Sharjah-based Al Gurg Leighs Paints (AGLP) has launched a number of new products as a response to the growing demand for fire resistant paints following the recent spate of fires across the UAE.

Dulux Magic Touch is one such product approved as a fire-spread retardant, while it also possesses other properties that provide a luxurious coating. The product has also gained antibacterial certification, says Murtaza Ali Challawala, marketing and business development manager, AGLP.
“The importance of fire retardant products for interior use was stressed in one of the Apid (Association of Professional Interior Designers) seminars recently,” he said.
AGPL has also introduced two new versions, namely Leighs Epigrip C400 V2, a one-coat solution for steel, and Firetex FX1000.  Other specialty products launched recently include Pyrosheild flame retardant and Sterisheild antibacterial coatings.
AGLP describes itself as a total paint solutions company with decorative, industrial, OEM and fire protection coatings. Established in 1988, it is part of the Al Gurg group.
An ISO 9000:2000-certified company, AGPL manufactures Dulux decorative paints under licence from ICI and industrial and fire protection coatings under licence from Leighs Paints. Both these companies are based in the UK.  AGLP also manufactures the Oasis range of coatings, catering to the OEM industry.
Its annual production capacity is around 12 million litres of liquid paint in the UAE.
Challawala commented on some of the paints his company produces. “The Dulux decorative range is known for its environment compliance and non-toxic properties. Dulux has many firsts in terms of new products and technology, including Weathersheild, Pyrosheild and Sterisheild.
“Leighs Paints leads in the industrial coatings segment. The company was one of the first coatings companies to supply paints in the region. Dewa’s first power plant and Port Rashid are protected with Leighs coatings.  Firetex is a well-known name for fire-rated coatings and has been used on many landmarks. Leigh’s floor/deck coatings are known for their performance in car parks and helipads. Leighs paints comply with the stringent UK/European standards - both technical and environmental. The products are also approved by the UAE oil sector and top consultants in the region.”
AGPL’s target markets are projects, infrastructure and OEMs. With Dulux Decorator Centres DDCs, the company is also targeting the upcoming new home owners market. “The idea of having these centres in malls is to make buying paints a pleasurable experience. Our latest DDC additions are at the Mall of the Emirates and Jumeirah Beach Residences,” said Challawala.
AGLP operates its regional technical centre in the UAE providing a platform for its principals to test and tropicalise the products to determine suitability in the regional environment. “Our principals audit these facilities periodically. All the products manufactured undergo the regional climate and condition requirements,” Challawala said.
The company has supplied paints to projects including Port Rashid, Jebel Ali Port, Burj al Arab, Dubai Airport, Maktoum Bridge, The Bahrain Sheikh Khalifa Bridge, Flower Centre, Ritz Carlton, Dubai Health Care City, Green Community and Waterways project.