Pioneer Saudi paint manufacturer United Industrial Company (UIC) claims to have achieved a number of 'firsts' in the industry since its inception in 1969.

'United Industrial Company was the first paint manufacturer in the Kingdom to be awarded the 'Quality Mark' after its products were found to comply with the Saudi Arabian Specifications and Standards Organisation (Saso) as well as Federal Standards. This reflects the high quality of company's products,' says a spokesman for the Jeddah-based company.

He continues: 'During 1990s, UIC was the first paint company in Saudi Arabia to be certified for ISO 9001:1994 - which it has later updated to the new standard ISO 9001:2000.'
Starting initially with a lower capacity, UIC has now increased its output capacity to 25,000 tonnes per year, through continuous investments made by the company in line with market demand for its products.

The company produces two quality brands: UIC and Dolphin. Its factory is geared to fulfil market needs and satisfy customers. In addition, the company ensures that its export orders meet promised schedules.
'United Industrial Company is committed to environment protection and health safety,' he says. 'This comes from its keenness to provide a safe and healthy environment for the users of its products while also maintaining a healthy environment for production staff. UIC adheres to all laws and regulations concerning health, safety and environment when it comes to disposal of solid and liquid waste.'

Its product range reflects its concern for the environment and people's health. Among them is the Dolphin epoxy tank coating for the industrial coatings sector and Dolphin Odourless for the residential paint sector
Dolphin epoxy tank coating (95200) is a two-component solvent-free amine-cured epoxy which meets environmental standards regarding fire hazards. 'It promises easy handling in poorly ventilated areas,' says the spokesman. 'It is resistant to chemicals and solvents and safe for usage with potable water.'

The coating can be used as a protective lining system for steel or concrete tanks of potable water, sewage water, sea water, oils, solvents and acids.
Dolphin Odourless (41800) is a new waterborne premium-quality low-odour satin emulsion paint based on a new versatile solvent-free binder. It exhibits outstanding durability and alkali resistance, washability, flexibility and minimum dirt pick-up, says the spokesman.

This paint is recommended for interior concrete surfaces, cement/gypsum boards, GRC (glass reinforced cement) and plaster surfaces. It is suitable for use in domestic interiors such as living rooms and children's bedrooms, where solvent odour must be kept to the minimum.
'United Industrial Company is proud of the high quality and reputation of its products,' the spokesman says.

In accordance with the requirements of the quality assurance system, it has an independent quality control section at its factory. Its research and development (R&D) centre - staffed by experienced chemists - plays a key role in training staff to increase their technical expertise. The centre is equipped with the most advanced testing instruments to perform tests according to international standards such as ASTM, BS, and DIN.'
UIC supplies its products through a huge network of outlets, including 40 showrooms owned by the firm to sell the UIC brand. These showrooms, which dot 22 cities in the Kingdom, are equipped with a computer-aided paint tinting system.

In addition, there is a network of authorised dealers - also equipped with computer colouring technology - to sell the Dolphin brand in all major Saudi cities.
'In a bid to ensure that customers are offered the best service when it comes to selecting paints, UIC has ensured that all its showrooms are provided with computer-aided color-tinting technology, a wide variety of applied samples of paint products, and well-trained in-house sales staff,' he says.