Emirates Iron and Steel Factory (EISF) has drawn up plans to further expand its production capacity to cope with the shortfall in steel, triggered by the construction boom in the UAE and other GCC states.

The demand for steel has been steadily shooting up, from 3 million tonnes in 2005 to 3.5 million tonnes this year.
EISF, however, has been delivering on its commitments. It has recorded a remarkable growth since it was established in 2001. Within a year, the iron and steel major produced 165,000 tonnes of rebar and the following year delivered 348,000 tonnes. As demand for steel shot up so did EISF's production and on-time delivery. In 2004, it offered the market 500,000 tonnes and last year, it produced and delivered a whopping 600,000 tonnes.
The company, one of the market leaders in the production of quality iron and steel, sold its entire output within the UAE, a reflection of its standing with its clients in a competitive local market and its commitment to quality. Its projected expansion will ensure EISF will be in a position to distribute both in the UAE and the GCC region as a whole.
 “While most other companies sell reinforcement bars only in bulk, and their dimensions are fixed, EISF can sell according to client specifications, giving the firm a distinct advantage over its competitors. It does not, for the present, sell directly to a specific company or country,” says Mohammed Al Afari, sales and marketing manager.
“Instead, we sell only to traders. The traders approach prospective buyers, and that’s how we get sold in various parts of the region and abroad,” he adds.
 Like any true market leader, EISF does not bank on quality alone. “If we agree on a price, we stick to it,” asserts Al Afari. “This is irrespective of the change in the market figures. And we always deliver on time.”
EISF is one of many companies under the General Holding Corporation. This Abu Dhabi-based, government-backed firm has won the ‘UK Cares Product and Management’ Certification which necessitated it going through a series of stringent assessments, tests and inspections of the overall product quality, and the company's management system. 
UK Cares is a UK-based agency founded in 1983 that provides third-party certification to organisations in the construction industry. It has been accredited by the National Accreditation Council for Certification Bodies, a British government body.  Besides this, the Building Research Establishment has provisionally designated UK Cares as an approved body under the Construction Products Directive for precast concrete products, reinforcing and pre-stressing steel products and post-tensioning systems. This has been done on behalf of the UK Department of the Environment, Transport and Regions.
EISF is internationally standardised with British Standard BS 4449/97 Gr. 460B, and American Standard ASTM A615 Gr. 60 and UK Cares will subject EISF to regular audits to ensure its consistency in producing high grade steel and iron.
 “We are very pleased to have received the UK Cares Certification,” says Al Afari.  “This will complement our ISO 9000 Certification.  Besides, clients and industry partners will have greater confidence in the quality of our products, thanks to the recognition.”
EISF has its own quality assurance department and a well-equipped laboratory.  Product identification is maintained throughout the production process until the rebar is dispatched to clients. 
“If a client wants to check on the quality of our operations, we’re always available. Our products are quality tested not only in-house but also by reliable testing firms such as Bodycote and Al-Hoty Stanger Laboratories,” a factory official says.
Being the local steel industry major, EISF is involved in a number of projects.  Among the major projects the company has contributed to the Emirates Palace and in Abu Dhabi; Dubai Airport extension project, Marina Towers, Shangri-la Hotel and China Mart in International City, all in Dubai; the Four Seasons Hotel in Qatar, and many more.