In a bid to become a niche product manufacturer in both the wood and architectural coatings sector, Wellcoat Paints, a new entrant in the UAE paints and coatings sector, will soon be introducing water-based and radiation-curing coatings in the wood coatings segment, while developing ‘green’ paints in the architectural paints sector.

“So far, the wood coatings market has been dominated by solvent-based products. We are introducing water-based products keeping in mind the environment. In addition, we aim to be the first manufacturer in the UAE of radiation-curing products under our umbrella brand Maxiwood.  While, these environment-friendly coatings are being used in the UAE, so far, they haven’t been manufactured in the country,” says Parimal Banerjee, general manager, Wellcoat Paints.
In the architectural paints segment, while the company offers all the standard products available in the market; it is now developing a new range of green paints in association with Paint Research Association of the UK, according to him.
Speaking on the company’s vision, Banerjee says: “We want to become a quality leader in architectural and wood coatings segment by introducing high-quality and environment-friendly paints and application methods and by offering the highest standard in after-sales technical service to the users, to help them in case they need support relating to the paint or its application.”
Wellcoat, which was commissioned over a year ago in the Jebel Ali Industrial area, produces architectural, floor, wood, light industrial and protective coatings. Wood coating at present is its flagship activity followed by architectural and then industrial coatings.
Wellcoat is an associate of Ginco, a renowned construction company, and Al Nahda International Chemical Company, a well-known chemical trading and manufacturing company. Both the companies have been based in Dubai for more than 30 years.
Wellcoat is also a member of Paint Research Association, UK and has a technology tie-up with a leading paint company of Europe for the wood coatings segment.
During the first year of operation, the company has made progress and secured all the necessary approvals and certifications. Says Banerjee: “We have already acquired anti-carbonation certification from Australia, while the health, safety and environment aspects have also been taken care of. The other highlight of our first year of operation is that, within a short span of time, we have become a significant player in the wood coatings market being involved with major joineries in the UAE,” he says.
The company has also managed to break into certain specialised segments such as the contractual segment and is also on the list of approved suppliers of leading construction companies.
“Our projected turnover for 2009 is around Dh30 million ($8.2 million). Of this, Dh10-12 million will be from architectural coatings, Dh10-12 million from wood coatings and Dh7-9 million from industrial coating sectors,” he points out.
As a technology-driven company, Wellcoat’s manufacturing plant, which has a capacity of 8 million litres per year in single shift operation, is equipped with modern process machines and testing laboratory keeping in sight strict health and safety standard. The company is committed to introduce environment-friendly work practices, besides its green products.
Says Banerjee: “Our facility focuses on health, safety and environment, with appropriate effluent treatment plant
(ETP) and fire safety measures in place. Our laboratory facilities are geared up to deliver tested and approved products that meet local and international standards like ASTM, BS, DIN, and RAL.”
An ISO 9001/2000 company, it is presently working towards ISO 14000 environmental certification, according to him.
Besides its commitment to technology, the company is also well staffed. “Wellcoat Paints is run by highly-qualified and experienced paint professionals with over 50 years of combined experience in renowned paint companies of India, Middle East and Africa,” he concludes.
Its future plans include setting up a resin manufacturing facility, which may be based outside the UAE.