Tell us about your company
Toto was founded in 1917 as a manufacturer of ceramic sanitary equipment and plumbing hardware. With sales offices around the world, $5bn sales turnover and 30.000 employees worldwide, Toto has grown to become the industry leader of plumbing-related products in Japan and is poised to move forward in the 21st century with an expanded corporate vision. Our value is to provide high-quality products and our mission is to enhance the comfort of our users. While Toto has always been a company devoted to enhancing lifestyles in man-made environments, we plan to extend our focus to encompass the natural environment. Our overall goal is to meet our Toto Green Challenge through environmentally-friendly products.
What are your best selling products?
Our best selling products include Washlet, self-powered auto faucets, self-powered sensor flush valves, the Cefiontect water closet and wash Basin, and urinal with fuzzy logic software.
What projects have you been involved in?
We have been involved in projects accross the region such as Dubai international Airports, Dubai Mall, Dubai Metro, Emirates office towers, DIFC intercontinental, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dubai Fesitval City, Jal Hotels, Dubai Marina Mall & Hotel, Park Hyatt Hotel, Dusit Hotel, Conrad Hotel, Al Ain Mall, Four Seasons hotels, Cleveland Hospital, Conrad Hotel Dubai, Dubai Airport T2 expansion and Saudi universities, among others.
What challenges did they present?
Being an industry leader with 100 years’ experience in manufacturing of sanitary ware, we are well equipped to face every challenge. Our large production facilities of global standards and strong partners in Middle East countries are back bone to face any challenge.
LOB 19-1701, 02, Jebel Ali Free Zone
+971-4-8865983
Sanit
Tell us about your company
Sanit is part of the Aliaxis Group, a worldwide manufacturing conglomerate that has a turnover in excess of $2.78bn. Sanit was established in 1945, producing technically advanced sanitary plastic products. All Sanit products are manufactured in Germany by 480 staff working in a strict quality controlled environment to ensure compliance with all the latest worldwide standards.
What are your best selling products?
Sanit is best known for high quality ranges of concealed and exposed cisterns with accompanying push plates that give interior designers numerous solutions for high-quality hotel and residential buildings. Specialist ranges also exist for the education and special needs sectors. Sanit ranges also include shower channels, flushing mechanisms plus many other technical products for the bathroom.
What projects have you been involved in?
Sanit has an extensive project reference list in the region including Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, Viceroy Hotel Yas Island, Mövenpick Hotel JBR and the soon to be completed Sparkle Tower in Dubai Marina.
What challenges did the projects present?
Sanit’s comprehensive product range meant that solutions were available for all the design challenges faced in these projects. Sanit adjustable flushing mechanisms allow for vastly reduced flush volumes that exceed environmental standards and also match the design of all leading manufacturers of WC pans. Sanit concealed cisterns are available in a variety of depths which match the available wall space in the bathroom.
Indigo Tower (office 702), Jumeirah Lakes Towers
+971 43629423
www.aliaxis-gulf.com
gulf@aliaxis.com
Geberit
Tell us about your company
The globally operating Geberit Group is a European leader in the field of sanitary products and bathroom ceramics. Geberit operates as an integrated group with a very strong local presence in most European countries, providing unique added value when it comes to sanitary technology. The production network encompasses 35 production facilities, of which six are located overseas. The Group is headquartered in Rapperswil-Jona, Switzerland. With more than 12,000 employees in over 40 countries, Geberit generates net sales of CHF 2.9 billion. The Geberit shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange; since 2012, the Geberit share has been included in the SMI (Swiss Market Index).
What are your best products?
The Geberit concealed cistern, which sets the standard for modern WC cisterns, has been installed a million times over around the world.
What projects have you been involved in?
We have an impressive reference portfolio for our product ranges including a number of prestigious projects such as the New Doha International Airport, St Regis Hotel in both Abu Dhabi and Doha, Jabal Omar Mecca with the Conrad, Hilton, Hyatt and Marriott Hotels, King Abdulla Financial District KSA, New York University Abu Dhabi, Rocco Forte Hotel Abu Dhabi, Mafraq Hospital Abu Dhabi, Salam Tower Dubai, Jumeirah Park Villas, Dubai, Burj Al Arab Dubai, Etihad Towers Abu Dhabi, Zayed University Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, ADNOC headquarters in Abu Dhabi and Missoni Hotel Kuwait to name just a few!
What challenges did they present?
ADNOC HQ where we had to customise our Sigma80 flush actuator plate with white glass.
Swiss Tower, Jumeira Lakes Towers
+971 4 4470914
www.geberit.aesales.gulf@geberit.com
www.facebook.com/geberit
Hansgrohe
Tell us about your company
Established in 1901, Hansgrohe, the German bathroom specialist, has been a pioneer in the sanitation industry. Over its journey, Hansgrohe is one of the few global players to have acquired the reputation for being a leading innovator in technology, design and sustainability. During the 2014 financial year, Hansgrohe employed around 3,650 people and generated sales of EUR 874.1m by supplying mixers and showers to 144 countries.
What are your best products?
With its future oriented form and function, Hansgrohe’s avantgarde Pura Vida mixer range has been a popular choice for our Middle Eastern customers. The intuitive operation of the stepless pin handle makes it a pleasure to use.
Products from the Axor range have also proved to be successful, especially the AxorShower Products, Axor Citterio, Axor Massaud and Axor Starck lines, which are all stylishly designed and durable against hard water in the region.
What projects have you been involved in?
Hansgrohe and Axor have been featured in some of the most prestigious hotels and projects worldwide and in the region. Recently, we were chosen to fit out Abu Dhabi’s newest luxury hotel – Four Seasons. We used our Pura Vida line of mixers in addition to the Axor Citterio range to match the purist design concept of the hotel while representing the fine art of ageless design and beautifully integrating diverse bathroom style.
Other key projects that we are currently involved in includes the first Nikki Beach Resort soon to be opened in Dubai, the up-scale residential projects on behalf of GOSI – the Royal Commission in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, and for the apartments of the Beirut Waterfront Development.
We will also be returning to Downtown Design this year after a successful debut in 2014 and showcasing our new pioneering Select bathroom and kitchen ranges.
What challenges did they present?
Each project is unique in itself and has its own set of challenges, whether it is technical or logistical. We have been receiving challenging briefs from clients for custom make solutions for the bathroom. Our Axor Manufaktur, which is an exclusive service area for individualising products established in 2002, gives us a big advantage as we are able to manufacture a variety of mixers and showers in various finishes.Our flexible production allows us to meet the most diverse range of customer requests – from engravings to custom finishes and adapting the dimensions of individual fittings.
Swiss Tower -JLT (office 1904)
+971 444 80 231
www.hansgrohe-middleeast.com
www.facebook.com/Hansgrohe
Roca
Tell us about your company
Roca was founded in Spain almost 100 years ago in 1917 and still to this date is a Spanish family-owned company. We offer a complete one-stop solution for your entire bathroom requirements, with options in various design and price points, all made in our factories within Spain and the EU. The Roca Group has 76 factories worldwide. The company employs over 22,000 people and is active in 136 countries across five continents.
What are your best selling products?
Our top selling ranges include The Gap and Meridian. As with all our product ranges, these products have extensive options. The Gap, for example, has eight toilets and 17 basin options.
What projects have you been involved in?
We have worked on many projects globally. The most recent iconic project we were involved in was the Eiffel Tower in Paris and we were honoured to be the chosen manufacturer. The technical requirement was for Roca to use the same red colour for its vitreous china sanitary ware as for the rest of the tower’s facilities, in keeping with architect Alain Moatti’s project. Roca therefore produced a special series of its Diverta washbasin, Meridian-N toilet and Site urinal range, all in red.
What challenges did they present?
The challenge was to offer a bespoke colour option and we were able to do it. This is an excellent example of how we can really turn a designer’s ideas into reality.
Roca Middle East & South Asia head office
04 3476400
www.export.roca.net
info.dubai@roca.net
Duravit AG
Tell us about your company
Duravit focuses on modern design, intelligently-used technology and top quality requirements. This results in premium, smart bathrooms that enhance the quality of life of their users. The product range includes sanitary ceramics, bathroom furniture, shower trays and bathtubs, whirl and wellness systems, shower-toilets and accessories. As one of the most dynamic groups of companies operating in the sanitary industry, Duravit operates with 35 affiliated companies and is present in more than 130 countries.
What are your best selling products?
Duravit relies on a consistent design language with regards to the development process with internationally renowned designers. The design language is reduced to the essentials, luxurious elements dispensed with altogether. Customer response proves that we are on the right track. Clearly designed products such as Starck 1 by Philippe Starck, which has remained unchanged since 1994, have become classics. The consistent angularity of the Vero ceramic range has also made it a bestseller.
What projects have you been involved in?
In the Middle East region, we have supplied a number of products to Sofitel Hotel in Dubai Downtown and the Sheraton Hotel Al Salam. Duravit is also involved in the Hidd Al Saadiyat project, which consists of 486 high-end villas and the Opus Tower by Zaha Haddid. Duravit designs are also part of public buildings like the new Hamad International Airport in Doha.
What challenges did they present?
Duravit is very competitive in providing tailor-made solutions out of a wide variety of high-quality products. This strength has been proven as very successful and beneficial for designers, architects and finally the end consumer. We also benefit from the fact that the Duravit brand is renowned as well for its innovativeness and excellent quality.
Where do we find you?
Duravit runs three offices in the region. In addition to corporate presences, it is presented in the Middle East markets through our distributors in many showrooms.
UAE, Qatar & Oman office, SAL Offshore, Dubai
www.duravit.com
info@ae.duravit.com
facebook.com/Duravit AG
Bagnodesign
Tell us about your company
Bagnodesign, a member of the Sanipex Group, is a leading supplier of quality bathrooms, tiles and plumbing materials. Our project division is the premier choice for industry professionals working on a variety of projects including landmark hotels, buildings, institutional facilities and residential developments.
What are your best selling products?
We believe our best-selling product is actually our ability to deliver and offer creative bathroom solutions to our customers. We have a talent for balancing design criteria with value and quality. This, coupled with our wealth of experience, is the key to making our customers satisfied.
What projects have you been involved in?
We have been involved in numerous high-end projects including Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara; JW Marriott Marquis in Dubai; Palazzo Versace in Dubai; Maalifushi by Como in the Maldives; Alila Jabal Akhdar Hotel in Oman; Foremarke School in Dubai; Pik Palace Hotel in Azerbaijan; Hilton Waldorf Astoria in Holland; Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island in Abu Dhabi; St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi; Yas Viceroy in Abu Dhabi; InterContinental in Mauritius, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Hyatt Regency in Dubai, Chedi Resort & Spa in Oman, Crazy Bear Hotel in UK; Hemmingway’s Boutique Hotel in Nairobi and Eden Island in the Seychelles.
What challenges did they present?
The design and installation process has its challenges. The ongoing changes to the design and varying on site conditions means our constant involvement is required. Our product specification team is involved at the design stage to ensure the right choices are made and the volume of orders can be achieved, backed up by the supply chain and technical support team who ensure the project’s deadlines.
Between junctions 2 & 3, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
+971 4 5076000
www.sanipexgroup.com
info@sanipexgroup.com
Laufen Bathrooms AG
Tell us about your company
Laufen is a Swiss company specialising in premium segment solutions for bathrooms with its headquarter located in Laufen near Basel. Laufen stands for ‘Swissness’, quality and design, offering complete bathroom solutions whether from our commercial ranges such as Laufen Pro or from our premium segments for example Il Bagno Alessi One.
What are your current best selling products?
Over the last two years, Laufen has been building upon its successful development of a new ceramic material, Saphir Keramik. This super strong material has given Laufen the potential to produce, on an industrial scale, slim yet robust ceramic pieces for the bathroom and has been the keystone for new product development at Laufen including the best-selling Kartell by Laufen range, which is now available in more than 500 outlets in more than 40 countries.
What projects have you been involved in?
The global projects team at Laufen is located across the major design hubs such as London, Dubai, Singapore and New York. They have been working with many renowned architects and designers on buildings all over the world and some of the projects that will be opening soon are Mondrian in Doha, Radisson Blu hotel in Oman, Super 8 in Saudi Arabia, Le Meridian in Dubai Hotel Airport, Burjeel Hospital in Abu Dhabi, Salalah International Airport Oman, The Abdali Mall in Jordan and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Jordan.
What challenges did the projects present?
In high-level design environments, interior designers look towards differentiating their creativity. Recent examples include Marcel Wanders Interior Design working with Laufen on the Mondrian Doha Hotel (Falcon Towers) in Qatar, which included a specially designed custom bathtub. Our understanding of materials enables bespoke solutions, which require higher levels of engagement and understanding of what is needed thus creating unique solutions with our partners.
Where do we find you?
Laufen has sales offices in 44 countries and representatives across the Middle East. For local project support, feel free to contact Mohamed Barakat, our global projects manager based in Dubai.
Wahlenstrasse 46, CH-4242 Laufen, Switzerland
+41 61 765 76 09
www.laufen.com
mohamed.barakat@laufen.ch
Mac Al Gurg
Tell us about your company
Established in 1974, Mac Al Gurg, part of the Easa Saleh Al Gurg group of companies, has been serving the building and construction industry in the UAE for over 40 years. We have offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and in Muscat. As a market leader, we are well known in supplying internationally recognised products conforming to the highest standards of quality and performance. Our brand promise originates from our strategic principles and values. This means that our interaction with our industry manufacturers and clients extends to all areas of our business. As company with the best team, Mac Al Gurg harnesses the power of relationship between the client and technology. This helps us create innovative, sustainable solutions that enhance the quality of life today and in the future. Through different brand touch points, the Mac Al Gurg brand stands for value-adding partnerships, quality and sustainability.
What are your current best selling products?
Our best-selling products are Armitage Shanks, a premium British bathroom brand, US brand Delta Faucets and Franke, Swiss stainless steel washroom products.
What projects have you been involved in?
Mac Al Gurg has been a part of the UAE growth story for the past three decades. We are present in several projects from villas to high rise towers, hospitals to schools catering to their varied requirements. Recent projects in which we are engaged are Casa Community for Emaar, Psychiatric Hospital for MoPW, Louvre Museum and Swiss International school.
What challenges did the projects present?
It is a constant endeavor to match the client’s expectations in terms of aesthetics, functionality and value. The key in winning any project is satisfying the design requirements and perceptions of main decision makers, including the client, interior designers, project managers and contractors.
