YAMAMA Factories for Red Bricks and Clay Products this year marks three decades of service to the regional market. Over this period, the company has revolutionised the scope of brick production by increasing the market’s product offering from three to 100 and introducing clay hordi bricks (ceiling bricks) and a number of facing brick types to Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi-based company, which has been serving the local and international markets for the past 30 years with quality products, started out with a capacity of 81,000 tonnes, which today has grown to reach 600,000 tonnes of fired bricks and 76,000 tonnes of fired roof-tiles.
However, the demand for its products has prompted the company to embark on a phased expansion programme, with production targeted to commence by the year-end and in early 2010.
“Prior to Yamama’s inception, clay hordi bricks and a number of facing brick types were unknown in the Saudi market. There were only three types of clay bricks produced then in Saudi Arabia. In fact, a prominent homeowner in Jeddah had to import large quantities of facing bricks from Britain to build his home,” says Abdullah Al Zamil, chairman of the Riyadh-headquartered company.
Yamama has led the field in terms of diversification of clay brick products.
Citing some of the advantages of red bricks, he says these products provide good thermal insulation, hence can play a crucial role in reducing power consumption. In addition, they are made of natural material and hence are safe in terms of human health and environment. In addition, they have high compressive strength, are lightweight and have low water absorption, he says.
Since launching production, Yamama diversified into various types of bricks over the years and without limiting itself to the production of clay bricks alone. Today, the company produces 100 types of products, he says.
The company also produces high-quality roofing tiles that rival those produced in Europe in terms of colour and water absorption.
“Though several types of roofing tiles are produced in France and Spain, Yamama has managed to secure a niche for itself in these highly competitive markets,” he points out.
Yamama’s industrial strategy was built on key objectives: production of high-quality products; vertical and horizontal expansion; diversification of products to suit market needs; and a commitment to customer satisfaction and after-sales service.
“It is strict adherence to this strategy that has ensured high success for the company,” says Al Zamil.
In terms of quality, Yamama products are considered among the best and comparable to European products. Apart from Saudi standards, Yamama complies with Din 105, ASTM and BS international standards, according to project requirements.
Incorporated more than 30 years ago, Yamama Factories for Red Bricks and Clay Products is considered one of the oldest Saudi companies in the building materials industry. It is driven by its commitment to fulfil the requirements of the Saudi markets as well as its export market through its factories in the central and southern Saudi Arabia.
It continues to be the main supplier of clay bricks to many major projects in Saudi Arabia and abroad. These include Imam Mohammed Bin Saud Islamic University, Saudi Iqaria Company, Ministry of Interior housing projects, King Saud University, Al Nasser housing compounds in Riyadh, and other big projects in the UAE and Qatar.