A NEW line of Ariston water heaters offering improved performance through the use of the hit-tech metal titanium has been launched on the market.

Ariston water heaters, manufactured by the Italy-based Merloni TermoSanitari Spa (MTS), are marketed by Paul Weil in the GCC and the Levant.

''The new Ariston Ti Tech line has a special glasslined enamel, distinguished by the brand 'Titanium Plus Inside'. The innovative enamel, developed by the manufacturer's research and development (R&D) team, offers extremely high levels of performance in terms of hygiene, resistance to corrosion and long-life, with quality guaranteed for up to 10 years,'' explains Paul Weil - Ariston group marketing manager Karim Daaboul.

He continues: ''Titanium is a hi-tech metal widely used in aeronautics, because of its excellent stability and strength, and even in dentistry, as it is biocompatible and easy to sterilise.

''The 'Titanium Plus Inside' heaters,'' he continues, ''are 50 per cent more effective than those with traditional enamelling. Thanks to its high elasticity, the titanium-glasslined enamel adheres firmly to the internal surface of the boiler, easily adapting to the dilations the latter undergoes as an effect of the changes in temperature.

''The enamel also adheres to the steel surface uniformly, creating a highly-resistant layer of protection of even thickness. In addition, the enamel is further distinguished by its very low porosity structure. This makes it very inhospitable for bacteria and micro-organisms, as they cannot adhere firmly to the surface.''

Ariston water heaters, which are manufactured using the most advanced technology available, are said to be the most reliable and durable of their kind on the market.

Daaboul elaborates: "Ariston water heaters are known for their efficiency, durability, and high technology, as MTS' factories produce electric and gas water heaters that are both extremely reliable and more durable than any other water heater available on the market. These factories employ the best engineers and use advanced production techniques. A large investment is made on R&D and on quality assurance. In addition, MTS is an ISO 900-certified company. All its products carry the IMQ quality mark, which certifies compliance with the strictest safety standards, and the CE mark, which shows conformity to EU directives on low tension and electromagnetic compatibility.

''The electric water heaters feature a thick layer of high-density foamed insulation that provides excellent and very significant energy savings. Other features include anodes made from corrosion-resistant magnesium, top-quality heating elements, long-life boilers, and multiple safety devices such as a thermostat and pressure safety valve.

''The latest technology is utilised in the production of these heaters through the use of materials such as titanium-glasslined enamel, steel, Vidron steel, Inox, copper and plastic.

''Only the best steel is selected: the most suitable being vitrified to which the most corrosion-resistant and durable enamel is applied. The enamelling meets the German quality trademark TUV.

''Ariston water heaters are aesthetically elegant: this is part of the commitment to satisfying customer needs. MTS places particular importance on ensuring that product design is in line with market trends and uses the services of leading international designers.

''Ariston water heaters are environmentally friendly. All MTS products respect the environment, and the foamed polyurethane insulation used in all its heaters is free from HFC (hydrofluorocarbon), CFC (chlorofluorocarbon) and HCFC (hydrochlorofluorocarbon) emissions. Further environmental protection is ensured by the ecologically-safe Vidron coating and recyclable paper packaging.

''The quality of Ariston water heaters is guaranteed right from the very first stage of the production cycle, and continues through the entire production process, from quality welding to assembling. All work is carefully carried out and monitored by expert engineers. As far as safety is concerned, every single component undergoes rigorous testing to ensure that the heater is in constant and perfect working condition.''

Ariston models are available in capacities ranging from 5 to 3,000 litres, in different power supply ratings, depending on the market and technical specifications. "The reliability and the vast choice of models offered make these water heaters competitive and convenient to use," Daaboul adds.

''Last but not least, Ariston's concern for its customers extends beyond the point of purchase. This is evident in the after-sales service that is now available in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia,'' he says.

MTS is one of the world's leading manufacturer of electrical water heaters, steel baths, heating elements and thermostats, and air-conditioners. The company expanded into international markets in the mid-seventies and developed into a network of affiliated companies in Europe, Middle East, Asia, Far East and the South Pacific.

Today, MTS has eight factories producing more than 12,000 water heaters a day and is present in 150 different countries.