Riyadh-based Saudi Factory for Profiles (SFP) is looking at expanding its product portfolio with the introduction of a new line for producing edging and angle beads for gypsum boards.

"We are currently in negotiations with a number of factories which produce these machines," says Khalid Abdoun, sales and marketing manager.

The firm is also looking at producing cable trays and different types of steel door frames.

SFP, which manufactures galvanised steel profiles for drywall partitions, gypsum ceilings, tee grid suspension ceiling systems and accessories, continues to supply its systems for some of the prestigious projects in the Kingdom.

Its profiles are being produced to high specifications and come factory-fitted with fittings and accessories, Abdoun says. The gypsum boards are supplied by National Gypsum Company (NGC). Saudi Factory for Profiles is the main distributor of the NGC's products.

In addition to profiles, the company also offers a variety of accessories ex-stock, including screws, angle beads, joint tapes, joint compounds, ceiling plugs, adjustable rod hangers and steel sheets in various sizes and thicknesses, from 0.3 mm up to 2.0 mm thickness.

The company has recently received further orders for gypsum partitions for some offices and showrooms at Riyadh's Al Faisaliah Centre.

It is also currently providing gypsum partitions and ceilings incorporating special steel profiles for the Kingdom Center, Riyadh's newest landmark which is poised for completion by the year-end.

Among SFP's latest orders is the new headquarters building for Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (Sabic) in Riyadh.

"We started delivery of gypsum board partitions and ceilings with steel profiles for the Sabic headquarters five months ago," he says.

"Saudi Factory for Profiles is also supplying its products for the extension of King Faisal Specialist Hospital (upgrading project) and the King Fahad Hospital for the National Guard, both in Riyadh," Abdoun adds.

The company has already supplied major projects for Saudi Aramco including schools and three to four residential complexes, through its main distributors.

Besides the domestic market, SFP also exports to Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Lebanon, the UAE, Jordan, Syria, Egypt and Yemen.

SFP's drywall partition is a lightweight, non-load-bearing wall that has won wide acceptance because of its many advantages, according to Abdoun.

Describing the drywall partitioning system, he says: "It consists of a steel framing system made of floor and ceiling metal runners and screw studs formed from hot dip galvanised steel sheeting and of gypsum wallboards attached to the framing system in single or double layers with self-drilling drywall screws.

"Installation of the steel stud system commences with ceiling and floor runners being aligned and secured in position with suitable fastenings. Steel studs are secured vertically in position at appropriate centres by inserting into the runner and twisting through 90 degrees, at 400 mm centres or 600 mm.

"The joints between adjacent gypsum boards may be reinforced and concealed with the tape joint system, leaving the wall surface virtually free of joints and of fastenerhead marks."

The system will accommodate light fittings, access panels and ventilation units.

According to Abdoun, this method of installing internal partitions is widely used because of the following advantages:

• Lower cost compared to other construction systems;

• Light weight - imposing less stress and load on the structure;

• Efficiency, speed and ease of installation even after the carpets have been laid; and

• Suitability for various interior decoration applications due to its flat profile.