Gulf colourants producer to boost capacity

And the company, which has to date focused on the regional market, is looking to build a global client base and will launch an international marketing campaign at DOMOTEX Middle East, the specialised carpets and flooring show being held in Dubai in May.

"High oil prices have stimulated investment into various sectors in the Middle East, which has resulted in tremendous growth in the polymer production industry," said Akhter Aman, EnerPlastics' Chief Operating Officer. "As we provide colourant pellets to these manufacturers, our expansion has been a natural progression of that growth."

Currently with agents across 30 countries in the Middle East, Africa, East Europe, Russia and South Asia, EnerPlastics intends to increase its regional market share this year and next.

"At DOMOTEX we will present our specialised product to a specific target market of synthetic fibre producers,"

said Aman.

EnerPlastics believes it is well placed to take on European providers currently exporting masterbatches to the Middle East.

"At present, Europe, and more specifically Belgium, is the world's leader in fibre production for carpet manufacturers. That is changing now as more and more polypropylene fibre manufacturers are looking at the Middle East as their base since polymer costs are much lower in this region," explained Aman.

"As the only serious players in the production of raw material for the regional polypropylene carpet industry, we are in pole position to service such organisations quickly should they choose to relocate here."

At DOMOTEX Middle East, which runs at the Dubai World Trade Centre from May 28-30, EnerPlastics will have a technical specialist ready to answer enquiries.

DOMOTEX Middle East 2006, which is organised by Deutsche Messe AG, one of the world's top three exhibition organisers, is the inaugural regional showing of the event, which has built a successful track record in Germany and China. Its Dubai debut show currently has exhibitors from over 30 countries.

"EnerPlastics' plans for the show will assist in opening up an agenda-setting industry dialogue amongst regional players,"

said Angela Schaschen, Managing Director, Messe Middle East, the regional cooperation partner of Deutsche Messe AG.

"The show is fast shaping up as a technical powerhouse for an industry which is currently reporting expansive growth throughout the Middle East."

DOMOTEX Middle East is being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President, Department of Civil Aviation, Government of Dubai and Chairman of the Emirates Group and with the official support of the UAE Contractors Association.