Innovation has become a watchword at Installux as it continues to launch a string of new products that are designed to meet the requirements of today’s construction projects.

The leading French manufacturer of high-quality aluminium products for buildings and the interior design market launched a total of five new products at Equipe Baie 2006 exhibition held in Paris last November.
“These products – including a new skylight, a curtain wall, a casement window, an updated sliding door/window system and new awnings – have received a good response in the French market and will soon be launched in the Gulf,” says Basim Al Saie, managing director of Bahrain-based Installux Gulf, the regional office of the aluminium systems manufacturer.
The new skylight, which has been designed as a conservatory system, has been particularly well-received in the market as it allows glazed spans of up to 7 m within conventional flat roofing, he says.
“Any type of ceiling material including gypsum (incorporating lighting and air-conditioning ducting) can be used, which makes this skylight system ideal for the Gulf market,” he says.
“As the roofing system is partially glazed, it helps reduce construction costs. The new annex with the skylight can be constructed next to an existing structure to accommodate swimming pool enclosures etc,” he points out.
The curtain-wall that has been newly introduced will be an evolution of the proven Decoface 54 curtain-wall.
Al Saie says: “The new version has been enhanced using the feedback we have received from our customers and the experience gained from using this product on millions of sq m of facades. In time, this new curtain-wall will replace five different curtain-walling systems and enable the installation of many different types of facades. In addition, it can also be used to as skylights.”
The new casement window system will replace the existing 50-mm-wide Espace 50 series with a new 72-mm-wide range that will offer substantially better thermal insulation in accordance with the RT2005 standards stipulated by the latest EN European norms for higher energy efficiency, he says.
“The system has uniquely attractive decorative features and, given the choice of profiles offered, it will be at home both in a modern as well as a traditional setting. Another feature of this product is the concealed drainage, which will allow the product to have a clean seamless appearance from the outside with no visible drainage holes and covers,” he explains.
The updated sliding door/window system has been designed to complement the casement window system, and is offered in a variety of finishes.
“The fifth product is a new awning introduced by Installux group company Stores Roche. The system features a new retractable arm and enhanced aesthetics, making it easier to manufacture and install,” Al Saie says.
So what’s next from the Installux Group?
“Installux is now developing a unitised curtain-walling system which is targeted for a commercial launch in the third quarter of 2007. It will be modular and versatile, with a wide range of façade designs, so that it can be easily adapted to different types of facades without compromising the system or its simplicity.
“With today’s trend towards fast-track construction, fabricators need a system that is versatile and easy to install – and we see unitised systems as the solution as it allows the building to be sealed quickly, enabling interior work to be taken up floor by floor as the system is installed. In addition, the quality of the system can be assured as it is factory-produced,” Al Saie points out.
While developing new products and enhancing existing lines to meet the most stringent standards and performance ratings in every product category, Installux is also launching a new set of brochures to ensure each of its products is well documented, thus easing the selection process for its clients.
Over the past year, Installux Gulf has managed to break into two important markets – Iran and Syria, while establishing good contacts in Jordan.
“During 2007, we are looking at tapping into the Iranian, Syrian and Jordanian markets, which offer a lot of opportunities. In addition, we are looking at some east and west African markets, where we have already supplied to a large development and are currently negotiating for another major project,” says Al Saie.
Installux is also focusing on growing its market share and identifying new customers in its existing markets.
“Some of our markets are large enough to require the services of more than one fabricator,” he points out.
Commenting on the Bahrain market, Al Saie says: “The future looks bright with a number of projects that have been on the drawing boards now moving to the construction phase.”
“In the aluminium and glass sector, prices have been escalating and competition has become intense,” he continues. “A major challenge facing fabricators is the supply of glass, as many glazing suppliers have been unable to meet deadlines. To meet this challenge, a number of fabricators are mulling plans to set up their own glazing lines.”
Since its inception a decade ago, Installux Gulf has experienced steady growth and gained a strong reputation for being focused on providing the best possible service, technical back-up, latest-generation products and support to its clients. Working closely with a network of approved fabricators, the company has been able to secure many references that stand as a testimony to its ability and quality.
Among the landmark projects completed by Installux Gulf over the past year, are the Gajria building in Sanabis, Bahrain, which has recently been completed; the Beverly Hills tower in Doha, Qatar; and the third phase of The Residences at Burj Dubai, which comprises residential towers ranging from 23 to 44 storeys high on the shores of a spectacular man-made lake and surrounding Burj Dubai, which is designed to be the highest tower in the world. Installux has supplied all three phases of the project involving a total of 12 buildings.