(MENAFN - Khaleej Times) Crystal Arc, one of the leading crystalware manufacturers, plans to explore potential markets across the globe to make it a famous international brand, according to a top official of the company.
The company is also focusing to double its production capacity in the next two years to meet the demand after global expansion. The Dubai-based company, which has already signed a joint venture in India with an established group, is also looking for partnership in Europe and other important markets.
"Initially we will be looking at distributors and partners across potential markets as we plan to take our products to a global audience and make it an international brand," Crystal Arc director Mustansir Saifuddin told Khaleej Times in an interview.
Saifuddin is confident of the company's success in overseas market despite economic slowdown across the globe specially in European countries. "We are not worried about the crisis in Europe as we produce very niche products. We are confident that we will do well once we enter the European market. Customisation is our core strength and we can produce any quantity given to us," he said.
Talking about the company's total sales in the local market and exports, he said: "For our regular line of products it is 50 per cent for niche products ,20 per cent is local and 80 per cent comes from export business."
He said: "We are growing year-on-year at 20 per cent and expect more or less similar growth next year." The company, which acquires raw material mainly from Europe, can compete with the top international brands as its product prices are more than 40 per cent lower than international competitors, according to Saifuddin.
It has 180 talented and skilled craftsmen and house designers from many parts of the world giving life and shape to crystal through hand crafting and customising.
Talking about the company's product range, he said the company produces tableware, glassware, vases, Islamic creations, miniatures of landmark building, laser engraving, trophies and plaques. The company has an exclusive range of gift items that are unique symbols of excellence in quality and craftsmanship. The brilliant creations with Quranic verses are encrusted with 24k gold, rubies, emeralds and swarovsky crystals.
"We are currently focusing a new line of crystal and metal castings as these are niche products. These will be introduced in the UAE for the first time," he said.
In addition to customised items for special events, the company also has a large range in the corporate gifts category
. "We manufacture award trophies in crystal for government institutions, various enterprises and for the sporting events for local and international clients," he added. Crystal Arc's production capacity of casting and melting is around 600kgs per day. Under the strategic vision of the company by 2014 it's planning to double existing production capacity.
There is no plan to build a new manufacturing facility outside the UAE in order to maintain quality control, he said, adding: "But as we are expanding, we will be setting up another manufacturing unit in Abu Dhabi that will have a larger capacity."
The company has a showroom in Central Market in Abu Dhabi and another flagship showroom of around 5,700 square feet in Al Quoz, Dubai, where an entire range of products is displayed. - abdulbasit@khaleejtimes.com
