The booming construction sector of the region has required companies to continually understand the challenges and offer effective solutions quickly, says 3M which aims to address the needs of today’s market with an evolving range of solutions targeted at the MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) sector.

The company’s range of MEP solutions for the construction industry range from abrasives that do more than improve the cut and finish on metal surfaces, to solutions for electrical splicing and terminating, and from UL and FM-approved passive fire protection products to safety and protection solutions for the workplace.
“With the demand for performance-based solutions increasing, the focus is more on the ability to deliver fast and easy solutions for the various complexities across the MEP industry in the construction sector,” says Manohar Raghavan, business development manager for 3M construction markets, Middle East and Africa region.
“The challenges range from fulfilling complex needs within tight project completion timelines to completing multiple tasks and delivering results without compromising on productivity. 3M’s unique strength and one of the greatest advantages to its customers in the construction sector is the ability to use and combine its core technologies in innovative ways to provide reliable and efficient solutions, all from one source,” he says.
Performance, efficiency and productivity are critical factors involved in metalworking. 3M’s comprehensive range of proprietary technologies and solutions in abrasives with advanced synthetic formulation provide even greater scope to improve productivity, operational efficiency and workforce welfare, enabling end-users to achieve advanced metalworking results. Setting new standards for grinding, refining and finishing metal components, 3M Cubitron Abrasive Grain and 3M Trizact Structured Abrasives are leading the way in abrasive performance, delivering the competitive edge needed for enhanced performance. Designed for cross-over compatibility with every type of application, the technologies incorporated into all 3M discs, brushes, wheels and belts are designed for all types of metals. And because the abrasive surface lasts several times longer than conventional abrasives, there are a range of cost-saving benefits to be enjoyed. These include: fewer operations in the finishing process, reduced downtime from fewer belt changes, smaller number of rejects, less pressure required leading to reduced operator fatigue, time saved on subsequent polishing, cleaning and plating operations. So at every stage of the metalworking process, 3M abrasive technology can be relied on to deliver the same stronger, longer lasting and faster cutting properties.
Commenting on 3M’s fire protection products, he says: “With the increase in incidents related to fires, fire prevention and protection is the number one concern for the region’s construction industry. This has given rise to the awareness step up on the need for fire protection and accordingly appropriate fire codes for buildings have been put into place.
“3M’s fire protection solutions philosophy focuses on life safety, property protection and continuity of operations to combat this ongoing problem.
“The company also offers a range of products that help maintain high levels of personal safety. Prolonged exposure to noise polluted areas, excessive heat and humid working conditions, dangers posed by flying particles from metal cutting, sweeping, sanding and welding processes and a host of air-borne particles and mist at the work sites are a few of the problems faced by workers onsite.
“3M’s personal safety solutions ranging from respirators, eye protection wear, face protection wear, head protection, hearing protection, welding shields and helmets meet applicable OSHA regulations and are designed to meet rigorous workplace protection requirements while meeting worker comfort needs at multiple levels.”