A leading supplier of products to the Gulf construction industry has struck a landmark deal with an American construction equipment giant. Dubai based Euro Facade Products has been appointed regional Original Equipment Manufacturer for Thermadyne.
Thermadyne is a division of the Thermadyne Holdings Corporation a household name in the US cutting and welding sector for more than 50 years. The American multi national based in St Louis, Missouri is represented in 25 countries on 6 continents and has manufacturing plants throughout North and South America, Europe, Australia and Asia.
Mr Shaun Barton Smith MD of EFP said that now t has chosen Euro Facade Products to market its automated product range throughout the Middle East and North Africa region. This is a great coup for us as a company and Dubai as a city. particularly coming in the midst of our preparations for The Big 5.
He said that "Thermadyne has long been at the forefront of cutting and welding technology. It currently holds some 340 US and foreign patents which is an indication of its stature and its constant commitment to technical development and innovation. Its reputation for service excellence over half a century has set the benchmark for the industry worldwide. For all these reasons and more, Euro Facade Products is extremely proud to form this new relationship.”
Mr Barton Smith said that EFP would be responsible for distributing Thermadyne's range of Automated Plasma Cutting machines and accessories. These are marketed under the name Thermal Dynamics Automation, with the emphasis very much on automation. EFP largely made its name on automating the cladding and fabrication industry - another reason why our tie up with Thermadyne is a perfect fit for us both.
He said that "Automation in construction and associated industries was not embraced as quickly in this part of the world as elsewhere. Cheap labor and a reluctance to invest in new equipment were among the reasons for that. But EFP's CNC routers and other machinery launched at The Big 5 in 2005 caused something of a sensation locally. When contractors saw how relatively inexpensive these machines were and how quickly their investment was returned many times over by increased production, then word of mouth spread and automation really began to take off. It is perhaps a little slower in the wider Middle East than in the Gulf itself and slower still in North Africa but the fact is that the corner has been turned.”
He added that "Automative products have been recognized as the only way forward in 21st century construction and that is what EFP and Thermadyne are committed to. End users previously could only gain access to Thermal Dynamics Products by importing them into the region via various other countries. Now, through EFP, the products are on their doorstep and not only the products but the entire local support that end-users rightly demand.”
Mr Steve Milner automation development manager for Thermadyne said that "We are delighted to welcome Euro Facade Products into our worldwide network of OEM outlets. We have brushed shoulders with the EFP team at various exhibitions over the years and have always been greatly impressed by their efforts. Thermadyne's business philosophy is founded on a commitment to growth through strategic acquisitions, aggressive new product development, superior quality and reliability and service excellence on a worldwide basis. That sets the bar pretty high for any organization wishing to form a relationship with us.
He said that however, EFP's products are extremely innovative, and the highly impressive individuals within the company demonstrate the keen entrepreneurial spirit that our own company values and personifies. Thermadyne has great confidence that EFP are the people to represent out interests in this part of the world.”
