RAK Ceramics has highlighted its ability to source the best raw materials for its world-scale tiles and sanitaryware manufacturing units and said the right choices it made in sourcing was a factor in the company’s success in global markets.

The world’s largest tiles and bathware manufacturer also revealed that its current suppliers from Europe, the Far East and Asia as well as the UAE had all passed stringent quality standards and also stood out from other suppliers with their proven track record in terms of product quality, pricing and timely delivery.

In addition, RAK Ceramics – which marks its 20th anniversary this year - also stated that its suppliers maintain their own mines and processing plants or manufacturing units, ensuring top-quality raw materials. Moreover, a significant percentage of clay and limestone raw materials are locally sourced in Ras Al Khaimah, which creates significant cost savings that are passed on to customers as it becomes more cost effective to manufacture the products and there is less inventory to be maintained with the source just nearby. Locally sourced clay and limestone are used as major raw materials for tile production.

Abdallah Massaad, deputy CEO of RAK Ceramics, said: 'Sourcing key raw materials is crucially important as we continue to expand our manufacturing capability and deal with the growing challenges of finding quality resources. It is therefore essential for us to keep abreast of the supply situation and to always keep looking for more strategic resources, which will be vital for RAK Ceramics to manufacture consistently high-quality products and to avoid any interruption in production.'

He stressed that the quality of the raw materials was of paramount importance as it had a direct impact on the quality of the finished product. In this regard, entire purchasing activities were carried out strictly in conformance with ISO 9001:2008 and in-house quality control and assurance standards.'

Meticulous procedure

RAK Ceramics says all incoming raw materials have to strictly adhere to agreed and approved specifications. Before bulk orders are made from any supplier, the company follows a meticulous procedure that includes thoroughly studying the supplier’s profile and product specifications. The supplier is also required to submit a small sample for preliminary laboratory trials and if the material passes the rigorous lab tests, a bigger quantity is requested for semi-industrial tests. If the semi-industrial test results meet RAK Ceramics’ benchmarks, there is another layer of test wherein a full container is ordered for bulk commercial trials. It is only after this stage that RAK Ceramics negotiates with the supplier to place bulk orders.

RAK Ceramics is a $1 billion global conglomerate in the ceramic industry, offering a product portfolio comprising over 8,000 designs in ceramic tiles, Gres Porcellanato and several models in bathware. The company was also conferred the SuperBrand 2010 Award and continues to be a global pioneer in the world of ceramics through innovative products such as RAK Slim, a new brand of 4.5 mm thick tile that sets new industry benchmarks in thickness, strength, cost and ease of use. RAK Ceramics is also a founding member of the Emirates Green Building Council, which supports the development of sustainable buildings in the UAE.