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[March 2001]
Emirates Ceramic Company Continues to Expand
R.A.K. Ceramics (Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates) achieved sales of US$165 million in 2000. This was more than US$35 million more than in the previous year, with enhanced profitability. During the year, the company set up MC5, one of the most modern ceramic plants in the world and made it operational, in addition to which it established a plant in Bangladesh and brought it on-stream.
General Manager Dr Khater Massaad said: "With long term prospects in mind, R.A.K. Ceramics will invest in latest and practical technologies, design initiatives, products and good manpower. To meet the ever changing business environment, and the WTO regulations effective 2004, R.A.K. Ceramics has relevant plans on its drawing board. With several large markets that will open up post 2004, R.A.K. Ceramics will do better, but it is fully aware of the impending competition that opens up as well, not just from other ceramic tile companies, but also from other surface finishing industries.
The US market is one of the largest markets in construction materials, estimated at US$650 billion. Even a small ceramic and porcelain tile market component from this figure makes the market a huge and tempting one for R.A.K. Ceramics. Market intelligence sources have however recorded the fact that the per sq. metre retailing prices of porcelain tiles have actually reduced in the market due to competition from serious new entrants from a few countries. R.A.K. Ceramics is getting organised to take on the challenges of this competitive market in the coming year with some very quality and competitive products".
ENDS