Flooring Suppliers You Should Know

According to Angela Schaschen, managing director of Deutsche Messe Dubai, organiser of Domotex Middle East, the trade fair for carpets and floor coverings, sustainability is still the number one trend shaping the flooring industry.

When it comes to buying patterns in this part of the world, wooden flooring has become more and more prevalent in recent years, but there is still high demand for wall-to-wall carpeting, Schaschen pointed out. This market also has a penchant for ‘luxurious’ products, she noted.

The current economic climate is having an undeniable but not entirely negative impact on the flooring industry, Schaschen admitted. For property owners looking to add value to their investment in a highly competitive marketplace, flooring is an obvious place to start. “There are so many empty properties around right now. Owners trying to add value to these properties will start with flooring; it’s the most obvious thing you can do,” she said.

Moving forward, the flooring industry is likely to be revolutionised by nanotechnology, predicted John Alexander Smith, professor and Emeritus chairman of the department of interior design at the American University in Dubai.

“If we apply nanotechnology to flooring finishes, there are unlimited potential benefits. Floors could be self cleaning. They could have thermo-insulation, UV and solar protection, fire proofing, anti-grafitti, anti bacterial, scratch proof, and even anti-fingerprint properties,” Smith said.

“We are at the outset of a new era. As an architect or a designer, what you will basically do is write the specification of the material that you want. So let’s say you wanted it to absorb solar radiation during the day and, at night, emit energy as light. Instead of working with what already exists, you are starting with a clean, blank piece of paper.”

Reza Nikzad, managing director of BSH Walls and Floors in the Middle East.

Tell us about your company.

Thirteen years ago, BSH Walls and Floors was established, along with our commitment to being a true partner to our customers. We have made it easy for people to reach us by building offices in Iran, Dubai and Canada. Over the years, we have earned an impeccable reputation for excellent quality, exquisite design and superior service.

What sets you apart?

BSH Walls and Floors is a reliable, friendly and responsible partner. We continuously bring in the latest product lines, which combine beauty, practicality and functionality. We were the first to showcase the latest technology in flooring when we introduced leather floors to the market.

What projects have you been involved with in this region?

We have worked on a number of prestigious projects in the region. To name a few, we have supplied carpeting to the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai International Airport and The Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (Du). We have also supplied laminate flooring to the Burj Al Arab in Dubai, and provided Abu Dhabi Duty Free with PVC flooring.

Any news?

As an environmentally-responsible company, we are very proud of our 130,000ft² office, which has been certified as a LEED Gold building by USGBC. Today, the products that we offer all contribute to LEED credits.

We have also expanded our market in the US and Canada, which has elevated our relationship with world-class designers and architects. This has also enabled us to work closely with manufacturers to bring the latest trends to the market.

How do we contact you?

For more information, visit www.primeflors.com or www.torlysme.com, send your inquiry to info@wallsand floors.com or call +971 (0)4 8855500.

Roy Najjar, executive director of international business development for Boa-Franc.

Tell us about your company.

Boa-Franc is a North American leader in the manufacture of superior quality, prefinished, hardwood floors, such as the highly-acclaimed Mirage collections.

What projects have you worked on in this region?

We have worked on the Palm Jebel Ali Beach House, as well as projects, including palaces and resorts, in other GCC countries.

What sets Boa-Franc apart from the competition?

Absolute consistency and the highest quality in species, finish, colouring, width and thickness, guarantee that Mirage prefinished hardwood floors are smooth, uniform, easy to install and beautiful beyond compare. Mirage also continues to take responsible, concrete action, as it has for the past 25 years, with an innovative approach to sustainable development. Mirage floors are FSC certified and qualified for LEED credits. These floors are perfectly designed for all of your projects.

Any news?

Mirage has launched Alive, a brand new series designed specifically for active families. Alive floors, which are available in red oak, have a lightly brushed and textured surface that conceals everyday scuffs and marks. Alive floors come in three colours: Urbana, a brown grey blend; Terra, an earthy brown for natural appeal; and Isla, a white, sandy colour. Earlier this year, the company also launched four additions to its popular Sweet Memories series, available in Handcrafted Oak.

These additions are Exhilarating Carousel, a creamy white; Château, a dignified grey; Teddy Bear, a soft brown; and Gingerbread, which is available in Aged Maple.

How do we contact you?

Roy Najjar can be contacted at roy.najjar@boa-franc.com and tel: +971 (0)55 880 5987. For more information, please visit www.boa-franc.com or www.miragefloors.com.

S.V. Vanitha, business development manager of Instep Trading.

Tell us about your company, Instep Trading.

For distinguished and superior-quality timber floors, take a step to Instep. Instep Trading brings you exceptional wood flooring sourced from around the globe.

Instep Trading offers all kinds of wood flooring, for internal and external use. By offering the finest service, along with genuine-quality wood flooring, for the past 16 years, Instep has earned itself a reputation for being a specialist in this field. This is also thanks to the impeccable knowledge and expertise of the owner of Instep, a man who turned his passion and inspiration into one of the finest wood flooring companies.

Instep’s core competencies and services range from design to installation and also renovation of hardwood floors. We also design and bring to life beautiful finishing touches like borders, medallions and inlays, to make your floors more distinctive.

What sets you apart?

We always have new and unique items up our sleeves – for example, our new product, Dark Mahogany, which is weather and water resistant. Our installation and technical know-how also sets us apart and we are trendsetters in the industry.

What are your best-sellers?

Our best sellers are specially modified wood floors which are completely resistant to moisture and water.

Have there been any recent developments at your company?

We aim to serve the environment by offering sustainable wood as well as LEED-certified wood floors.

Where do we find you?

Warehouse Number 3, Al Hathboor warehouse, Marrakech Street, Umm Ramool, Dubai. Tel: +971 (0)4 285 5996. For more information, please visit www.instep-floors.com.

Fouad J. Mira, deputy general manager, sales and marketing, of the Saudi Arabia-headquartered carpet specialist, Al Mira.

Tell us about your company.

The owners have over 60 years of experience in the carpet industry, as retailers. They decided to establish the Al Mira Carpet Factory in 1994 to meet the ever-increasing demand for quality carpets in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. In December 2005 we gained ISO 9001:2000 certification for quality management systems for both operations and personnel performance.

What sets Al Mira apart from the competition?

Producing high-end quality carpets is our main priority, and we provide our clients with the opportunity to customise their commercial establishments and places of residence.

We also take great care with the quality of service offered to our clients. In addition, we offer very competitive prices, special delivery terms and a wide range of colour selections in different yarn types, to give our customers the flexibility they need to design a piece of carpet that meets their expectations.

What projects have you worked on in this region?

We have been involved in many projects, inside and outside of Saudi Arabia, for the largest contracting companies in the region, including private villas, wedding halls, mosques, offices and hotels.

Have there been any recent developments at your company?

We have added to our exclusive collection of machines to continue building on our customised business.

How do we contact you?

Our location is Industrial Area Sector 5, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Our postal address is Jeddah 21468, PO Box 34343. You can also contact us on tel: +966 2 6081211, fax: +966 2 6081263, and email: administration@almiracarpets.com. For more information, visit our website: www.almiracarpets.com.

Ana Elisa Seixas, marketing director, Middle East, Africa and India.

Tell us about your company.

InterfaceFLOR is the world’s leading manufacturer of carpet tile, offering designers and customers a wide variety of colour combinations, textures and patterns, ranging from cool minimalism to fashion-conscious carpets. The company invented the concept of the carpet tile nearly 50 years ago and has been systematically developing it ever since. Today, InterfaceFLOR offers a wide range of commercial modular flooring, combining style, innovation and practicality, to suit all kinds of buildings. It is all manufactured along sustainable principles and taking into consideration Mission Zero, the company’s unique drive to achieve a zero environmental footprint and become the first sustainable company by 2020.

What sets you apart?

We are not just a carpet tile manufacturer. We believe that innovation, design and sustainability go hand in hand and that reflects not only on the way we run our business but also on our products.

During the mid-1990s the company’s founder and chairman, Ray Anderson, put the company on track to becoming the first sustainable company by 2020. Now defined as Mission Zero, the company’s unique drive to achieve a zero environmental footprint is a central part of the organisation’s ethos and culture, and is reflected throughout the InterfaceFLOR product portfolio.

What projects have you been involved with in this region?

We have been quite active throughout the region, from offices to airports and education spaces. We have just finished installing a beautiful mix of products for KAUST University in Saudi Arabia and are responsible for the Abu Dhabi Airport renovation.

Any news?

We have just launched a bold new offering inspired by the 1980s Memphis Design Movement. With bright colours, souped-up black and white stripes and strong graphics, the three main styles, along with an extensive pattern library and co-ordinating solids, form one of the most exciting offerings InterfaceFLOR has ever brought to market.

How do we contact you?

Speak to Ana Elisa Seixas. InterfaceFLOR’s office and showroom is open from 9am to 5pm from Sunday to Thursday. You can also book an appointment on +971 (0)4 399 6934.

Carpets Inter

Teerachai S, Carpets Inter’s senior export manager.

Tell us about your company.

Carpets Inter is a world-class leader in contract carpeting. From the largest corporate projects to the most discerning individuals, Carpets Inter has the expertise and attention to detail to help realise any vision. We are one of the largest contract carpet manufacturers for the hospitality and commercial markets, including special sectors such as cruising and aviation. Our comprehensive product range also covers the automotive industries. We pride ourselves on being able to fulfil the requirements of any custom job.

What sets you apart?

We are proud to be a local leader in the ‘reuse, recycle and reduce’ movement, and are the first in the region to obtain and comply with both Quality and Environmental ISO certifications, as well as a comprehensive series of internationally-recognised Product HSE and Niche certifications.

What projects have you been involved with in this region?

In the UAE, we have supplied The Al Murooj Rotana, Abu Dhabi Beach Rotana, Sharjah Rotana and the Meydan Hotel. We have also worked with Rotana in Qatar, with the Grand Mercure Hotel in Bahrain, and the Al Anoud Novotel, Faisaliah Hotel, and InterContinental Hotel in Riyadh.

Any news?

In 2009, Carpets International Thailand’s manufacturing facility received recognition from three environmental/sustainability sources: NSF, Carbon Label and Carbon Footprint.

How do we contact you?

Email: teerachai@carpetsinter.com; tel: +662 318 3670 (ext 430).

Laurent Messara, managing director.

Tell us about your company.

Established in Sharjah in 1988, we specialise in medium to high-end contracts and the wholesale of world-leading brands of soft floor coverings and parquet. As a major UAE distributor, we stock 80,000m² of carpet tiles, ten lines of contract carpets from Balsan, France and all residential vinyl and parquet from Tarkett, Luxemburg.

What sets you apart?

We deal exclusively with renowned manufacturers such as Tarkett, the residential vinyl leader from Luxemburg, and Balsan, the French manufacturer of contract carpets. We stock all their high-end products, making them available to the UAE market overnight. With 177 designs, from wood to children’s designs and trendy modern designs, always in stock, Tarkett’s residential vinyl range is a reasonably priced option for residences and contractors alike.

Our workshop also manufactures sisal and seagrass made-to-order rugs with a choice of cotton or linen fabric borders.

What projects have you worked on?

Our contracting division has been active in many office and hospitality projects over the last couple of years. All Fun Cities (amusement parks for children inside malls) have been supplied with our Traffic 345 fungistatic and bacteriostatic soft vinyl. In May, we covered the Nike dribble contest football pitch that was installed in the Mall of the Emirates with our new Diamond landscape grass.

Any news?

Janser, the German flooring tool manufacturer, has decided to tie up with Messara Trading to install its first pick-up shop in the Middle East. All Janser professional tools and floor machinery such as grinders, professional vacuums, knee kickers and carpet cutters etc, are now available at the Messara showroom in Sharjah. In addition, we have successfully launched Gorilla Tech Glue, our own brand of professional carpet adhesives. Several new velours and wall-to-wall carpet from AW are now in stock for light hospitality or residential use.

How do we contact you?

Our four warehouses are situated near our head office and private showroom in Sharjah, Industrial Area 4. Contact Laurent Messara, managing director or Sumit Srivastava, project sales manager on +971 (0)6 533 6625 or send your enquiries to messara@eim.ae.