Following a successful year in business, International Rubber Company (IRC) of Dubai, has embarked on major plans that will involve setting up a new rubber moulding unit for the manufacture of industrial and automotive, gaskets and components.

The new facility will feature state-of-the-art computerised injection and vacuum compression, and allied equipment.
“The company is also planning to expand its business interests into areas such as the distribution of fast-cure rapid-strength structural silicone sealants from GE Bayer Silicone, self-adhesive gaskets for electrical/electromechanical panels and GRP panel tanks,” says Urfi Kidwai, head of operations.
IRC has also recently introduced the double-sided self-adhesive gasket to the region, which was previously being imported from Germany or the UK.
“The company, which conforms to the ISO standards and is accredited ISO 9001:2000 from DNV, has its own design engineers to fabricate dies and moulds allowing it to monitor quality more closely,” says Kidwai.
Commenting on IRC’s partnership with Alico, he says: “Since 1996, we have been supplying them with TPE (thermal plastic elastomer), silicone, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), rigid PVC gaskets, plus Nylone 6 for thermal break.
“Being one of the largest curtain-walling companies in the Middle East, Alico has earned a reputation for producing premium-quality aluminium glazed curtain walling.
“Alico’s technical design department employs qualified engineers and technicians. In addition, all machinery and equipment used in Alico’s factory are technically advanced. The right balance of computer-aided machinery, and suitably qualified personnel has allowed Alico to maintain the high standards that they have come to be known for,” he says.
Established by Hashim M Al Hashim, managing director, in 1996, IRC is located in the Ras Al Khor Industrial Area of Dubai and is a leading manufacturer of EPDM, silicone, nitrile and neoprene rubber gaskets, moulded parts, PVC waterstops and PVC profiles.
IRC also has a branch at Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
With a staff of 55 and raw materials procured from the UK, the company has a production capacity of 64 tonnes per year (tpy).
“The company currently produces 45 tpy, with output having increased by 25 per cent over last year. Such an increase has been possible because of the boom in the construction sector. The increase in the oil price, has also given a significant boost to other industries,” says Kidwai.
“Compared to last year, business has been excellent and we are expecting a 30 to 40 per cent increase in sales in the coming year,” he adds.
While IRC’s major focus has remained on the local and regional market, it is looking ahead to increase exports. While its current exports stand at 40 per cent of its output, it plans to increase it by further 20 per cent next year by focusing on the European market.
IRC has supplied its products to some of the leading names in the region that include: Dubai International Financial Centre; Dubai International City; Al Ain Mall; Royal Mirage Hotel; Mall of the Emirates; Knowledge Village; Spring (Emaar); Madinat Jumeirah; Arabian Ranches (all in Dubai); ADIA (Abu Dhabi Industrial Authority); Sanaa Hotel, Yemen; and Roshan Center, Pakistan.