For over two decades, Dubai-based Emirates Specialities Company (Esco) has enjoyed a successful partnership with Alico and over the years the duo have successfully completed several projects in the region.

“Alico – a leading curtain-wall designer in the UAE – has used and continues to use our Dow Corning sealant products, to execute the glazing works on several prestigious projects in the region that include the Emirates Towers, Mankhoul Towers, Al Fattan Towers, Capital Towers and Marina Waves in Dubai and Al Kalidiya Tower in Abu Dhabi,” says general sales manager Ian Fielder.
“For all these projects, Alico has extensively used sealants such as DC 993 structural glazing sealant, DC 3362 insulating glazing sealant, DC 813 weather sealant as well as DC Firestop 400 intumescent sealant, which are based on state-of-the-art silicone technology,” he says.
“Esco has been active in the field of specialised construction materials, architectural products, tools and industrial equipment, and environmental materials for all types of engineering projects,” says Fielder. “With this wide range, the company has been able to participate in almost all construction projects in the emirates, be it residential, commercial, industrial, transportation or utilities.”
Last June, the company expanded into new areas of activity with the relaunch of its Specialised Contracting Division (SCD). The new division offers supply and application services in several areas including: Industrial flooring; resin-based decorative flooring; parquet flooring; concrete repair; insulating coatings; and surface protection systems.
Regionally, Esco and its associated companies are leaders in the specialised contracting field with an extensive reference list of prestigious projects. They provide a valuable reservoir of expertise and back-up capability to the relaunched division.
Commenting on the market, he says: “Construction activity in the UAE is currently at its highest level for over 20 years. It is a very sophisticated and competitive market where leading players like Emirates Specialities thrive. Business has been good for us in 2003 and we are expecting a growth of around 30 per cent in 2004.”
Founded in 1967 as Specialities Company, Esco undertook the import and distribution of building materials as well as the application of various products in its early days. In 1983, the company was re-structured as a limited liability company and re-named as Emirates Specialities Company. The company, with UAE nationals holding a majority stake operates under trade licenses issued in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
“Esco is no stranger to specialised contracting. In the late 1960s, we were the pioneers in introducing polymer-modified bitumen sheet membranes to the UAE and establishing a contracting division for their application. The application division continued throughout the 1970s and early 1980s and did some of the landmark buildings in the UAE,” says Fielder.
Esco has its head office, including warehouse, sales and distribution facilities at the Al Quoz Industrial area of Dubai. In addition, it has a fully-staffed office in Abu Dhabi, with its own warehouse and distribution facilities in the Mina Zayed area, while its Sharjah facility concentrates on the manufacture of building chemicals and other products. The company employs around 100 people, including professionally-qualified managers, sales engineers, administrators, accountants and other skilled personnel. Esco’s turnover last year was around $17 million, which is expected to rise to in excess of $22 million this year.
Esco represents a number of leading manufacturers and suppliers of construction products from the Middle East, Europe and North America and works closely with developers, consultants, contractors, and glass manufacturers to provide solutions that are aimed at meeting the design and construction challenges at all stages of a project life cycle, from planning to completion.
Esco’s expertise encompasses a wide range of specialised services which include: Construction chemicals (coatings, flooring, adhesives, etc.); waterproofing of all types (bituminous coatings and sheet membranes, bentonite liners, thermoplastic membranes, etc.); sealants for structural glazing, civil engineering, MEP and finishing works; plaster and blockwork accessories; geotextile fabrics; insulating coatings; expansion joint assemblies for civil engineering and construction works; bridge-bearing pads; entrance matting, stair nosings and trims, access panels, etc; through-coloured render; wall ties and shear connectors, fixings, drill bits and power tools; environmentally-safe aqueous solvents and biological cleaning agents; and shelving and storage systems.