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Abu Baker Shaikhani, managing director, Rubber World Industries (RWI), explains how the use of green products is becoming the norm and how RWI is forcing its way through the economic slump
What makes your insulation products different to others in the market?
Our Gulf-O-Flex products can compete in the global market, since they have gone through a series of quality and fire retardant tests. Gulf-O-Flex pipe and sheet insulation products are also environmentally friendly and have unique features. For example, they are chlorofluorocarbon-free, flexible, fire proof and smoke-free.
The Middle East is not a very green part of the world. With this in mind, how will you convince clients to buy your eco-friendly products?
Yes, it’s true the Middle East is not a very green part of the world, but this means that there is more of a reason to take steps and initiatives to help the environment. Regionally, companies are now taking serious steps to make a change. Due to our proactive approach, we are able to offer the market, at a critical time such as now, eco-friendly rubber insulation products at a good price and this is what influences our customers to buy our products. Helping to provide a safe and eco-friendly environment is the best thing that a developer or business entity can give to the region.
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With the current downturn, will developers invest in these products?
The price of locally manufactured rubber insulation is 30% to 35% less than that of globally produced products. We strive to keep overhead costs and other expenses to a minimum, by investing in the latest technology and sourcing the best quality, raw materials.
What does the Middle East need to do to catch up with the rest of the world in using green materials?
The Middle East needs to create a set of environmentally friendly industry standards, which need to be followed by all companies. Every Middle East country should have a strong governmental body looking into the business practices of the companies operating in their land. The country should invest into technologies, which promote sustainable environments.
Since the downturn, have you changed your strategies and business plans? How?
All companies are affected by the global economic downturn, but RWI is strong financially and as a company. We have capitalised on the fall in prices of raw materials to produce high quality rubber insulation products, thereby meeting demand internationally and in the Middle East.
Which major developments have you worked on in the Middle East?
RWI has delivered products to major property developments in the UAE including The Villa in Dubailand and a US $327,000 (AED1.2 million) contract for the ‘Motor City’ project. Furthermore, the company has recently announced that it has been awarded a contract to supply rubber insulation products worth $238,000 for the Green Community West Villas and Apartments - also in Dubai. In addition, the company delivers its products to more than 90 countries including the US, Germany, Russia, Canada and Singapore.
It was revealed that your company aims to achieve a $16 million revenue target this year. How do you aim to achieve this – particularly in the current economic climate?
RWI accounts for 86% of the Middle East rubber insulation market share by supplying the majority of the region’s requirements for pipes, sheets and other rubber-derived products. Therefore, we have already embarked on the AED30 million ($8 million) expansion plan and we are focused on tripling our production capacity to 3600 containers per year by 2013 in order for us to meet demand internationally and in the Middle East.
BIO
Name
Abu Baker Shaikhani
Occupation
Founding member and chairman of the Memon Group of companies – a business conglomerate with interests in real estate, IT, property development, project management, contracting, manufacturing and others. Shaikhani also heads Memon Investments, Dubai; Memon Real Estate, Ajman; Rubber World Industries and Gulf-O-Flex Trading Dubai.
Background
Shaikhani started in the real estate business in 1968 and worked his way up to establish the Memon Group. He has now been in the business for 30 years.
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