Expansion of growth markets through regional production
Sika has acquired Awazil Al Khaleej Industrial Co (Gulf Seal). The manufacturer of bitumen membranes for waterproofing operates its plant in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. It has established export channels to the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Sika intends to grow further in the Middle East. With this in mind, the specialty chemicals company for the construction and industrial sectors has acquired the Saudi Arabian company Gulf Seal. It manufactures bitumen waterproofing membranes in the capital Riyadh. According to a press release, this offering optimally complements Sika’s sealing technologies already available in the region.
According to the Saudi company Gulf Seal, which was founded 20 years ago, it works with the “most modern French technology”, which is sourced from its sister company Axter France. This makes Gulf Seal the only certified manufacturer of waterproof bitumen membranes in the Middle East with European CE certification.
Sika expects Gulf Seal’s production plant and the established export channels to the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to significantly strengthen its own market position in these growth markets. In Saudi Arabia itself, this acquisition strengthens Sika’s ability to deliver major construction projects related to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the 2034 FIFA World Cup and ongoing urbanization.
“Gulf Seal’s established market position and local production capabilities, combined with Sika’s broad product range and global expertise, offer exciting opportunities for further growth in the GKR region,” said Christoph Ganz, Sika’s Regional Manager EMEA. “We look forward to welcoming the Gulf Seal team to the Sika family.”