The UK-based Muraspec, which was established three decades ago, has grown to become one of the world's leading designers and manufacturers of wallcoverings for the contract market, enjoying an annual turnover of more than £35 million ($49.63 million).

The company was set up in 1971 as a distributor of contract vinyl wallcoverings manufactured by Brymor, a leading manufacturer of vinyl wallcoverings. Brymor was the first manufacturer in the UK to use vinyl for wallcoverings in 1980.

In 1998, Muraspec and Brymor joined forces to become the first venture in Europe to both manufacture and distribute wallcoverings. In the same year, Muraspec also became a division of Omnova Wallcovering of the US, a world leader in wallcovering manufacturing and distribution. The Omnova umbrella also includes such brands as Genon, Lanark, and Bolta wallcoverings.

Besides the UK, Muraspec has been able to achieve success in other areas of the world as well, given its reputation and an extensive range of products.

Recognising the importance of the Middle East, a regional office and warehouse was established in Dubai in 1993.

"We are renowned for our product quality and manufacturing innovation," says Steven Pratt, business manager, Dubai office. "Many of our most successful designs have been the result of a highly creative and dynamic relationship between our designers and our technical and manufacturing staff.''

The company has been present in the region for over eight years. The Dubai office caters to whole of the Middle East, parts of North Africa and the Asian subcontinent.

"Our products are being successfully used in major offices, hotels, commercial projects as well as refurbishment projects throughout the Middle East," says Pratt.

"Our innovative collections of Murek, Muralon, Panorama, Astoria, Galon, Resimur, Classics, Textiles and our brand new Meteor and Eurotech ranges are brands that are gaining international reputation for high quality, along with excellent design and colour," he says.

Some of the major projects in which Muraspec has been involved in the UAE are the Abu Dhabi Hilton and the Ministry of Defence, Al Ain, both in Abu Dhabi; Dubai International Airport, Ericsson offices, Jebel Ali Hotel, Lexus Tower, Ramada Hotel and the Renaissance Hotel, all in Dubai; and the Sharjah National Hotels properties in Sharjah.

Elsewhere in the Gulf, it has supplied wallcoverings for the Sheraton hotel in Bahrain; Safir Hotel and Sheraton hotel in Kuwait; Doha Marriott Gulf Hotel, Gulf Hotel, and the Ministry of Finance, all in Qatar; National Guard Hospital and Riyadh Marriott Hotel, all in Saudi Arabia; and the Muscat InterContinental, Majan Hotel and Salalah Hilton in Oman.

Other major projects in the Middle East include the El Gezirah Sheraton and Meridien Heliopolis, both in Egypt; Holiday Inn Martinez, Beirut, Lebanon; and the Monta Rosa Hotel & Country Club, Damascus, Syria.