Saudi Factory for Asphalt Products, part of the construction materials manufacturing group Al Rajhi Company for Industry and Trade, is eyeing the overseas market and planning an expansion of its production capacity to accommodate the additional demand it expects to be forthcoming in the near term.

Yousif Abdulla Al Rajhi, general manager of the industrial division of Al Rajhi, says the asphalt produced by the expanded factory is destined for markets as far as South Africa and Europe while it will also meet demand from the various Gulf states.

The asphalt company was established in 1998 with production actually commencing in the following year.

'To ensure quality of the products according to international standards, we established a new department for quality control, which is well-equipped. Since the first day of production in October 1999 we have followed the ISO 9002 standard and methods," he says, adding that the quality standard covered the entire spectrum of operations, from the time the importers were selected and the raw materials received to the stage of quality-control checks and the actual delivery of the goods.

The product range, according to Al Rajhi, is quite extensive, covering asphalt specifications such as 40/50, 80/100, MCI and RC2, among others. The specialised asphalt the company produces includes heat and humidity-resistant varieties such as 115/15, 25/85, premier and liquid asphalt.

The company's activities are expected to further strengthen the reputation of the Al Rajhi group, which occupies a prominent place in the Saudi construction field, having first made its presence more than half a century ago.

'Al Rajhi Company for Industry and Trade is one of the first companies to pioneer the manufacture and marketing of construction materials in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," says chairman Abdullah Abdul Aziz Al Rajhi.

Since its incorporation more than 50 years ago, the company has established more than 50 branches throughout the Kingdom, employing in excess of 900 staff. A 1994 survey placed it at No. 24 in the list of the 100 largest Saudi companies.

Over the years, the Al Rajhi group has grown to occupy a unique and distinguished position in the local and Gulf markets, becoming the largest distributor of construction materials in the region, he says.

'Building on the trust of our customers, we have worked continuously on our portfolio of products and services to ensure the delivery of quality," he continues. 'This means working closely with local producers and co-operating with our offices and agents abroad ... the Al Rajhi name has become synonymous with quality, confidence and total commitment to the needs of the customer... We pledge to build on this trust and to keep honouring our commitment to serve our country."