INTERMETAL, a Group Harwal firm, has invested Dh75 million ($20.4 million) in a factory at Dubai Investment Park that will design and manufacture office and institutional furniture.

The company claims it has more than 80 per cent of the market share in the UAE hospitality industry’s banquet and outdoor furniture market.

Bedros Bambokian, executive director of Group Harwal, said the move was an example of commitment to invest in the region’s economy. “The rapid growth of office districts in the GCC and Africa region has encouraged us to diversify into the office furniture business. With an increasing number of international players moving their operations to the UAE, Intermetal is well-poised to meet demands for all types of office environments,” he said.

Intermetal has set up a 300,000 sq ft factory fully equipped with advanced manufacturing capabilities including CNC bending and routing machines, robotised welding, powder coating and chrome-plating lines, upholstery and woodworking. Branded IM Office, the full collection of office furniture spans executive desks, office desks, workstations, partitioning systems, conference furniture, meeting and training room furniture, computer tables and a wide range of ergonomic chairs.

‘MAJOR INVESTMENT’
“This was a major investment for us at a time when many companies were cutting back. The launch of our new furniture range reinforces our leadership position in the competitive furniture business. By manufacturing our products in the UAE, we are able to control the quality and respond quickly and more effectively to the needs of our regional customers,” Bambokian said.

Intermetal, an ISO 9001:2008 certified company, was founded in 1992 to cater to the needs of the hospitality, educational and industrial markets. “The growth of the company is attributed to ongoing commitment to innovative designs, quality, value and customer satisfaction. This has been achieved through our highly skilled in-house design and development team and skilled craftsmen who ensure that each concept is turned into a reality that meets the demands of the market,” said a company statement.