One of the Gulf’s leading aluminium extruders is on the threshold of developing its own R&D wing in line with its efforts to enhance quality in its various systems and processes.

“Quality is an inseparable element of all our activities,” a spokesman of Gulf Extrusions said.
The company is currently investing for the implementation of the TS16949 quality standard (additional to the QMS - ISO 9001:2000) to cater to the automobile market segment where more stringent quality control is required.
The R&D wing will facilitate precise measuring of mechanical properties such as ultimate tensile strength, yield strength and elastic limit.
The wing will be equipped with an optical microscope for metallurgical analysis. Additionally all the dimensions, including the critical ones of an intricate-shaped profile, could be measured through the new profile projector.
The company also recently unveiled a programme that will help raise awareness about the critical importance of boosting occupational health and safety.
 It has earmarked Dh20 million in investments for health, safety and environmental programmes mirroring its commitment to address human and environmental issues, particularly those that affect the industry, says Modar Al Mekdad, the company’s general manager.
“The safety and wellbeing of our employees have always been primary concerns,” he says. “We stressed this point recently through a Dh20 million investment in health, safety and environment programmes. We recognise that our business is only as good as the productivity of our workers, and this productivity requires vision, planning and investment to sustain and flourish.”
The official said Gulf Extrusions would implement innovative strategies to enhance workplace safety and environmental friendliness.
“The region’s changing attitude towards workplace safety and environmental sustainability has also further motivated us to implement best practices and create a desirable employee habitat,” he added.
Gulf Extrusion presently adheres to the stringent health, safety and environmental requirements of Dubai, the ISO 14001 standard for environmental management sys-tems, the ISO 9001 standard for quality management systems, and the OHSAS 18001 standard for occupational health and safety.
The company stresses it regularly introduces initiatives to improve safety and enhance its ability to conserve the environment through air and water quality systems, expansion of existing peripheral green spaces that currently nurture more than 1,000 trees, effluent and sewerage treatment plants, and an energy efficiency and conservation programme.
“Our ISO safety certifications are more than business leverages; these along with existing programmes that enhance the work environment show our desire to foster stronger relations with our employees.
“Only through our mutual respect, genuine concern for each other’s welfare, and unified efforts can we reach our shared goals for the company. We want to propel Gulf Extrusions forward based on a strong spirit of trust and loyalty, and a culture of wellness,” says Al Mekdad.
Environmental sustainability has become a major requirement for regional industries. Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has taken the lead in mandating that all buildings in Dubai be constructed according to green building standards starting January 2008.
 “Gulf Extrusions promotes a corporate culture that motivates employees to take charge of their wellbeing. It conducts an annual training programme to ensure that all health, safety and environmental goals are met, and also holds an annual safety and environment day to reaffirm a united effort to sustain a conducive working atmosphere,” a company statement said.
 A member of the Alghurair Group of Companies, Gulf Extrusions rolls off more than 7,000 extrusion profiles ranging from architectural sections to parts for household items, air conditioning grills, and various customised products at its Dubai plant. Almost 70 per cent of its products are used locally for building and construction projects; its export markets, on the other hand, include Southeast Asia, Gulf countries, Europe and Canada.