Page 60 - Magazine June 2022

Companies News Contractors News

Intertek and Knauf Hira Industries opens new showroom in RAK

launch qualification programme to elevate standards in

the construction industry Hira Industries, one among the leading HVAC and said: “We have a long-standing relationship with our
construction product manufacturers globally with a clients and with the opening of the RAK showroom
Intertek, a Total Quality Assurance provider to industries quality and safety standards for buildings, enable us to strong retail and distribution network, inaugurated we look forward to providing value-added products
worldwide, has announced that it has partnered with continue our vision for Quality, Sustainability, Health and a new showroom in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. This is and services to a wider audience. Given the number
Knauf, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of Safety, and train professionals with excellence through yet another step to deliver world class experience of projects now under construction in the UAE, our
building materials, to launch a training programme for a growing range of courses. The new partnership with and solutions to our existing and potential clientele. decision to create a larger showroom was motivated
contractors, installers and professionals. The programme Intertek will improve skills and knowledge through Hira›s goal is to provide consumers with service that by rising business and the need to handle rapid
is the first to offer Intertek Qualified Personnel (IQP) accredited qualifications. This initiative will help to create exceeds their expectations, and this new showroom growth. Hira strives to be market leaders in the areas
courses for drywall installers in the Gulf Corporate and retain a greater talent pool for the overall industry will broaden the company›s product and service and regions in which we choose to compete in by
Council (GCC) region, and it is an extension of Intertek’s and to set a high standard for the region when it comes offerings to clients and projects. going above and beyond our clients› expectations.
global initiative to independently qualify personnel to the to professional training.’ Located in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, with The new showroom in Ras Al Khaimah will enable us
highest industry standards. Trainees can enrol to become Cristina Perez Domper, Regional Operations Manager at proximity to the manufacturing facility owned by Hira to offer the best support and services in yet another
qualified for compliant installation of Knauf’s building Intertek Building & Construction for Middle East & Africa, Industries LLC, the new showroom will exhibit Hira’s geographic area.”
materials. The first group of graduates received their IQP said: ‘Partnering with an industry leader like Knauf to set world-leading products and solutions. The new RAK showroom is staffed with experienced
certificates at a special ceremony yesterday. up an IQP Programme is a significant step for Intertek The brand-new showroom will offer Hira’s complete service agents who will handle everything from client
The qualification programme is designed for technical in the region. We are very excited about launching product portfolio, including Aerofoam Thermal demonstrations to ensuring that all customer after-
professionals in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, the first IQP Programme of its kind in the region, and Insulation solutions, Aeroduct Ducting Accessories, sales needs are handled in one location.
Kuwait and Bahrain, and is delivered in the new Knauf we look forward to expanding our network of certified Maico Ventilation Products, Diamond Adhesive Tapes, In the UAE since 1980, Hira Industries has been the
Training Centre. Hundreds of professionals from the programmes. This collaboration will elevate the standards RubTech Rubber Products and Diamond Walraven largest HVAC and construction materials distribution and
region are expected to complete this qualification for the industry and add an extra level of verification and Pipe Support Systems. manufacturing company in the region, with 30+ sales
every year, where they will learn how to optimise qualification to the installation process, a key step which Umesh Unni, General Manager, Hira Industries LLC, offices, 14 production units across the UAE and globally.
installation efficiency, how to reduce wastage and apply is often overlooked, in line with the increasing fire-safety
best practice to all installations in line with fire-safety regulations implemented by authorities.’
requirements. The training programme is an expansion Jean-Philippe Kayl, Vice-President Global Certification at
of Knauf’s own education and examination programme Intertek, added: ‘Knauf’s commitment to excellence is
for the installation of its systems, certified by Intertek for truly impressive. Intertek is delighted to support Knauf
compliance with international fire standards. in its journey to implement world-class quality and safety
Intertek’s IQP Programme increases the proficiency practices in the construction industry.’
of participating installers and inspectors in installation
practices, to ensure that their work is at the highest level
of quality and safety assurance. Qualified professionals
will be required to undergo a refresher training session
every two years to maintain their qualification. The IQP
Programme gives relevant authorities independent
assurance that the installations meet all industry
requirements and have been carried out by qualified
professionals.
Amer Bin Ahmed, Managing Director at Knauf Middle East
& India, said: ‘We are very pleased to offer IQP accredited
courses in partnership with Intertek at the new Knauf
Training Centre. The new programmes will ensure higher

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