Spanish Tile Maker Keraben To Set Up in Dubai

Dubai, UAE, June 11, 2008--Spanish ceramics maker Keraben said it will establish a base in Dubai, providing sales, service and support to the region from a UAE base.

The new location joins Keraben's existing operations in Spain, U.S., Mexico, Portugal, The Czech Republic, Iran, India and Russia.

This decision is due to growth of its sales in the Middle East.

'Keraben has enjoyed an accumulated growth of some 85 percent in the Gulf over the past five years and this has been due to our determined international expansion strategy,' said Keraben CEO Rafael Benavent.

'We see the Middle East as an important market where we have seen huge demand for the Keraben brand of high end ceramic products.'

Keraben is to operate in the region in association with the UAE's leading producer of ceramic products, Ras Al Khaimah Ceramics (RAK Ceramics).

Keraben's Dubai-based operation will provide sales and support for customers throughout the Middle East, supporting distribution partners as well as providing services and customised solutions for both architects and designers in the region.

A $300mn privately held company, employing over 1,100 staff in its factories and facilities in Spain and globally, Keraben's launch at the Burj Al Arab's Al Falak ballroom saw a massive designer installation showcasing the company's products to the region's architects, interior designers and construction professionals.

'Keraben has a stated strategy of investing in high growth markets and we believe that this move into the Middle East is consistent with that strategy," said Benavent.