

A relative newcomer on the Oman industrial scene, Windows 2000 believes it has been fortunate to achieve acceptance and success in the market within two years of its inception. The company, which started operations in 1999, is already a well-known entity in the construction market, says general manager Mohammed Al Sheibany, a jovial Omani who is extremely enthusiastic about his firm's products.
Sheibany says: ''Industries in Oman traditionally have a long gestation period. However, we have been lucky and are already well known in Oman. People are aware of the quality of our products. We offer products which are good value for money. We do not compromise on quality.''
The ISO9001-certified company fabricates uPVC (unplasticised polyvinylchloride) windows and doors with the technical assistance of Veka AG of Germany. The company has a highly impressive showroom in Muscat which provides a firsthand insight into the operation of each system offered by Windows. ''The showroom is rated the best within the Veka group and we invite our clients to visit it,'' says Sheibany.
Its facility has a production capacity of 60 standard windows per day using multichambered uPVC profiles imported from Veka AG while its technicians are also trained by the German firm.
''Windows 2000 products are the foremost in terms of quality and craftsmanship. Each product is custom-made by highly-skilled technicians in strict accordance to international quality standards. With more than 600 profiles designs, aesthetically-appealing and technically-appropriate solutions can be found in all our products.
''To ensure that our products stand up to the toughest tests, we only use fittings and handles that are produced by leading companies which have the right certification to produce such fittings."
According to Sheibany, windows and doors produced by the firm are designed, produced and installed to:
Windows 2000 uses software provided by Veka to calculate the various stresses on the systems such as windload etc.
Elaborating on the benefits of the company's products, he says: ''Our windows will last the lifespan of a building. We only use white uPVC profiles which are eminently suitable for this region because of their thermal insulation value. The profiles are treated with titanium dioxide to give them strength and protect them from discoloration. The main profiles are further reinforced with galvanised steel. All our products are double glazed in a professional manner, ensuring that the airspace does not collect moisture over the years.''
''Windows 2000 is Veka's first fabricator partner in the Middle East and Africa to have achieved ISO9001 accreditation. In addition, we are the only windows manufacturer in Oman to offer a written warranty for five years for our products. We guarantee our products against warping, water and dust ingress and sound insulation properties.
''Our windows offer a 25 per cent saving on electricity, compared with conventional windows, as they reduce the electricity consumed to run air-conditioners because of their thermal insulation properties.
''They are rated Class One for surface spread of flame, are self-extinguishing, do not generate poisonous fumes when ignited. In addition, with the perimetric locking system and other security features, there is no way an intruder can enter them, thus obviating the need for grilles.''
Windows 2000 offers a choice of shapes and opening systems: square, curved or of slanted design, with turn/tilt, sliding, tilt/slide, top hung or fixed features and sliding or folding patio doors. The windows incorporate a fly mesh which has a built-in retrieval system.
Some of its prestigious projects include the Sultan School extension where it supplied 200 windows and the Al Asfoor Gold Plaza where it supplied bullet-resistant glass as well as a number of private residences.
In addition, the company made highly successful forays into the East African market, resulting in a large order which prompted the firm to set up a standalone factory in Zanzibar.
''In fact, Veka personnel are currently in Zanzibar training our staff there,'' Sheibany points out.''
The company has supplied to palace projects in Abu Dhabi.
''However, we still have lot of work to do in the Omani market,'' he concludes.