RAK Ceramics on a global expansion drive

Addressing the meeting of the annual general assembly of the company, H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah and Chairman of RAK Ceramics, said that the company will open new factories in India and Iran soon and will substantially boost its existing production lines in UAE, China and Sudan.

The general assembly discussed the annual report of the company which stated that the distributable net profit of the company during 2004 stood at Dh 118.4 million as against Dh. 103.1 million in 2003

The new Indian plant, located in Andhra Pradesh, will have two production lines with a capacity of 20,000 sq. metres /day of wall, floor and deluxe granite tiles along with a sanitary ware factory producing 2,500 pieces /day. Capitalizing of the existing popularity of the RAK Ceramics brand in India, the company will open 40 new showrooms with its venture partner across India.

The company's new plant in Iran, which will have a production capacity of 10,000 sq.metres /day of super deluxe granite and ceramic tiles, is all set to start its operations.

The company will also add two more production lines with a capacity of 20,000 sq. metres /day of Wall and Granite tiles in its China plant.

The company is also expanding its operations in Sudan by setting up one more product line having a capacity of 8,000 sq. metres/ day of deluxe ceramic tiles.

In addition to its aggressive global expansion plans, RAK Ceramics is also boosting its production lines in RAK by setting up two new factories, capable of producing 30,000 sq. metres and 45,000 sq.metres of tiles/day. The factories will start production in June 2005 and November 2005 respectively.

The company is also planning to open a new showroom and distribution center in Riyadh. RAK Ceramics also has plans to spread its wings in the European market by establishing a wide distribution network covering all the major pockets in Europe.

According to the figures of annual report of the company, the total sales stood at Dh 1.16 billion in 2004 as against Dh 888.09 million during 2003. The total assets of the company stood at Dh 1.79 billion during the year 2004.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Member of the board of Directors, Hamad Mutawaa, Managing Director of the company and Dr. Khater Massaad, CEO of RAK Ceramics, were present at the meeting.