The Big 5

Positive response

Doors with inlays ... innovative solutions from de La Fontaine.

CANADA’S de La Fontaine is optimistic that its high-quality products will open doors to the highly buoyant Saudi market where it is poised to set foot for the first time as an exhibitor at the inaugural The Big 5 Saudi Arabia.

The Canadian specialist manufacturer of metal doors and frames was encouraged by the positive response it received at The Big 5 in Dubai, where the company exhibited for the second consecutive time last year.

The company is now keen to explore the opportunities offered by the Saudi market, given the fact that the kingdom is the economic powerhouse in the GCC and the positive initial feedback it has received from Saudi customers. “We had the opportunity to meet Saudi customers who highly recommended that we promote our products in the kingdom. As soon as we found out about The Big 5 Saudi Arabia, we were determined to take part in this important event,” says Stephanie Fortin, vice-president international business development.

de La Fontaine will be bringing to the Saudi expo its new revolutionary fire-rated doors that offer flexibility and exceptional design possibilities. “Our inlay process combines steel with other materials such as wood, stainless steel, brass and laminate, allowing developers to enhance the distinctive style of projects by customising the design of doors,” Fortin says.

The company produces a complete line of fire-rated metal doors and frames manufactured with hot-dipped galvanised or stainless steel. Established in 1968, it achieves an annual turnover of $20 million and employs more than 100 people.

Embossed door in a modern reception area ... inspiring creativity.

“Our team of professionals combines the development of creative solutions with manufacturing know-how to provide products that ensure the customer complete satisfaction. Our reputation is built on our expertise, the reliability of our products and over 30 years of experience in the industry,” says Fortin.

Business has been good over the past year and the positive customer response indicates another sound year ahead.

“Despite last year’s recession, our results were positive since our company has excellent relations with our clientele. This is due to the fact that we put a lot of emphasis on service, prompt delivery and quality products,” he says.

In addition, de La Fontaine also introduced a unique line of design fire-rated hollow metal doors.

Good management and quality control is an essential part of the company’s strategy for growth. “The use of forward-looking management practices based on the principles of lean management, combined with our ISO 9000:2000 certification, ensures a highly efficient service. Superior quality, value-added products and a rigorous cost control process allow us to offer customised products at competitive prices,” says Fortin.

Over the years, de La Fontaine has built its reputation with quality products manufactured to exceed the standards of the industry. These standards include NAAMM/HMMA 861, Guide Specification for Hollow Metal Doors and Frames.

Its quality assurance pledge is backed up by the fact that its well-equipped factory is ISO 9001-2008 certified and continues to acquire new machinery every year; the company has more than 30 years of experience in manufacturing hollow metal doors and frames; it employs qualified people in the marketing, engineering and manufacturing departments; and works with state-of-the-art equipment to manufacture quality products.

The company is also a member of many international prestigious associations, such as Construction Specification Institute (CSI), Door & Hardware Institute (DHI), National Association of Architectural Metal Manufacturers (NAAMM), and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

While the company’s primary market is the US, it has also contributed to many projects around the world. It has undertaken various high-profile projects such as Boston Children Hospital, Museum of Fine Arts, Prudential Centre, Fairmont Hotel and the University of Philadelphia in the US; Montreal Airport, Canada; Hong Kong Airport and the police headquarters in Hong Kong; and the Antaris Suite Hotel, Mexico.

In order to keep ahead of its competitors, de La Fontaine invests annually in research and development to ensure the company maintains its leadership position in the fire-rated metal doors and frames industry.

Commenting on the construction industry in the GCC and Saudi Arabia in particular, Fortin says: “We strongly believe in the GCC’s economic growth. Over the last few years, Canada has established a growing trade relationship with Saudi Arabia. Business opportunities exist across a wide range of sectors that match Canadian know-how and products. We will join all our efforts to be part of this growth by supplying top quality building products.”

“This is going to be our first visit to Saudi Arabia but definitely not the last one,” he concludes.

The company will be exhibiting at Stand B05 at The Big 5 Saudi Arabia.