Blockade fails to dent steel business

The steel business in Qatar has remained robust despite the economic blockade imposed by the Saudi-led bloc, providing bigger opportunities for local steel companies to expand their operations, it is learnt.Al Shaheen Aluminium, UPVC and Glass Factory operation manager Abd El Qader told Gulf Times that they are working hard to meet the increasing demand for such products and services in Qatar.“Now, construction is booming in Qatar and most companies want to complete their projects on time. Without aluminium, there will be no building,” he pointed out, stressing that the blockade has not affected their business.El Qader was speaking on the sidelines of the two-day ‘Buy Local Products’ exhibition organised by Qatar Development Bank, which concluded yesterday.The authorities require construction projects (hotels, villas and commercial buildings, among others) in the country to use fire-rated aluminium windows and doors, especially in kitchens, according to El Qader. “This is to prevent a fire from spreading in a building, and we also have these products,” he said.Established in 2005 as ‘Hi Tech’, the company was renamed Al Shaheen in 2007. It shifted its factory to the New Industrial Area on a 5,696sq m plot. The company, which covers at least 10 different activities, imports its materials from European countries such as Germany, Italy, and the UK, among others. El Qader said the growing demand for glass, aluminium and UPVC (unplasticised polyvinyl chloride) glass has also prompted them to expand operations in Qatar.Apart from aluminium and steel products, he cited a high demand for services such as installations and management in accordance with international standards – a reason for a company to have highly-skilled and professional employees.El Qader’s views were echoed by Al Jaber Steel Co marketing lead Asif Qasim, who said Qatari companies like theirs have benefited from the blockade.He said the siege has, in fact, boosted their business, receiving more customers from the construction sector and exceeding their monthly sales targets.“We also do not have any issue with steel prices and have a number of sources. We are bringing materials from Korea, India, China and others,” he noted. Al Jaber Group, including Al Jaber Steel, has been operating for more than 20 years and involved in several big-ticket projects in the country, according to Qasim.He said pre-engineered building work is in demand in Qatar now as it is less costly than building a concrete structure. The company is also ready to supply steel for various kinds of projects such as greenhouses for local farms, Qasim added.