Dubai – February 8th 2012: Ducab, one of the leading manufacturers of high-quality power cables and wires in the Middle East, will be showcasing the latest world-class technologies in cable manufacturing at this year’s Middle East Electricity Exhibition (MEEE) at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from 7 to 9 February 2012.

The company, situated at Stand 7E10, will be displaying products from its entire range of Energy and Instrumentation, Copper, and Connect divisions. A key addition to Ducab offerings at MEEE this year will come from Ducab HV, a venture that brings global best practices in the manufacture of high voltage cables and products to the UAE, and covers the highest voltages in use within the GCC. Ducab HV offers excellent quality, stringently tested alternatives to imports, and ensures that utility providers and contractors can source vital energy infrastructure cables from a local supplier.

Senior decision-makers, including Ducab’s Managing Director and General Managers will be present at the event to interact with customers, partners and other stakeholders, as Ducab uses MEEE as a launch pad to introduce new products and to meet with customers.

Ducab will be introducing its new breed of flexible cables, designed for indoor wiring applications where cables are subjected to lateral stresses by kinking and twisting, such as when connecting handheld equipment, e.g. power drills and hand grinders.  The company will also be introducing a new range of cables ‘FLAMBICC’, the fire-resistant cables ideal for residential and industrial use where safety is a primary concern.

Ducab will also be unveiling a range of instrumentation and pilot cables used for data transfer and control circuits. Widely used across OGP (Oil, Gas and Petrochemical) industries, Ducab’s cables are manufactured to BS and IEC standards.
 
“We are constantly expanding our product range as we continually grow in existing business sectors while also exploring new markets. We are looking forward to MEEE 2012, which is an ideal venue for us to investigate new business opportunities while strengthening ties with our partners,” said Ahmed Al Shaikh, Chairman of Ducab and Ducab-HV.

“We are bringing greater capacity to the market and introducing products tailored to market needs, while ensuring excellence in quality, service and the delivery of customer value. At the same time, we are proactively exploring new markets in the region and internationally. MEEE 2012 is a platform that keeps getting bigger, and we are looking forward to establishing new connections while reinforcing existing ones,” he added.

Ducab continues to focus on its traditional strengths of customer service coupled with product quality, in the strong belief that such stringent commitment to quality and exceptional value will continue to drive the sale of Ducab cables and allied products across the region.

Power cables manufacturer supports 2nd Annual Middle East Fire Safe 2011 as part of safety promotion strategy

Dubai – October 24, 2011: Ducab, one of the leading manufacturers of high-quality power cables and wires in the Middle East, has announced a series of training and awareness sessions conducted in cooperation with the International Copper Association (ICA) to raise the level of awareness on making buildings electrically safe. The ICA is the apex body that promotes the application and use of copper across various industry sectors. A series of sessions have been hosted in Abu Dhabi and Dubai respectively in September 2011 and will be followed by more sessions for the other Emirates.

Ducab has also supported the 2nd Annual Middle East Fire Safe Conference 2011, where it showcased a range of high safety cables including the entire Fire Performance range of cables and wires in addition to its range of HV, MV & LV cables, Ducab Smokemaster LSF- low smoke and fume cables, Instrumentation and Pilot cables, Control and Auxiliary cables, Wiring cables and Lead-sheathed cables for the oil, gas and petrochemical sector. The highlight of the event was the DuFlex range of flexibles designed and manufactured to the most recent safety standards including BS 6004, BS 6500 and IEC 60227.

“Ducab has always been a proponent of planning efforts that lead to electrically safe building. It is extremely important to have smart wiring with well-planned points, independent circuits, cabling of the correct rating, and good earthing”, said Colin McKay, Head of Sales & Marketing at Ducab. “It has been observed that there are some flexible cables and wires being imported and offered for sale through the market’s unorganized sector to MEP contractors, which do not comply with the proper internationally approved safety standard for such a product. The substandard wires & cables are bound to fail over time and thus pose a huge hazard on the residents of any building wired using these non-conforming products; causing fatal accidents including death in some cases.”

As a UAE National company, Ducab has taken the initiative to partner with government bodies in control of approving projects - such as DEWA, DM Laboratories, Civil Defense and ESMA – to jointly alert all the governing entities on a very serious issue within the UAE cables and wires market.
 
“Ducab invests a lot of time and energy in raising awareness with the industry experts to eliminate unsafe unapproved imports of wires and cables in this market which is the prime reason of many fire incidents”, he added.

“We are involved with Ducab’s safety demonstrations, to highlight the suitability of copper in preventing fire hazards and promoting building safety. Electrical wiring made of pure copper has low resistance and high current carrying capacity. This enables it to withstand heavy electrical loads with ease. The ICA recommends using pure copper wires when planning electric circuits in such a way that eliminates the use of poorly recycled copper in building wire, overloading of plug points, improper earthing practices and using wires of incorrect diameter and load carrying capacity,” said Ravinder Bhan, representing ICA.

Ducab accords highest priority to health & safety in all installations and thereby strongly urge the consultants & specifiers to strictly adhere to the international safety norms by specifying BASEC /LPCB approved or equivalent Fire Performance cables and DuFlex wires for all electrical installations. The company’s Fire Performance Cables are intended for applications requiring circuit integrity during fire. These cables generate very low smoke and are halogen-free, thus helping protect sensitive equipment, improve safety, reduce fire damage to buildings, provides extra time to escape during fire, and thus safeguard invaluable human life. Ducab Connect range of accessories are used by specialist earthing and lightning protection installers, electrical engineers and contractors for a host of sectors including oil, gas, petrochemicals, commercial and civil, construction.

Andrew Shaw, Ducab Managing Director

Dubai, August 10th, 2011 - Ducab, the leading manufacturer of high-quality power cables in the Middle East, today announced record sales of AED 2.4 billion for the first 6 months of 2011 – a 50% increase on last year, and volume growth of 13.5%.  Cables sales led the way with AED 1.4 billion and copper products, Ducab’s newest product line, accounted for the balance. The sales growth was driven by strong sales in all GCC markets with the UAE, and especially Abu Dhabi, providing significant growth.

“We are pleased with the results although market conditions remain very competitive and pricing still has a long way to go before margins are restored to reasonable levels. We are optimistic that these volumes are yet another positive sign that the UAE and regional economies are recovering”, said Andrew Shaw, Managing Director, Ducab.

Despite continued high copper prices affecting working capital, Ducab’s cash flow remained positive in the period with the company repaying AED 302 million of loans, compared to AED 73 million in the previous year.

Looking forward to the second half of the year, Ducab is working to complete the final commissioning of the AED 500m joint venture with DEWA and ADWEA. The new plant extends Ducab’s product range into the Extra High Voltage cable segment - manufacturing cable systems up to 400kv.  First sales are expected in the second half of the year.

Renowned marketing award for home-grown UAE industrial brand

Dubai, July 13, 2011- Following on from the recent announcement of record sales of AED 3.6bn for 2010, Ducab—one of the leading manufacturers of power cables in the Middle East—has now earned its third consecutive recognition as a UAE Superbrand.  The company was one of the few Industrial brands honoured with the recognition as a Superbrand – an award for marketing excellence more normally associated with well known consumer and retail businesses.

Andrew Shaw, Managing Director of Ducab, said, “We are absolutely delighted to be recognised as a Superbrand for the third year running. It’s a wonderful tribute to the hard work from everyone involved – and a reward for the effort that we have put into building enduring partnerships with our customers and remaining true to our core principles – Quality and Value. We are an industrial B2B company and are surprised and pleased that our message has been so well recognised in the UAE market. It’s a tribute to our UAE distribution partners who have actively promoted the brand alongside us.”

Ashish Chaturvedy, Marketing Manager at Ducab, said, “Ducab was one of two industrial brands voted as ‘Superbrands’ this year and we strive towards fulfilling all aspects of a true Superbrand- superior return for investors; a reason to buy for customers and a reason to drive to work every single day for those who make it and deliver it. Ducab’s efforts to position the brand through strong marketing campaigns, continuous customer communication and world-class customer service have paved the way for the company to be among the winners”. 

“Superbrands” were chosen through an online voting system polling customers and senior executives across the UAE as well as a high profile jury that included H.E. Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Colm Mcloughlin- MD, Dubai Duty Free and Iain Potter- VP Marketing, Unilever. Only brands that won over 80 percent of the votes were considered for the award.

Mr Ramaseshan, Marjan Cables – a long time Ducab distributor said, “We congratulate Ducab on winning the Superbrands award again. We are very proud and delighted but not at all surprised.  Ducab works very hard on ensuring that business partnerships are long term and mutually beneficial and we both benefit from the strong Ducab brand in the market. The Ducab Sales and Marketing team is always developing innovative ideas to support our business – for instance the recent   “Wire to win DPL – Go see IPL” cricket promotion, which helped to further brand awareness and sales.”

Winners awarded for effort and achievements as sales rocketed by 65%

Dubai, May 28, 2011- In a special initiative designed to recognize the contribution of its distributors, resellers and sales teams, Ducab—one of the leading manufacturers of high-quality power cables in the Middle East–awarded high performing business partners with all expenses paid trips to the Indian Premier League cricket final in India. The aim of this promotion was to encourage the sales of wires and flexible cords in the UAE over a 3 month period

The 50 winners from all over UAE were announced and feted at a gala dinner and celebration at the Monarch Hotel, Dubai. Attendees at the gala event included distributors’ sales representatives, dealers, traders, retailers, sales men and counter sales representatives.

Speaking at the occasion, Ducab’s Marketing Manager, Ashish Chaturvedy said: “Ducab’s achievements and growth is a direct result of the efforts of our valued business partners. Our vision is to strengthen the long-term relationships with our value chain and work closely with them towards mutual growth. Our promotional initiative was designed to create some excitement at the retail leval at the same time reward them for their efforts, and to acknowledge the important role they play in Ducab’s success.”

The ‘Wire to Win DPL – Go see the IPL’ promotional scheme ran through the month of February, March and April, offering a host of prizes and rewards to high achieving distributors and retailers as per the pre-set sales targets. Apart from IPL trips, the night saw teams and individuals awarded with vouchers, white goods and other recognitions. 

“We are very proud of the efforts of our partners and sales teams in improving sales. Ducab is cognizant of the role its business partners play in its success. The IPL promotion was our way of incentivizing them, and thanking them for promoting Ducab’s success in local and regional markets,” added Chaturvedy.

The 3 days all-expenses paid IPL packages includes match tickets, flights, hotel accommodations with bed and breakfast, airport pickups and transfers, and transport to and from the cricket stadium.

“The promotion has proved to be very successful, and we are very pleased to acknowledge the outstanding results our distributors and retail sales teams have garnered. Cumulatively, we have sold over 1500 tonnes of LV wires during the promotion period within the UAE, resulting in a sales increase of about 65% over the same period last year,” Chaturvedy concluded. 

Dubai, April 27, 2011- Ducab—one of the leading manufacturers of high-quality power cables in the Middle East—has announced today (April 27 2011) during a press conference held in Dubai, record sales of AED 3.6bn for 2010, representing a 51% increase over the previous year and 47% volume growth with full realisation of copper rod capacity.  Going forward this year, despite the global economic downturn and a rise in copper prices, Ducab anticipates a further increase in volumes of about 15% compared to 2010.

Ducab has seen a successful 2010 despite competitive margin pressures, with the company’s local UAE market share maintained at between 33 and 50 percent, depending on the cable segment. Last year’s record of AED 3.6bn comprised cable and wire sales of AED2.2bn whilst the external sales of copper rod accounted for the balance AED1.4bn. Significant areas of growth included 22% higher sales to Utilities and a 143% increase in sales to the Oil, Gas and Petrochemical sector.

Ahmad Al Shaikh, Chairman of Ducab, attributed the company’s success to expansion into new sectors and markets within the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and Asia, as well as the addition of eight new product ranges to the company’s portfolio. Cost and efficiency improvement contributed too with savings of AED 17m achieved through operational efficiencies and cost optimisation initiatives.   In 2010 Ducab repaid, on the due dates, AED 182 million and pre-paid 100mn, representing 35% of term finance obtained for such previous expansions. Ducab’s shareholders equity has also increased by AED 100mn by the end of 2010, besides a dividend payout of 50mn. 

Looking ahead to further expansion Ahmad Al Shaikh highlighted Ducab HV, the AED500m joint venture project with DEWA and ADWEA as 25% partners, “This exciting project is nearing completion and will be the major addition to the product range this year; catapulting Ducab to the next level with Extra High Voltage cable systems up to 400kV produced in a world class facility here in the UAE”.

“Last year was a very challenging period worldwide for an industry such as ours, where real estate and construction are major drivers of demand, and the Middle East market was no exception,” says Ahmad Al Shaikh. “Fortunately, infrastructure projects and energy investment throughout the GCC have been counter-cyclical in this downturn and have provided some compensation for the construction slowdown. Ducab managed to grow despite the market condition and increased competition in the region”. Ducab also continues to invest in identifying Emirati talent for various functions across the business with significant progress made last year in training and development of young Emiratis.

“We will continue to focus on Ducab’s traditional strengths of customer service and product quality, with the strong belief that such commitment to high quality and exceptional value will continue to drive the sale of Ducab cables and allied products across the region”, Al Shaikh concluded.

Ducab cables & copper products are currently sold in over 40 countries worldwide across Middle East, Europe, Africa, and Far East in Asia.  Approximately 65-70% of Ducab’s total sales are currently made within the UAE market.

Ashish Chaturvedy

Dubai, UAE – 18 April 2011: Ducab, one of the leading manufacturers of power cables in the Middle East, has announced its pride and satisfaction at being involved with the Dubai Global Energy Forum as Platinum Sponsor. Held under the theme of ‘Energy Challenges and Opportunities for a Sustainable Future,’ the forum is taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre and will run till April 19, 2011. With over 2,000 delegates expected to attend the forum, Ducab is pleased at the chance to network with global energy leaders and professionals to exchange views and ideas related to the energy industry.

“We are proud to be a platinum sponsor for DGEF 2011, which is an excellent platform for energy leaders and professionals to exchange views and ideas on regional and global issues related to energy policies, programs, technologies and investment opportunities,” says Ashish Chaturvedy, Marketing Manager, Ducab. “The Forum is the first global event of its kind in the Emirate of Dubai on energy and sustainability, which are considered among the most dynamic sectors in the world.”

Ducab has been one of the leading manufacturers of energy cables in the Middle East for over 30 years, and has seen steady growth. The company now offers a complete range of energy cables, accessories and services up to 400kV from five state-of-the art facilities in the UAE. Ducab’s objective is to be the first-choice partner for all cable requirements in the UAE and Middle East, and deliver the best value and highest quality products in the industry. As a BASEC approved supplier operating to the highest international standards in Quality, Environmental and Health & Safety Management, Ducab provides its customers with value advantage unrivalled in the region.

“Ducab has been in the business of electrical cabling for a long time. The organization recognizes that this powerful energy enables our daily lives, and spends a lot of time ensuring it can be brought to businesses, factories and homes with minimal loss and zero risk. In addition to ensuring its cables are of the highest quality, Ducab is committed to the health, safety and protection of buildings’ residents, its own employees, and the environment as a whole through stringent testing and robust planning,” concluded Chaturvedy.

Leading manufacturer showcases high voltage power cable & copper product portfolio at WETEX 2011

Ducab HV Factory

Dubai, UAE – 9 March 2011: Ducab, one of the leading manufacturers of power cables in the Middle East, has announced that the machines’ installation is progressing as per the planned schedule at its AED 500 million high-voltage Ducab HV factory in Jebel Ali. The announcement came during Ducab’s participation as a main sponsor at the Water, Energy Technology & Environment Exhibition (WETEX 2011), where the company is showcasing its entire range of energy cables, accessories and copper products at the Zabeel Hall, Stand number MSP 4. The 13th WETEX Exhibition 2011 runs at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre from 8th to 10thMarch 2011.

Ducab HV, the new joint venture between Ducab, ADWEA and DEWA will extend the company’s range to Extra High Voltage products (up to 400kV), covering the highest voltage currently used in the GCC. The plant will operate as the first dedicated high-voltage facility in region, and will increase Ducab’s production capacity by 30,000 tonnes.

“The bulk of the machinery at the HV plant is sourced from European suppliers, and their expert installation teams are providing assistance to the Ducab Project Team to facilitate commissioning and installation,” says Ducab HV CEO Jon Vail. “Once the plant becomes operational, we expect to sell over AED 1 billion of cable and associated services annually, which will firmly entrench the company as market leader in the category.”

“We are proud to be one of the main sponsors for WETEX 2011, which is an excellent platform to network with purchasers and decision-makers in the industry as we highlight new additions to our product range,” says Ducab Chairman Ahmed Al Shaikh. “As regional economies continue to grow, the need for electricity and power infrastructure grows too. The Ducab HV factory is designed to meet these needs, supporting ADWEA, DEWA and other regional utilities with the highest quality High Voltage and Extra High Voltage cables. We see this expansion in the Ducab portfolio beneficial not only to Ducab and its new partners but to the UAE society as a whole.”

Ducab has recently announced the completion of the factory’s 148m high tower, a new landmark in Jebel Ali, which is believed to be the highest industrial tower in the GCC. The 44 storey tower, housing state of the art extrusion equipment, is the most noticeable feature of the new Ducab-HV factory. It is designed to ensure that the Extra High Voltage products are manufactured to the highest standards necessary to provide faultless service. 

Market leader to focus on broadening product range and capabilities in 2011

Dubai – 7 February 2011: Dubai Cable Company (Ducab), one of the leading manufacturers of power cables in the Middle East, will be showcasing its entire range of energy cables, connect accessories and copper products at the Middle East Electricity Exhibition 2011 (MEEE). The move comes as the organization looks to highlight its production capabilities while broadening its product range in 2011. Ducab aims to be prominently represented at stand 7E10, Hall 7, at the 36th edition of Middle East Electricity, which takes place at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre from 8th to 10th February 2011.

Ducab’s MEEE participation is going to serve as a platform to interact with the majority of UAE based loyal customers who have been the strength of Ducab, more so during the challenging times in the recent past. By offering top quality cables & copper products including drawn wires, conductors and rods, Ducab has established itself as a brand of first choice by most users in the market.  The company has established a copper rod mill as part of a backwards integration system where internationally sourced copper cathode is converted into highest grade rods and drawn into wires. These rods, which Ducab started manufacturing in 2008, are one of the main constituent of Ducab’s cables, but are also sold separately and exported to many countries outside of the Middle East region.

“There are several exciting developments occurring at Ducab, including the introduction of the HV /EHV range of cables going up to 400,000 volts. There is also a drive to establish regional and international market presence through a network that sees us come into closer proximity with our customers. We are looking forward to meeting our customers and stakeholders in person during the Middle East Electricity exhibition, and take advantage of the significant markets interest our products garnered through 2010 participation,” said Andrew Shaw, Ducab Managing Director.

Ducab is already exploring regional markets, but wants to use events like Middle East Electricity 2011 to expand its manufacturing presence and customer profile to key regional markets. While the UAE remains the cable manufacturer’s core market, countries like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Africa, Asia and parts of Europe look particularly promising in terms of business development. At current point in time, Ducab’s products are sold in over 40 countries worldwide, with approximately 65-70% of Ducab’s total sales made in the UAE.

“We consider MEEE an excellent platform to network with purchasers and decision-makers in the industry, and we are looking forward to a successful week ahead. We aim to highlight new additions to our product range, while simultaneously highlighting Ducab’s commitment to excellent customer service and engineering,” he added.

MEEE has firmly established itself as the meeting place for industry professionals wishing to network with, and source solutions from, local and international companies offering end-to-end solutions for  the power generation, lighting, water, nuclear and new & renewable energy industries. The 2010 iteration of the show was attended by over 45,000 industry professionals, purchasers, and decision-makers.

Ashish Chaturvedy, Marketing Manager, Ducab said, “Ducab actively participates at MEEE every year. The show provides a great opportunity for us to interact with existing and potential contractors, developers and consultants from Middle East, Africa, Europe and Asian region whilst allowing us to showcase our complete range of copper products, cables and cable accessories. MEEE 2010 served as an excellent platform to launch the new Ducab Connect product range of cable accessories and renew relationships with supply chain partners alike, and we look forward to a highly successful 2011 event.”

“We want to highlight the fact that Ducab, in addition to adding new volume capabilities with Ducab HV in 2011, is working to expand its offerings with products tailored to market demand, and the specific needs of our client,” he concluded.

Seasoned executive Colin McKay welcomes opportunity to take Ducab forward with new products across new and existing channels   

Colin McKay

Dubai, November 12, 2010:  In a move to capitalize on recent product diversification and expansion, Ducab—one of the leading manufacturers of power cables in the Middle East—has announced the appointment of a new General Manager for its global Sales & Marketing division based out of the company’s Jebel Ali headquarters in Dubai.  Senior executive Colin McKay will lead the integration of Ducab’s local and international marketing strategies, including the development of key projects within the Utilities, Oil Gas & Petrochemical sector, Ducab’s expanding contractor business within the Middle East, and the commercial launch of the AED 500m joint venture Ducab HV factory in 2011.

Andrew Shaw, MD, Ducab feels that the new appointment will reinforce Ducab’s commitment to superior customer service and its unique capacity to design tailor-made cable solutions, which today are supplied from its UAE facilities to over 30 countries worldwide.  Following the steps taken by his Ducab predecessor, Chew Wah Tan, collaborative projects in Qatar, KSA and sub-Saharan Africa through to Europe will also be a high priority for the incoming GM.

“Businesses today are not only looking for a good product, but a partner that understands their market and their financial aspirations,” comments Colin.  “For over three decades Ducab has constantly improved and customized its portfolio to align with market demand, and it is with great pride that I accept this role as an opportunity to contribute to such an important UAE business..”
 
Colin has successfully climbed the ranks of the international cable industry for the last 30 years.   Joining the fold of the internationally renowned cable manufacturer Delta Crompton Cables and having undergone a four year induction scheme in conjunction with the University of North London, Colin was one of the youngest men ever to assume the role of Commercial Manager with Delta at the age of just 28.   Subsequent roles in the Middle East with Delta and its subsidiary Cables & Plastics were among his early overseas assignments. 

Joining Elektrim’s UK subsidiary Copper Cable Company (CCC) in the mid-1990s, Colin took the company’s cable sales from $15m to over $200m during his tenure.  Although Elektrim eventually sold its CCC operations to Tele-Fonika in 2000, Colin stayed on board and since 2000 has spent three periods as a Board Director latterly in the position of Vice-President Sales.
 
“Both as a market and as a headquarters, the UAE is the place to be in today’s cable industry and Ducab is a strong well recognised brand,” adds McKay.  “For Ducab in particular, demand has remained consistently strong, outpacing other developing markets and further defining the company as the Middle East’s leader in quality.” 

Ducab was previously been honoured with the recognitions such as the “Mohammed Bin Rashid Business Excellence Award” and “Emirates Quality Mark Award” for its achievements in the manufacturing sector whilst the recent addition has been the 2nd consecutive Superbrands award for branding excellence in the region.