Sarmad Fakhri, Managing Director of Kingspan Insulation Middle East Africa, spoke to Middle East Consultant about Kingspan’s involvement in the construction industry in the UAE & Saudi Arabia.
How was 2023 for Kingspan Insulation?
“In 2023, I’m pleased to say that Kingspan Insulation experienced a prosperous and impactful year, marked by financial success and achieving significant milestones. The company not only met but exceeded its business objectives, showcasing its resilience and adaptability in a dynamic market. Throughout the year, we embraced innovation, introducing cutting-edge solutions that further helped solidify our position as an industry leader.
“The commitment to sustainability remained a cornerstone of the company's ethos, with strides taken towards environmental responsibility within our manufacturing facility, whether in terms of using Solar Panels or the adoption of Electric Vehicles, to mention only a few. As Kingspan Insulation reflects on the accomplishments of the past year, there is a profound sense of gratitude towards the dedicated team, valued partners, and clients who played pivotal roles in the journey. Looking ahead to the future, Kingspan is well-positioned for another year of growth, innovation, and an unwavering commitment contributing positively towards the built environment. The groundwork laid in 2023 sets the stage for continued success and positive contributions to the evolving landscape of the construction industry.”
We understand that Kingspan Insulation is set to establish a manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia. Can you elaborate on the significance of this upcoming facility and its role in supporting the local construction industry?
“The establishment of our manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia is a strategic move to enhance our presence in the region. This facility will not only bolster local manufacturing capabilities but also create employment opportunities and foster collaboration with the local construction industry.”
Could you share some insights into the significant projects in which Kingspan Insulation has been involved and the impact it has had on the construction landscape in the region?
“We've been privileged to contribute to several landmark projects, including SeaWorld in Abu Dhabi, Royal Art Complex and Lucid Factory in Saudi Arabia, as examples. Our involvement spans diverse sectors, from commercial and residential developments to industrial and infrastructure projects. The positive impact is evident in improved energy efficiency, reduced environmental footprint, and overall enhanced building performance.
“These projects have set new benchmarks for insulation standards, influencing industry practices and demonstrating the effectiveness of our products. By being involved in diverse constructions, ranging from commercial to industrial, Kingspan Insulation has contributed to shaping a more robust and resilient construction landscape in the region. Our goal is to continue fostering these positive changes and supporting the growth of the construction industry within the Middle East and beyond.”
Offsite construction has gained significant traction in recent years. Could you share insights into how Kingspan Insulation is actively contributing to the offsite construction trend? Specifically, what innovative solutions or technologies does Kingspan Insulation offer to enhance the offsite construction process, and how do these solutions align with the evolving needs of the construction industry?
“Offsite construction has become a cornerstone of modern building practices, emphasising efficiency and precision. Kingspan Insulation Pre-insulated ducting stands at the forefront of contributing to this promising trend. One of the key advantages lies in the pre-fabricated nature of Kingspan's Pre-insulated ducting. The ductwork is precision-engineered offsite, ensuring consistency and accuracy in manufacturing. This not only reduces onsite labour requirements and minimises disruptions, but significantly reduces the overall construction process. The modular design facilitates easy transportation and installation, further streamlining the onsite assembly.
“Our Pre-insulated fabricated ducting range including PalDuct, KDuct and KoolDuct play a key role in streamlining the installation process, ensuring both efficiency and precision. This aligns perfectly with the growing trend for offsite construction, where speed, accuracy, and minimal on-site disturbances are paramount. One such example is the resort located in Shaybara Island, 45-minutes away from the mainland in Red Sea Coastline, Saudi Arabia. The villas were manufactured by Grankraft factory and built off-site at Grankraft’s facility in Sharjah Free Zone, where we had supplied our PalDuct technology.”
I understand Kingspan Insulation is set to release a whitepaper soon. Could you provide a ‘sneak peek’ into the topics covered and the insights that industry professionals and stakeholders can expect?
“Yes, certainly. Our upcoming whitepaper is an in-depth analysis of the application of our Thermataper insulation in the Saudi Arabian market. Specifically, we focus on a comparative analysis between our Thermataper TT47 roof system and a conventional flat roof system, dissecting the nuances through three distinct case studies with different U-values.
“The whitepaper dives into crucial aspects such as cost, weight, and speed, providing an accurate assessment of the advantages offered by the Thermataper solution. We understand the importance of these factors in decision-making for industry professionals and stakeholders. By presenting a detailed analysis based on real-world case studies, we aim to equip decision-makers with actionable insights that go beyond theoretical considerations.”
In closing, could you share any other exciting developments or innovations that Kingspan Insulation has in the pipeline for the near future?
“We have a very dynamic roadmap ahead for Kingspan Insulation. One significant highlight is the establishment of our manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia. This strategic move not only underscores our commitment to the local market but also positions us to meet the growing demand with increased efficiency.
“In addition to our expansion in Saudi Arabia, we are dedicated to continuous improvement. Within our Dubai facility, for instance, we’re currently working on a upgrade to our phenolic manufacturing line. This enhancement aims to further elevate the performance and quality of our products. By investing in advanced technologies and processes, we are ensuring that our insulation solutions continue to set industry benchmarks and meet the evolving needs of our clients.”