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Steel Building Systems in the Middle East - NASH


South Australian steel framed manufacturing company Steel Building Systems International (SBS) will establish several multi million dollar manufacturing plants throughout the Middle East over the next 6 years with expected revenues from the venture for the Adelaide based company to be in excess of $150m.

The announcement was made today in Adelaide by SBS founder, Kevin Weeks, and the South Australian Premier, Mike Rann.

SBS is the developer of Supaloc®, an innovative world leading light gauge steel framed building system in which every component is engineered to perform. Utilising high grade tensile steel, the Supaloc® system uniquely connects roof - wall - floor creating a strong super structure and reducing the costs of foundations due to the building's lightweight construction. The patented connections mean the system is quickly assembled in the factory and allows for fast erection on site using minimal labour, thus reducing construction time significantly.

"Our joint venture will see the first plant established in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, as early as January 2009 and a scheduled roll out of 8 additional plants throughout the Middle East by 2014," Mr Weeks said.

The Middle East markets are dealing with a staggering demand for accommodation to house the thousands of people attracted to the employment opportunities. There are an estimated 6.5 million foreign workers in the six Gulf Cooperation Council states - Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE and Oman - making up about 37% of the population.

"We have established a new geographical footprint in one of the world's most exciting regions; it's a landmark day for our business and our technology," added Mr Weeks.

To facilitate the project SBS has entered into negotiations with the State Government to purchase a 'Green Fields' industrial site at Elizabeth West. This site will allow future consolidation of all operations and allow the growing R&D expansion needed to allow new products to reach the market faster.

The premier, Mr Rann, said, "It reflected well on Australian and specifically on South Australian innovative businesses."

"Through SBS' innovation, a massive opportunity has been realised in the Middle East. It is testimony to our skills. All the machinery, tools, frames and chassis required for the manufacturing plants are built in South Australia. The complex software that controls all aspects of manufacture is also developed in-house," added Mr Weeks.

The first plant in Abu Dhabi will be fast tracked operationally with a support team from Australia ramping production to 2 shifts per day within months after commissioning.

"The 9 plants will create 10million square metres of product per year which is 5 times South Australia's total market for residential construction of 2million square metres per year," Mr Weeks said.

"Historically the lion's share of our revenues has been domestic through the construction of steel-framed homes but that is changing dramatically," Mr Weeks said.

Steel Building Systems International (SBS) is a member of the National Association of Steel-Framed Housing Inc (NASH).



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