Saudi Metal Ceilings Manufacturing Company (SMC) has introduced new open cell and pyramid metal suspended ceilings on to the market, as part of plans to expand its product range and efficiency, according to a spokesman for the company.

''Established in 1978 in Saudi Arabia, from the outset, the company has maintained a lead in the local manufacture of suspended metal ceiling systems, window coverings and interior finishing materials,'' says George Kildani, vice president of the Saudi-based firm.

He continues: ''SMC has been able to expand into numerous complementary product lines serving mainly the construction industry by focusing on projects such as hospitals, universities, commercial centres, airports and office buildings.''

To date, SMC has executed more than 600 key projects regionally, which include the Immam Mohammed Bin Saud Islamic University, located in Riyadh which is considered to be the largest false ceiling supply project in the world. It involved the installation of more than 260,000 sq m of false ceilings, he says.

More recent projects comprise the Um-Al-Qura University, 300-bed Saudi German Hospitals in Abha and Riyadh, the 400-bed Taif Hospital, Aden International Airport and Al Faisaliah Center, Riyadh, for which it supplied more than 12,000 sq m of customised 25 mm Venetian blinds.

SMC continues to invest in highly modernised machinery in its desire to bring about a wider range of products and efficiency, the latest being the equipment addition for the open cell and pyramid metal suspended ceilings production line.

SMC has a 10,000 sq m factory as well as main administrative/sales premises at Jeddah's Industrial Area Phase IV. The firm intends to open branch in the Eastern Province.

The company employs 68 professionals with global management representation from North America, Europe and the Middle East.

The main contract products that are manufactured and marketed by the company include: metal ceiling systems; window treatment coverings; wall protection systems; wall coverings; floor carpeting; fabric curtains; hospital cubicle tracks; hospital beds and chairs; and hand-dryers.

A greater focus on regional expansion to neighbouring countries is projected for 2001 and beyond, says Kildani.