Ranked among the top 100 Saudi companies, the IKK group of companies is leveraging its global footprint to enhance its products portfolio across different business segments while capitalising on regional expansion opportunities.

The group is a leading manufacturer and distributor of a variety of services and products in contracting and construction, trading, manufacturing, services, networking and telecommunication sector.
“We are now focusing more on product quality, service network, brand awareness and dedicated production structure, and an efficient logistics flow,” says Sheikh Isam Kabbani, founder of the group. “As for branching out, we are always looking into new ventures that are attractive and feasible. In fact, this year, we entered into a partnership to form three companies, two in Egypt under the name of CellNet International for Telecommunication and Smartcom Commercial Services as well as Al Moubasher for Investment in Sudan. These three companies are basically involved in services and construction related to mobile phones services and infrastructure.”
“Our newest market is in Sudan which already looks very promising, as it is practically a virgin market place that needs everything and we also have other markets located in North Africa,” he says.
“The seed of the IKK Group was sown in the late 1960s when we established in Jeddah the Nepro Factory PVC pipes, the first of its kind in the Middle East. We then established National Marketing, a trading company designed to market Nepro products, and import fittings and other accessories without which the PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pipes cannot be sold. During the past 38 years, both Nepro and National Marketing have made impressive strides and have spearheaded the evolution of our company,” he adds.
The IKK group has enjoyed a remarkable growth over the years, its diversified activities and high-quality products and services having been assets that steered it onto the path of success. With its focus on the construction industry, it has been a pioneer in waterproofing and weatherproofing sector, in supplying building materials, manufacturing of construction steel products, in the fabrication and sales of PVC pipes, and of sanitary fittings and accessories, as well as other items used in this industry. With over than 165 points of operations, showrooms, outlets, and manufacturing facilities, the Group acts as per its philosophy: a closer relationship with its clients.
The necessity to explore new business domains has led to the diversification of the group’s activities into various industries such as contracting, construction, trading, manufacturing, oil and gas industry as well as IT, in networking and telecommunication industry. With a decentralised organisational structure, it adapts to local market needs, with speed and flexibility. A value-oriented management style gives the group a sound foundation on which to build a lasting business relationship with all clients.
“Our business is quite diversified in terms of functions and it is geographically spread out. What I like about our business is our collective ability to correct mistakes and upgrade performance,” Kabbani comments.
The IKK group has four major companies that include:
• National Marketing, which specialises in the distribution of PVC, uPVC (unplasticised polyvinyl chloride) and cPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) pipes, fittings and accessories for water supply projects, irrigation systems, sewage networks and electrical and telecommunication sector;
• KCG for waterproofing and thermal insulation, concrete repair and engineering services, construction maintenance management, protection and repair;
• Al Hayat Building Material Company, which is a trading house for several basic sanitary items such as chrome bathroom fixtures, electric water heaters, brass valves, flexible hoses and other products; and
• Unitech for building and construction materials which is involved in trading in construction steel items, power tools and fixation, architectural and industrial products, construction chemicals and specialty products.
A standardisation of procedures and business processes under the ISO quality management system 9001:2000 has been maintained throughout the years. Most members of the group are directed through a standardised business organisation in order to complete the task and to follow through using the best methods of finalising all projects with the best quality of services pertaining to all aspects, he says.
“At the IKK group, quality is an ongoing process beginning with consultation, production, punctual delivery, customers care and after-market services. To achieve these values, we are in the process of automating our tasks and updating our procedures,” Kabbani points out.
With an extensive presence in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Egypt and Sudan, the IKK Group ensures it has the consulting and support depth necessary to give the clients the best possible service. A global network gives it a solid foundation for global customer intelligence management, which ultimately benefits all its clients, he concludes.