Swiss fastening systems manufacturer SFS intec is making its mark at the Big 5 show this year by introducing its top-of-the-line fastening solutions to contractors, interior designers, specifiers, architects and consulting engineers from across the Middle East, South Asia, Far East and African countries.

“It’s a major brand promotion campaign. We want to make decision-makers aware that we are here and that we have unrivalled design skills, quality, technical knowledge and international experience,” says Thierry Metay, general manager of the worldwide leading manufacturer. “Our trend-setting innovations will demonstrate that we can contribute significantly to improving our clients’ competitiveness with convincing fastening systems.”
SFS intec considers the Middle East, especially the UAE as a sophisticated market and has been doing business in this region for over 30 years.
“We know the market dynamics and have had numerous projects to our credit across the Gulf even before starting operations in the UAE,” he says.
SFS intec launched operations in 2004 from Jebel Ali Free Zone and in the short span of time has risen above the competition, claims Thierry Metay. “We have a streamlined set-up in Dubai, complete with logistics, sales, technical staff and extensive warehousing facilities. These factors have given us an edge over the competition and is a key factor in our success,” he says.
 “Our quality and technical superiority is recognised and, despite being a relatively young company in a highly competitive market, we have bagged the Dubai Airport expansion project, providing roofing, fastening, cladding and sliding door systems for two gigantic hangars where the world’s largest passenger aircraft Airbus A-380 will be housed. In addition, for the Dubai Flower Centre now under construction as part of airport’s cargo facilities, SFS intec is extending its services in roofing, cladding and fastening systems.”
Among its successfully completed projects in Dubai are the Burj Al Arab and Emirates Tower for which the company has provided specific austenitic stainless steel fastening systems.
Thierry Metay continues: “SFS intec fastening systems are at the forefront in terms of safety, productivity and ease of use. However, even the most ingenious and reliable system can only achieve the desired benefit when it can be deployed on site at the right time and in the right quantity. With its highly developed service network throughout Europe and North America, and Gulf, SFS intec ensures the continuous availability of its products and services. Our experienced fastening solution experts – well-versed in the local requirements of different markets – are available to offer support and advice on all technical issues which is a big plus for customers.”
“Users expect fastener systems to offer security and economy but the real saving comes from functional integration. SFS intec’s fastening solutions are carefully matched to the needs of the industries they serve. Thus, for many years SFS intec has been setting the standards in the building industry in terms of ease of use and productivity.
“SFS intec fasteners are multi-functional serving tapping, thread-forming, sealing, locking and securing applications, besides offering solutions that suit the design and aesthetic requirements. In addition, with the growing importance given to aesthetic appeal in the industrial light building sector, fasteners from SFS intec have been developed keeping in mind the demand not only for quality and functional integrity but also for increased visual appeal,” he adds.
“The company’s precision-tooled components, special screws and fastening systems of the highest quality and functionality are produced in its eight modern production plants in eight locations across Europe and North America. With more than 25 marketing organisations around the world, direct contact to the global customer base and rapid delivery are ensured. Many years of know-how in a range of technologies, state-of-the-art infrastructures and a wealth of experience in development have all enabled us to provide application-based manufacturing solutions, offering major benefits to our customers.
Elaborating on some of the company’s systems, he says: “Mechanical fastening systems represent a core business of the SFS Group of Companies. Primary considerations in the development of products are productivity, ease-of-use and safety issues. That’s why for years the isofast system has been a market leader in the fixing of roof sealing and insulation for flat-roofed industrial buildings.
“In the area of power tool fasteners, when it comes to fitting trapezium and sandwich profiles, people look to SFS intec. Among recent innovations is the SFS intec Irius drive, which offers many benefits to architects and users alike. The under head drive means that the fastener is held securely in the insertion tool. The round head of the fastener blends into the facade.
”Another recent product is the high-quality single-point glass fixing for attaching glass elements enable architectural design concepts to be implemented effectively and aesthetically. They are suitable for both internal and external applications.  The special stainless steel single-point glass fixings capture the attention with their perfectly finished surfaces and add special highlights to creative structural design.
“Both in the manufacture of doors and windows and in their fitting on site, SFS intec is the partner of choice for leading system suppliers. Across Europe, SFS intec is the leading supplier of architectural hardware, fittings and reinforcements. Based on years of close cooperation with customers and a detailed market review, an adjustable system for window installation has been developed, enabling the correct fitting of plastic and aluminium windows.”
SFS intec is the part of SFS Group of Companies – one of world’s leading developers, manufacturers, and suppliers of high-precision components for a variety of technical industries – which has its headquarters in Heerbrugg, Switzerland. With modern and state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Switzerland, France, US, UK and Italy as well as marketing offices across the continents, the company employs 3,500 personnel and has an annual turnover of about $ 800 million.
SFS intec booth can be found in Hall 8, E440.