With the Saudi market showing a lot of promise, Al Rashed Polystyrene Products Factory, a leading manufacturer of polystyrene products, is aiming to boost the sales of its range of wall and roof panel systems.

Al Rashed manufactures two systems of sandwich panel – the Econotilt wall panel and its corresponding Econodeck roof panel, which have been transformed by a laminating machine into a high-performance panel.
Econotilt system
Comprising a range of products and designs that have been carefully developed to satisfy the complete building and cold storage requirements, the Econotilt panel is a manufactured structural sandwich panel consisting of pre-painted steel faces bonded to a core of fire-retardant treated expanded polystyrene (EPS) with a stable thermosetting adhesive.
“Edges of steel skins are roll formed in the laminating process to provide the (Z-Lock joint) male and female edge to each panel,” says a company spokesman.
Econodeck system
When compared to traditional commercial and industries roofing products, the Econodeck roof and ceiling systems have a number of distinguishing features.
The system differs from the Econotilt panel in that the top skin forms the roof and is profiled in a manner that distinguishes it from other products. In addition, the panels provide a aesthetically-pleasing profile with practical thermal and weather resistance capability, he says.
Elaborating on the advantages of the systems, he continues: “The strength of the insulated sandwich panel systems are based on its lightweight, yet durable composite panel.
The Z-Lock of the panels provides significant saving by simplifying the construction process whilst enhancing vapour sealing. The panels also have a superior weather and vapour barrier and can provide dust-free internal surfaces as required.
“In addition, the panels also offer on-going saving in heating and cooling costs, shorter construction times, ease in installation and all this at very competitive costs.”
Both the Econotilt and Econodeck are available in a choice of finishes to their surfaces. In the roll-forming process, either skin (internal or external) can be slightly profiled or flat.
The systems find a range of applications ranging from factories, warehouses, distribution and storage centres; sports complexes and similar public areas; cold storage and food processing; clean rooms; industrial and agricultural facilities; transportable buildings; poultry production facilities; and dairies, among others.
Al Rashed’s materials and construction methods are approved by most of government and private sectors, the spokesman adds.
Established in 1992 to boost the local economy and to offer expanded polystrene products for the agricultural, construction and thermal insulation needs of the local market, Al Rashed Factory for Polystyrene has grown over the years to become a major player in the manufacture of panels.
The company, part of the Rashed Abdul Rahman Al Rashed and Sons Group, has invested in advanced machines in its production lines to help deliver high-quality products.
“We have a team of qualified engineers and technicians to operate these machines and help us reach the maximum possible quality, while also keeping an eye on the accuracy of different designs of polystyrene products,” he adds.
The Rashed Abdul Rahman Al Rashed and Sons Group, besides its wholly-owned subsidiaries, has partnerships with both Saudi and foreign entrepreneurs. Founded in 1950, it operates through a network of commercial and industrial divisions.
The group has established a niche for itself in virtually every sector of the Saudi economy and over the years, has assumed vital stakes in the fast-growing private sector. In addition to major interests in banking, real estate and stock investment, the group has 62 companies, 32 of which are fully owned while it has a major share in the remaining companies.
The companies within the group are involved in the distribution of cement, steel, wood products, automotive products, building materials, computers, hardware and software and the manufacture of gas and oil field products, steel and automotive products, besides fasteners.
As well as its strength in the domestic market, the group has become a leading export force within the kingdom. The commitment to growth has provided many opportunities for strategic alliances, both domestically and internationally. Companies under the group’s trading section include Al Rashed Goodyear, Al Rashed Cement, Al Rashed Building Materials, Al Rashed Built and Saudi Arabian Services Company.
The industrial segment includes Al Rashed Fasteners & EFS, Saudi Filters Industry Company, Insulation and Wrapping Materials Company (Insuwrap), Saudi Vetonit Company (Saveto), Al Rashed Polystyrene Factory, Al Rashed Wood Products and Al Rashed Steel product factory.
Besides these manufacturing firms, the group also includes services companies, among which is the Construction, Contracting and Development Group. This company takes on major construction contracts and projects locally and regionally for clients in a variety of industries from building to civil works, pipeline construction, water works, power generation and electricity distribution and the supply and installation of power substations.
“The group has gained a reputation for its involvement in developing large housing complexes, hotels, family entertainment facilities and shopping malls across the kingdom and internationally,” the spokesman adds.