Office Suppliers You Should Know

Office design continues to undergo massive change. It’s no secret that the way people work is evolving rapidly – and the spaces that they work in are having to adapt accordingly.

“The concept of cubicles is long becoming a thing of the past, with collaboration and teamwork dictating a lot of the office lingo. Benching systems now enhance collaboration, encourage discussion and reduce bureaucracy within an organisation,” noted Siddharth Peters, managing director, The Total Office.

The design of an office speaks volumes about the company utilising the space, Mohammed Abdul Muktadeer, sales manager, Officeland, pointed out. “Spaces with contemporary, cutting-edge furnishings and finishes convey the image of a dynamic, forward-thinking company and, nowadays, we all want to know that we’re doing business with people who are keyed in to the latest technologies, methods and practices. Flexibility, mobility and sustainability – these are the key elements that are reshaping offices.”

Sustainability is certainly a key driver, as companies become more and more conscious of their corporate social responsibility record. “Sustainable office designs are a popular trend. With the draw of saving the environment in line with cutting down monthly costs, resulting in good PR, low energy bills and improved productivity within your organisation, it’s no wonder sustainability remains the biggest buzzword in our industry,” said Peters.

Research by dmg world media, organiser of The Office Exhibition, predicts that the number of office projects in the GCC is set to double between 2009 and 2010, meaning that interior designers will have plenty of opportunity to explore the evolving nature of the office environment.

Over the next few pages, we talk to the suppliers that will help them to create the offices of the future.

The Total Office

Siddharth Peters, managing director, on what’s new at The Total Office.

Tell us about your company.

The Total Office deals with the supply and installation of office furniture. The company is the exclusive distributor of Teknion Furniture Systems, Canada, in the UAE. Teknion is an international leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of office systems and related products. We also have a wide range of products from Kusch & Co, Codutti, Emmegi, Casamania, Anker Carpets, Manerba, Whitespace Carpets, Hag, etc.

What sets you apart?

The Total Office offers turnkey solutions with custom-made furniture, as well. The company is managed by experienced professionals, backed by qualified architects and interior designers. We have an in-house computer-aided design facility and quantity-evaluating and inventory-management software that helps us control the intricacies of the design process, thereby allowing a faster and more cost-effective method of designing.

What are your best selling products?

We specialise in office furniture (systems and executive furniture), freestanding desk systems, flooring, acoustics, training, seating, as well as storage and filing.

Any news?

We are launching the following products at The Office Exhibition 2010: Powermat by Teknion, which uses wireless electricity to charge electrical devices; Flamline by Kush & Co, which are fire resistant fabrics, ideal for hospitals, offices, universities etc; Futu by Hag, an award-winning chair made out of 99% recyclable material; Profession training table and seating by Kusch & Co, horizontally stackable chairs and tables, ideal for training; and Modular tiles by Whitespace, a new concept in flooring.

How do we contact you?

Dubai: +971 (0)4 282 9911, Abu Dhabi: +971 (0)2 635 5588, Sharjah: +971 (0)6 544 0563;
website: www.thetotaloffice.biz; email: info@thetotaloffice.biz.
For marketing and PR, please contact: marketing@thetotaloffice.biz

CID speaks to Ahmed Kandil, managing director, Middle East and Australia, Bene.

Tell us about your company.

Well-designed offices and work environments have an impact on a company’s success, and the emotional wellbeing and intellectual potential of employees are directly affected. Aesthetics, functionality and quality increase motivation and productivity. Such environments are what Bene produces.

What sets you apart?

Bene engages in development and manufacture, and provides sales and consultancy services under one umbrella. Bene Sales Net offers regional access to all Bene services. This network consists of Bene’s own points of sale and qualified retail partners. It is a distribution system that offers customers first-class service in terms of planning, consultation and logistics across countries.

Bene operates 82 points of sale in 33 countries.

Bene develops innovative office solutions that present workflow, culture and corporate identity spatially. Spatial added-value is achieved by functional and adequate linking of the product
portfolio and by consistent design, colour and material concepts. Additionally, ergonomics, practicality, planning and layout, efficient use of space, acoustics, smooth logistics and a comprehensive service package are the cornerstones of Bene’s range of services.

Any news?

Bene is a European company setting trends in the office furniture field with its concepts, products and services. The brand is associated with top quality and functionality, modern design and innovative technology. Current awards underline this approach. The Filo Table, from Bene’s conference and meetings line, has been awarded the acclaimed iF product design award 2010 by the International Forum Design in Hannover, Germany. And Bene has been shortlisted for the Brit Insurance Designs of the Year with its new product range PARCS, designed by UK based team, PearsonLloyd.

How do we contact you?

Bene can be contacted through its regional office at Dubai Airport Free Zone, Building 4E, Office 4A-711; tel: +971 (0)4 2045 722; e-mail: office@bene.com.

BAFCO

Catching up with Gilbert Grino, marketing manager at Bafco.

Tell us about your company.

BAFCO is a UAE-based specialist in corporate interior solutions, with almost two decades of experience executing projects across the Middle East. Since 1991, BAFCO has collaborated with clients and interior designers to create environments that enhance organisational performance by enriching the efficiency and quality of work life. BAFCO is the only office furniture manufacturer awarded by the UAE government as ‘Supplier of the Year’ for successfully contributing the entire office requirements for Dubai Airport Terminal 3.

What sets you apart?

The promise that we give to our clients is the commitment of quality service and headache-free execution of their projects, from a small furniture requirement up to a complex project as large as the entire Dubai Airport Terminal 3. Having a local manufacturing facility, we have a shorter delivery time. We have the largest locally-stocked office furniture collection, sourced from manufacturers in the USA, Europe and Asia.

What are your best selling products?

As an active ergonomic advocate, our best-selling products focus on delivering and transforming any standard desk into a smart desk, using self-adjusting Freedom and Liberty chairs, keyboard trays, monitor arms, laptop holders and other ergonomic peripherals. Clients see the value in visiting our showroom because they can have a first-hand experience and are educated on the difference and benefits of a Humanscale workspace.

Any news?

In our efforts to triple our manufacturing capacity, we are building a 245,000ft² facility in Dubai Industrial City. This will be our hub and will focus on green manufacturing and LEED certified interiors.

How do we contact you?

We have showrooms in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Tel: +971 (0)4 3350045; website: www.bafco.com; email: hello@bafco.com.

The low down from Mohamed Abdul Muktadir, sales manager, Officeland.

Tell us about your company.

Officeland operates in Dubai under the Al Aqili Furnishings umbrella. We offer a complete range of office furniture and solutions, from small back office modular workstations and seating solutions to executive desks and conference room tables and chairs. With a large variety of products and services, Officeland is a complete turnkey solutions provider. Its specialised services start with complete consultation, space planning and conceptual design, to custom-made and designed office systems, followed by installation and project management.

What sets you apart?

Officeland represents some of the best names in the industry across the world, from the famous i4mariani from Italy that specialises in exclusive desks and conference rooms, to Sitia and Grammer Office, the renowned manufacturers of office chairs, and Exbydo, the manufacturer of high-quality workstations.The offerings of Officeland are also complemented by the products portfolio of Al Aqili Furnishings, which provides full turnkey solutions to commercial and residential spaces, from flooring to fabrics, lighting, furniture and accessories.

What are your best selling products?

Our best selling products are workstations from different brands such as 3FFF and Exbydo, in addition to the executive desks from i4mariani.

Any news?

Officeland is expanding its product offering by adding new brands, especially in the supply of workstations. Officeland is also launching the new collection of executive desks from i4mariani, Desymetria, designed by the famous Lucca Scacchetti. Our horizontal expansion will also witness an important milestone with the launch of more operations in the GCC, starting with Doha operations, which will be announced soon.

How do we contact you?

Creekside View Building in Port Saeed, Deira, Dubai. Tel: +971 (0)4 295 3909; fax: +971 (0)4 295 3910; email: info@officelandme.com; website: www.officelandme.com.

Buro 45

CID speaks to Jill Gordon Keep, business development manager at Buro 45.

Tell us about your company.

Buro 45 is an established, progressive company headquartered in Dubai offering a broad range of modern European office furniture, complemented by related services across the Gulf region.

What sets you apart?

Apart from our client focused approach and our swift service, there are three key areas that differentiate us in the market: Design – Buro 45 offers a large variety of innovative furniture systems, suitable for all types of working environments; Environment – our commitment to delivering inspirational working environments extends beyond great design, focusing on the protection of the environment too. Providers that we use meet with certification requirements that are at the forefront of managing environmental impact; Competitive Price – Buro 45 has long standing relationships with leading European providers. Through direct sourcing, we offer extremely competitive prices, enabling us to offer exceptional value to our clients, from sourcing and delivery to installation.

What are your best-selling products?

Our range of products has been carefully selected for their design and function, which makes them all commercially viable options in the marketplace.

Any news?

Towards the end of 2009, we launched our showroom in Jeddah. Our focus here is environmentally-friendly European products. Another piece of exciting news for Buro 45 was being awarded a prestigious project by an important client from Abu Dhabi, located in the world’s premier sustainable, zero waste city – an excellent example of our green policy at work!

How do we contact you?

We invite you to visit our showrooms in Dubai (+971 4 283 1928) and Saudi Arabia (+966 2 60 79 426). Find out more about us at www.buro45.com.

News from Jan Arentoft, manager, A&D, Gemaco Furniture, and Kaj Helstrand, design manager, Gemaco Interiors.

Tell us about your company.

Gemaco Furniture is first and foremost a product workshop for architects, designers and consultants.

The entity exclusively handles the distribution of a number of leading office furniture brands, including Haworth, the global market leader; Magis, the Italian manufacturer of high-end design objects by designers such as Konstatin Grcic, Ron Arad and Marc Newson; Orangebox, the UK company which has made ‘the collaborative workspace’ its trademark; Fritz Hansen, the Danish expert in timeless simplicity; Kvadrat/Maharam, the Danish and American specialists in modern high-end designer textiles; and Grupo Permasa, the Spanish office furniture expert that continues to surprise with its sleek European design and high quality.

What sets you apart?

Market changes are increasing and the UAE market is maturing. Consequently, we have, in collaboration with our suppliers, redefined Gemaco’s future role as an integral part of our suppliers’ distribution network in the region. In addition, sustainability is always on our mind, and we represent some of the most forward thinking office furniture brands in this respect.

What are your best-selling products?

The Haworth Zody chair. Haworth’s vision was a mid-priced task chair ergonomically superior to anything on the market.

Any news?

We have just launched the Airea System by Orangebox. Airea architectural rooms are an ingenious answer to the problem of noise pollution as they allow offices to organise resources into distinct spaces. These mobile cabinets and flexible rooms can be utilised as formal and informal meeting rooms, stationery/post/printing rooms or café/kitchen facilities.

How do we contact you?

For more information, call +971 (0)4 339 7613, email: jan@gemacointeriors.com or visit www.gemacointeriors.com.