Sanipex registers phenomenal growth.

(From Gulf Construction)

Sanipex, a Dubai-based specialist supplier of sanitary ware, tiles, plumbing accessories, sinks and bath tubs, is registering phenomenal growth, thanks to its service quality and product portfolio which boasts world-renowned manufacturers and top-of-the-line products. "We have been in operation since 1994 and have grown in stature by offering complete solutions and services. Today, Sanipex enjoys an annual turnover of $32 million and the future looks even brighter," says Daryl Barker, group managing director

"Our figures speak for themselves as achieving a 40 per cent growth per year is not a small achievement for any establishment," he adds. "Quality of service has always been a focal point for the company, besides introducing new and innovative products in the market. The latest addition is the steel bath tubs manufactured by Kaldewei Germany which have been well received in the market," he points out. Presently, the company boasts an impressive list of principals that includes; Bertocci - luxury bathroom accessories; Antonio Lupi - luxury bathroom furniture; Fantini - luxury contemporary mixers; Eurobath - contract and design mixers; Kaldewei - Steel baths and shower trays; GSI- contemporary bathrooms; Galassia - contemporary and contract bathrooms; Shires - acrylic baths and whirlpools; Appiani - mosaic tiles; Wagner - stainless steel washbasin accessories; Alape - luxury washroom equipment; Art Ceram - luxury ceramic washbasins and vessels; Yorkshire - copper pipes and fittings; Sanit - concealed plumbing systems; and Reginox - steel sinks

Over the years, Sanipex has been associated with a number of prestigious projects and has supplied total sanitary ware solutions to many large-scale developments, the most recent being the new Kempinski Hotel - which involved the supply of sanitary ware and mixers for 400 rooms with a contract value of $1.5 million; mixers for 400 BurJurman apartments, worth $1 million; sanitary ware and mixers for 320 rooms for the Hyatt renovation project, valued at $1 million; and sanitary ware and mixers for 2,300 bathrooms at the Dubai Marina (Emaar), worth $1 million. Sanipex was initially established as an indenting agent, representing quality European manufacturers of plumbing and sanitary goods in the Middle East. Its function was to build a network of well-placed, professional distributors throughout the area to import directly from the European factories. Sanipex also trained the dealers' sales staff as well as visiting specifiers and contractors to help develop business for both the producer and distributor

Success came the company's way and within three years of launching operations, the company was representing leading manufacturers in Europe, "To make our presence felt throughout the region, we have been participating in major regional exhibitions such as the Big 5 show for the past eight years. This has helped us in establishing our reach throughout the region. However, the company is primarily catering to its core market of Dubai," Barker explains

The company is led by experienced professionals, who have wide experience of the local market. Barker, himself has 18 years of experience in the field, 12 of which were in Dubai. Sanipex has fully capitalised on the growing UAE market and to tap further potential, it has recently established a separate retail division supported by its Bagno Design showroom in Al Quoz

Bagno Design has established itself as one of Dubai's premier luxury bathroom showrooms and although unique to the Middle East, it could easily be at home in London, Milan or Munich. "Bagno Design is highly appreciated by the upper middle class and acts as a support to the company's project division for visits and presentations to architects and designers," he explains