RAK Ceramics to launch global expansion plan at the Hotel Show

RAK Porcelain, a new sister company to RAK Ceramics, the UAE's premier supplier of tiles and sanitary ware will use the exhibition as a key marketing tool to unlock regional and international markets.

RAK Ceramics, winner of the Arabian Business Company of the Year award in 2004, was set up in 1989 and went public in 1998 and has a turnover of US$400million. The company is currently in the middle of a phased global expansion plan that encompasses factories in Iran, the Sub-Continent, China, Sudan and the UAE.

Industry commentators predict RAK Porcelain will emulate this rapid development, starting with the inauguration of their new 60,000 square metre factory in the northern emirate earlier this year.

With a capacity of 15 million pieces of dinnerware a year on two production lines, and a stock that will include six series and 150 different commissioned designs, RAK Porcelain expects the new facility will help realise their ambition to become a major supplier to the hotel industry worldwide.

"This capacity could be doubled to 30 million pieces annually which would make it one of the biggest porcelain tableware factories in the world," said CEO, Dr Khater Massaad.

"We intend to equal the success of RAK Ceramics - which has become a global leader in the ceramics industry in the space of just 15 years - by delivering superior product quality and outstanding design competence with a focus on custom-made designs," he said.

According to The Hotel Show project manager, Maggie Moore, the participation of quality exhibitors such as RAK Porcelain is enhancing the reputation of local and regional suppliers, and, widening their prospective markets as a result.

"While hotels have traditionally looked to countries such as Italy and Denmark for their restaurant tableware supplies, for example, the development of high quality products within the Middle East means that regional hospitality management can increasingly think 'local' when sourcing these products."

"With such strong demand throughout the region for specialist products such as bedding and flooring, lighting and laundry equipment, security and IT systems, and all manner of interiors and furnishings, UAE exhibitors are now looking not only to consolidate local markets, but further a field, with great confidence."

The Hotel Show 2006, organised by dmg world media Dubai Ltd, will take run from June 4 to 6, at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre.