Target Equipment Industries, claimed to be Middle East's only manufacturer of abrasive cleaning systems, is upbeat over business prospects in the region.
Target manufactures a wide range of airless shot blasting machines for the abrasive cleaning of steel sections, steel fabrications, spools and pipes. These automatic machines are programmed to produce a consistent quality of cleaning from SA2 to SA3 standard, says Chris Perry, manufacturing director. The application of the product is in steel fabrication companies, construction companies, painting contractors and in foundries.
"We specialise in providing a complete solution to the customer. We add value by providing product support so that the customers get the very best at their doorstep," he says.
The product conforms to the needs of the Gulf market and is locally manufactured and supported. "We offer a complete package and take our customer under our wings. If he tell us what he wants, we will offer the right solution for his needs," says Perry.
Elaborating on the operation of the machine, Perry says the steel material is passed through the machine on a conveyor that can be set to run from 0.5 m/minute to 5.0 m/minute, depending on the level of cleaning required. It is passed through a curtain of steel abrasive produced by a number of blast wheel units around the blasting chamber. The abrasive is recovered, cleaned and then stored for further use.
"The work emerges from the machine clean and dust-free ready for the application of the desired coating," he says.
"Targets's shot blasting machines match the best in the market in performance and are the most cost-effective abrasive cleaning method available," Perry continues.
Target's parent company, J Reid Trading of the UK, has over 20 years' experience in the manufacture of shot blasting equipment and has design, engineering, manufacturing and foundry facilities. Based on this experience, the Dubai facility, set up 1997, manufactures all the machines to the highest international standards using materials that ensure their durability. The machines range from 600 mm by 600 mm to 2,000 mm by 3,000 mm capacity. The company also manufactures purpose-built larger machines for any application. It also offers turnkey packages including material handling and paint application and fume extraction systems.
Target's machines can be installed in a factory, fabrication shop or on a construction site, says Perry. "The machines can be moved from site to site with minimal dismantling and can be operational within a few days of arriving at a new location. This offers great flexibility to construction companies, steel fabricators and painting contractors,'' he says.
The company has a full service facility in Saudi Arabia for supporting its equipment and spare parts are available locally along with service technicians to respond to clients' requirements immediately. Target offers the option of outright purchase of machine or rent a machine for short-term projects.
Perry puts emphasis on the environmental friendliness and cost-effective nature of the machines. "Our prices are very competitive and the buyers must look at the services we provide," he says.
Perry says the company's turnover amounted to Dh6 million ($1.63 million) last year and it is targeting to double sales this year. Exports accounted for 48 per cent of the total sales. The company is hoping to secure ISO 9001 certification by the year-end.
On future plans, Perry says this year the company will be establishing its own foundry and will have its purpose-built factory in 18 months. Target also plans to open a showroom and testing centre in the third quarter of this year. Customers can see for themselves how the machine works at its test centre blast room, he says.
Target manufactures a complete range of shot blasting machines for many other applications, including reinforcing bar cleaning machines, hanger shot blasting machines, tumblast machines, table machines and barrel cleaning machines. Target can also design and manufacture a shot blasting room to suit clients' requirements and can provide manual blast pots and spare parts.
The company is developing a special mixture of abrasives for the Middle East in cooperation with Ervin Amasteel, a major producer of steel abrasives worldwide. Target has a sound business partnership with Ervin and is the Gulf distributor for the latter's Amasteel products.
Amasteel abrasives are used in both airless and air shot blasting equipment. Amasteel finds broad and growing applications in such varied markets as automotive, aerospace, agriculture, construction, foundry, mining, railroad, shipyard, stone cutting, office machine, petrochemical and other major industries, says Philip Jones of Ervin Amasteel. Ervin Amasteel comes in three forms: shot, grit and a blend of the two.
"Our meticulous attention to every facet of Amasteel production results in a product that outlasts and outperforms any other steel abrasive in the market," says Jones.
Although Amasteel abrasives are used in the production of a wide array of products, they have four primary applications:
