Sayyar Trading Agencies, which started manufacturing large-format metal ceiling tiles in Qatar just over a year ago, has seen a growing demand for its products and is now seeking distributors to offer its range throughout the GCC.

Sayyar Trading’s manufacturing venture known as Techno Tec Building Industries initially started operations in Qatar in 2000 with the manufacture of strip ceilings. In response to demands made by the market and consultants in particular, the company launched into the production of 60 by 60 cm suspended metal ceilings and these have received good response, says Mahmood Ahmadi, general manager of the Qatar operation.
“Initially, it wasn’t easy to gain a foothold in the market,” reminisces Ahmadi, “but we secured a large project  from RasGas to supply our ceiling tiles for its accommdation units in Ras Laffan and today business is booming. We are now looking at extending our metal ceiling tiles range, which will soon include perforated and décor patterns in addition to our plain tiles.”
Techno Tec Building Industries is believed to be the only manufacturer in Qatar to offer 60 by 60 cm metal ceiling tiles and therefore has secured a stronghold on the market. Raw materials for the product are imported from Europe.
“Almost all the decorators in Qatar are now turning to Sayyar because of its wide range of products and competitive pricing,” he says. “Our highly specialised manufacturing plant is now one of the most technically advanced and flexible production facilities available in the Middle East for producing metal ceiling tiles and ceiling fixing systems.”
Its factory is now working towards ISO9001:2000 certification, according to Ahmadi
Techno Tec Building Industries produces 60 by 60 cm aluminium and metal strip panels, 100-mm-wide plain and corrugated strip ceilings and complete suspension systems for clip-in aluminum panel and strip ceilings.
“All our products have undergone stringent laboratory testing to ensure they meet the most demanding of British, European and American-certified standards,” he adds.
The 60 by 60 aluminium plain, clip-in (concealed), ceiling tiles have edges bevelled at 45 degrees. They are suspended on spring tee and hung from the ceiling with galvanised wires. The tiles have a 22-micron polyester coating on the top surface, and a six-micron coating on the bottom. 
The aluminium ceiling strips have round edges, with open or closed joints. The plain or corrugated strips are clipped to carriers and suspended by a suspension key. The standard width for strips  is 80 mm and the joints are 20 mm wide.
The company has supplied to a range of commercial, residential and government projects in Qatar as well as in Bahrain. Its clientele includes contractors, consultants and architects.
In Qatar, besides the RasGas project, the company’s list of prestigious ceiling projects includes: Hamad Medical Corporation car-park, Dukhan housing project for Qatar Real Estate Investment Company, girls elementary schools and shopping centres.
Techno Tec ceilings offer a host of advantages, says Ahmadi. “They are hygienic, easy to clean and maintain, durable and light in weight.”
Sayyar Trading, established in Bahrain in 1978 as a family-owned trading house dealing in building finishing products, has now grown into a major importing and manufacturing enterprise. It mainly deals with ceramic and porcelain tiles, sanitary ware, bathroom accessories, mixers and fitting, built-in kitchens, countertops, marble and granite and other building finishing products.
In 1998, it started operations in Qatar, where it has become a household name, according to Ahmadi.
Sayyar Trading has successfully added a number of agencies, for choice products, to its portfolio, including CBI–Europe and Konig building materials from Germany for acoustic and mineral fibre panels and ceiling materials. With these recent additions, Sayyar is well equipped to take on any false ceiling work, ranging from high-rise building projects to villas, says Ahmadi.
The firm’s long-standing list of agencies includes leading international brand names such as Villeroy & Boch for tiles and sanitary ware; Hansa and Dornbrant for mixers and fitting; Roca from Spain for tiles, sanitary ware, mixers, kitchen sinks, bathroom accessories; Euro bath for shower cubicles; and Chockflex from France for vinyl flooring, among a host of others.
“Sayyar Trading is involved in all sectors including the projects, wholesale, and retail market. Its well-trained multinational marketing team ensures the best service. It also has a well-experienced technical team to undertake installation of built-in kitchens, false ceilings, and fixing of marble and granite,” Ahmadi concludes.