Danube targets Dh1bn revenue this year

Dubai: Danube Building Materials, the leader in construction, building materials, and shop fitting industries, has announced that it aims to generate Dh1 billion in sales revenues by the end of 2008, following a highly successful performance in 2007.

Having achieved a 72 per cent growth in its annual earnings last year, the company has also projected that it could double its annual returns to touch the Dh2 billion mark by the end of 2010, based on the current uptrend in its overall growth and amidst the rapid expansion of the construction industry in the region.

The company's growth has been the result of its focus on establishing facilities in high potential production locations, such as its newest factories in Lianyungang, China and in Bahrain, which supply a significant bulk of the high quality products for its regional and international clients. In the UAE, Danube has undertaken a number of significant projects, including the delivery of its new Formica toilet cubicles to Dubai Mall, in addition to over Dh200 million in new projects in Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain and Dubai Techno Park.

Product expansion has also been a highlight of the company's operations in 2007, with its initial foray into steel trading, ceiling manufacturing, and glass and aluminum garnering considerable success.

“We are very satisfied with the outcome of our efforts to strengthen our operations in the UAE while extending our clout towards international production destinations. Last year has been remarkable for us as we have opened up a number of important ventures and gained outstanding exposure for our products with global and regional clients,'' said Rizwan Sajan, chairman of Danube.

For 2008, Danube has charted a specific action plan to target Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait where the demand for building materials is rapidly increasing.

Established in 1993, Danube has a portfolio of over 10,000 products ranging from MDF, plywood, timber, laminates, veneers to sanitary fittings, hardware, ironmongery, steel, aluminum and glass among others. At present, the company operates from its head offices in a 285,000 square foot facility in Jafza north and 365,000 square feet area in Jafza south, which includes warehouses, logistics, kiln drying and a factory. Danube currently maintains eight branches in the UAE, in addition to its global hubs in Oman, Bahrain, China and India.