The International Company for Building Materials (Binex) is all geared to mark three decades of service to the Saudi market this year as a leading manufacturer, supplier and trader of a comprehensive range of building materials and is upbeat about prospects in the construction sector.

The company is now positioning itself to secure an even larger share of the Gulfwide market, through expanding its product portfolio and a geographical expansion in the region.
The Al Khobar-based firm has witnessed a significant growth in its sales figures over the last two years and is confident of a busy schedule ahead with a number of new projects in hand spread throughout the kingdom.
“Business has been splendid over the past year, both in terms of domestic and international sales that have seen a growth of more than 15 per cent,” says a spokesman for the company. “The prospects for the coming year are very promising. We have recently seen a lot of activity at the King Abdullah Economic City in Rabigh and our office in Jeddah is working closely with contractors who are involved in the project as well as in the other economic cities.”
He continues: “The industrial sector is also seeing a lot of activity – major aluminium smelters are coming up in the region, Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (Sabic) and its associates have announced new projects, and new developments are expected to be announced by the oil giant Aramco, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary. We expect that the current projects with these institutions will also drive our business forward in the coming years.
“Further, there are also landmark projects coming up like the Kingdom Holding group’s Mile High Tower, which is earmarked to be the tallest building in the world.”
To keep abreast with the dynamic growth in the region, Binex is constantly looking for opportunities to grow and expand. It has recently started operations in the UAE and is keen on expanding into other GCC countries as well, he says.
“We are also adding new product lines within our core operating sectors like chemicals, water services and finishing. For instance, Binex is in talks with ICS Penetron, and may soon start stocking and distributing the US firm’s range of integral capillary concrete waterproofing systems. To enhance our offerings in the water services sector, we have recently added faucets and mixers from Price Pfister Company and a range of products from ACO Germany, the world leaders in surface drainage systems,” the spokesman says.
“This apart, we are receiving several sales and enquiries for our doors and frames are made from solid wood, and are seeking to introduce new products in this line as well. Other product segments are also seeing increased activity. For example, we have recently secured a major order from Nasser S Al Hajri Company for our recently-introduced protection boards from Dermabit Waterproofing Industries Company,” he adds.
Established in 1978, Binex is a leading manufacturer, supplier and trader of building materials related to chemicals, water services and the building finishing sectors, with the last sector accounting for  the bulk of its revenue. It has branch offices and showrooms in Al Khobar, Riyadh and Jeddah, as well as an additional showroom in Dammam, and is staffed with around 75 employees.

Project portfolio
The company has been involved in a number of projects in Saudi Arabia – some of which are still ongoing – which include several in the Eastern Province such as AXL crude expansion in Shaybah; Khursaniyah facilities in Khursaniyah; Khafji Joint Operations in Khafji; Tasnee Petrochemicals and Saudi Kayan, both in Jubail; Khurais facilities in Khurais; and the 950-villa Sara Housing project in Aziziyah, Suwaiket Towers, Hugayet Towers and Saad Oncology Hospital, all in Al Khobar.
Projects in the Central Province include the King Faisal University extension and Nofa Equestrian Resort, in Riyadh; Nuayyim AXL crude increment facilities in Aramco; the Khurais water injection facilities; the National Health Laboratory; Civil Defence headquarters; and Al Dana Dairy Farm.
In the Western Province, the company has supplied to a number of prominent projects such as the King Abdul Aziz University for Science and Technology (KAUST) in Thuwal; PetroRabigh polyolefin project; Yanbu Airport expansion; King Abdul Aziz Economic City, Rabigh; Yanbu Petrochemical U & O project, Yanbu; Shuaiba power plant project, Shuaiba; and the King Abdul Aziz Endowment Project, Makkah.

Diverse range
Binex’s diverse portfolio includes a variety of products in the following segments:
Chemicals: The company stocks an extensive range of chemical products ranging from microsilica to specialty adhesives and epoxies, which it procures from: ICC (Bina Chem) in Jubail, a sister company that manufactures a wide range of chemicals; the US-based Laticrete, a leading global manufacturer and marketer of installation systems for ceramic tile and stone used in residential, commercial and industrial applications; the UK-based Ardex, a leading manufacturer of construction chemicals catering to specialities such as self-levelling chemicals and drywall adhesives, among others.
Water services: Binex’s product line in this segment ranges from infrastructure development and finishing products for demanding plumbing applications procured from various local and international companies. These a number of US-based firms such as J R Smith, a specialist in quality engineered plumbing and drainage products; George Fisher Piping Systems, a leading provider of safe, corrosion-free plastic piping systems; Bradford White Corporation, a premier manufacturer of water heating, space heating, combination heating and water storage products in the world; Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Company, a specialist in cast iron pipes and fittings. It also offers products from Riyadh Foundry, a leading Saudi-based foundry which manufactures manhole covers, catch basins and other cast iron products.
Finishing: Thanks to its ability to provide customers with the best in terms of price, availability and variety, Binex has gained substantial customer confidence over the years in the finishings sector, which is one of its major revenue segments.
Binex offers products from: National Gypsum Company (NGC) in Saudi Arabia, which offers a comprehensive range of gypsum boards; the Kuwait-based Kimmco, one of the largest manufacturers of fibreglass insulation materials; India-based E-Board, which specialises in cement fibreboards; USG Middle East, a mineral fibre ceiling products manufacturer; Saudi Arabia-based SSF, a sister company whose roll-form division manufactures high-quality gypsum metal profiles such as studs, runners, furring channels and perimeter angles.
Binex also supplies various other products catering specifically to the building industry, providing solutions from start to finish in the construction process.
Commenting on the competition in the market, the spokesman says: “Although competition is inevitable, it can promote a healthy market given a level playing field. Competition has been tough but yet we have had an excellent track record for the last 25 years, due to our hard work, experienced staff, superior quality and wide variety of stocks and the priority we give to customer satisfaction.”