Ceramics manufacturer RAK Ceramics plans to set up its eighth plant next year at its Ras Al-Khaimah base, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Construction works on the new facility have already started, Khaleej Times reported. The plant is designed to produce up to 30,000 square meters of ceramic wall and floor tiles a day. The plant’s two kilns will be the longest in the world, RAK General Manager Khater Massaad stated.
The company is planning to focus on natural-effect higher-quality products next year, by introducing a new technology expanding the choice of tile colors and effects. The company's seventh ceramics plant is expected be operational in two weeks’ time. With the capacity to produce 2,000 square meters of glued and high granite tiles per day, the new plant will take RAK’s total production capacity to 112,000 square meters a day. Construction of the company’s new 1,700 square meter headquarters and showroom is also underway in Ras Al-Khaimah and is expected to be completed within four months.
Incorporated in 1989, RAK Ceramics‘ sales turnover totaled $175 million in 2000, up from $4.5 million in 1991, according to company figures. RAK Ceramics went public in 1998 with a total investment capital of $250 million. RAK Ceramics presently operates 18 production lines, 14 kilns and 16 large presses engaged in the production of 110,000 square meters of ceramic and porcellanato tiles per day. — (menareport.com)
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