Dubai-based Rigidal Industries and Centria International of the US continue to forge ahead with major project specifications in the UAE and other Gulf countries for their range of state-of-the-art Versacor-coated roof panels and Formawall architectural wall products.

Under a joint venture manufacturing agreement signed in late 2001, Rigidal manufactures a range of wall and roof cladding materials, most of which feature the special Versacor coating system.
The products, available in both uninsulated and full composite panel form, are destined for high-end projects where the client and consultants recognise the long-term cost benefit of utilising a coating system that will guarantee longevity to prestigious projects even in the most harsh environmental conditions, says Phil Ellerby, general manager of Rigidal Industries.
“We have been successful in working with some of the more professional consultants and architectural practices designing for this region and have in place many excellent specifications that we hope to convert into significant contracts in the near future,” says Ellerby.
The partnership of Centria International and Rigidal Industries continues to enjoy top-quality specifications for some of the most prestigious projects in Dubai including the supply of Rigidal Versacor Ultima composite panel as the cladding system for the new Jebel Ali L power station.
The panel comprises a Versacor-coated outer sheet – manufactured at Rigidal’s production facility – which is combined with further high-grade Huntsman chemicals to produce a unique thermally-insulated, polyisocyanurate (PIR)-based composite panel, the first of its kind in the Middle East, says Ellerby.
Rigidal manufactures Versacor Ultima metal-faced panels at its on-line laminator, the only one of its kind fully functional in the Gulf, he says.
 “Rigidal Industries is delighted with its continued joint venture association with Centria International, whose Versacor-coated metal products continue to be at the forefront of specifications in the Gulf,” he says. “Centria’s Versacor-coated sheet is an ideal material for the harsh environment of the Arabian Gulf, making it a favourite choice for specifiers who are not prepared to compromise on quality and demand the best for their design projects.”
Rigidal Industries also markets Centria’s Formawall brand of insulated architectural wall panel and has had considerable success in local supply, notably with the leading Dubai-based architect Fraser Nagg Partnership, which specified the product for the recently-completed Emirates Aviation Training Centre in Garhoud.
Ellerby continues: “We hope to build on our project supplies of 2003 where we were fortunate enough to secure orders in many areas but generally relating to Jebel Ali power station development and Emirates Aviation expansion.  It is encouraging to note that after 25 years of personal direct involvement in the roofing and cladding industry in the Gulf, there are discerning clients and consultants who refuse to compromise on quality. We hope this trend continues with future high-end projects.’’