Laticrete International, a leading producer of ceramic tile and stone installation system materials worldwide, recently began producing powder adhesives in the UAE.

Khansaheb Civil Engineering, a Laticrete distributor located in Dubai, is currently producing Laticrete 211 Crete filler powder, Laticrete 226 thick bed mortar mix and Laticrete 290 Floor 'N Wall thin-set mortar.

All materials are manufactured in the newly constructed production unit at the Khansaheb Civil Engineering Quarry in Fujairah, which produces high-quality aggregates for the asphalt and concrete industry in the UAE and surrounding Gulf countries.

"One of the major advantages of producing these installation system materials locally is the ability to specifically formulate the products to hold up to the climatic conditions found in the UAE," says Richard Gain, Khansaheb's Laticrete divisional manager.

"Producing materials here also ensures we are able to meet the demands and fluctuations of the fast-track projects in the local construction industry," he adds.

Laticrete materials have been utilised successfully in the Middle East for more than 20 years.

The company has a proven track record in this part of the globe with many prestigious projects such as the Burj Al Arab hotel, Emirates Towers, Dubai International Airport, Abu Dhabi International Airport extensions, Al Ghurair Centre refurbishment and the Deira City Centre, says Gain.

Industry-approved and technologically advanced, Laticrete products are suitable for almost every ceramic tile and stone installation or renovation project, in both residential and commercial settings - from wet areas to facades, to contaminated substrates and others, states Alec Hedley, Laticrete's regional manager.

"Laticrete has a product to solve nearly any installation dilemma and prevent future problems from occurring. And, since the company offers all-inclusive installation systems, including material guarantees and technical support, Laticrete provides single-source responsibility for high-performance applications," he says.

Headquartered in the US, Laticrete has supplied the world with innovative, high strength installation system materials for nearly half a century.

Founded in 1956, the company boasts many industry "firsts" including producing the first thin-bed, latex-Portland cement adhesive, creating Latapoxy SP-100, the first 100 per cent epoxy resin grout, and offering the first "school" for industry members with its "Passport to Knowledge" programme, he says.

Additionally, Laticrete was the first organization in its sector to receive the ISO 9001 certificate, says Hedley.