German Company MBM, which was established in 1964 and specialises in the field of aluminium curtain-walls, windows, doors, claddings, skylights, canopies and special metal constructions.

MBM offers tailor-made solutions and has facilities in Germany, England, Thailand, Hong Kong, Philippines and former Yugoslavia.

Arabian Aluminium is also associated with Alutechnik Matrauschek of Austria for Alu Wood window system. The system is double thermally-insulated with wood (oak in three different colours) inside and aluminium (standard RAL colour or anodised) outside.

There are three sealing zones which guarantee absolutely tight and sound-insulated windows. This system is suitable for high-quality villas, hotels, museums, heritage sites as it gives an elegant look.

Arabian Aluminium's recent/ongoing projects include Al Raha Beach resort and Abu Dhabi Industrial City in Abu Dhabi and Technology School, Nad Al Sheba military camp, The Palm's sales office and a telecom building for Etisalat in Dubai.