May 21, 2009: The Middle East Coatings Show 2009

The Middle East Coatings Show 2009, now in its 16th year, took place in March in Cairo. It remains the only dedicated event in the Middle East and Gulf Region for raw material suppliers and equipment manufacturers to the coatings industry.

Since the start of the decade the Egyptian construction industry has demonstrated an average annual growth rate in the order of 8%, and it now represents one of the largest markets in the Middle East, after Dubai.

Decorative paints represent more than 80% of locally manufactured product, and the sector continues to be buoyed by strong demand from the construction of residential complexes aimed at the tourist industry.

For the third consecutive year Orkila has, in conjunction with its partners, exhibited at the MECS, promoting a wide range of products and services from those manufacturers active in the paints, coatings, construction and adhesives markets.

The objective was to bring together our customers, both existing and potential, and representatives, both technical and commercial, of the manufacturing companies represented by Orkila to the mutual benefit of all concerned.

Despite the difficult economic climate, attendance was high and the quality of the visitors to the Orkila stand exceeded expectations, many being senior managers and decision makers.

On the marketing side, the event enabled Orkila and its partners to strengthen its brand and receive exposure and photo opportunities in several trade publications.

From the commercial standpoint, a number of contracts were signed during the course of the event and many contacts made which, we are confident, will result in future sales.

Overall Orkila believes that the MECS was a positive experience and we are actively considering participation in the next event scheduled to take place in Dubai in March 2010.


Footnote from Bluestar Silicones:
Bluestar Silicones was hosted by Orkila at this year’s MECS and given the opportunity to exhibit Bluestar’s range of silicone products for application in decorative paints, water repellents, mould making RTV2, core fluids and sealants. Many customers and prospective customers visited the Orkila stand from countries throughout the Middle East and Africa and Bluestar was able to conclude contracts during the event valued at in excess of Euro 250K. For Bluestar the 2009 MECS proved to be a valuable experience and one that we look forward to repeating in 2010.



May 15, 2008: Orkila Jordan LTD

Until now Orkila’s presence in Jordan has been limited to that of a representative office operating as part of the Orkila Mashrek organization.
Today, we are pleased to announce the creation of Orkila Jordan.
Orkila Jordan is a fully fledged affiliate of the Orkila Group and will conduct its own distribution business from local warehousing, in addition to its traditional agency business.
The company is based in Amman and will, initially, employ 8 people.
Orkila Jordan will build upon the existing platform of established business in the key segments of animal feed, home & personal care and food, whilst developing further in other areas such as the pharmaceutical and paint sectors.
The creation of Orkila Jordan is the latest step in the Group’s strategic development plan. By extending the Group’s presence in the region Orkila is able to offer a more comprehensive service to both customers and suppliers alike.
We would like to thank all our business partners, together with those working for Orkila affiliates throughout the region, for their continued support; and to invite anyone connected with the chemical industry to visit our web site at: www.orkila.com.
Orkila board.
March 10, 2008: Orkila Syria

Orkila expands in Syria.
Three years since its creation and the Orkila Group continues to pursue its strategy of development and expansion, in its mission to become the leading chemical distributor in Africa and the Middle East.
Orkila’s latest investment, the creation of ORKILA SYRIA LTD, located in Damascus, reinforces the Group’s position in the region and confirms Orkila as a solid base upon which both suppliers and customers alike can exploit opportunities for growth.
We would like to thank all our business partners, together with those working for Orkila affiliates throughout the region, for their continued support; and to invite anyone connected with the chemical industry to visit our web site at: www.orkila.com.
Orkila board.
January 14, 2008: Orkila Morocco

ISO 9001 Certification.
To All Orkila’s Business Partners.
We are pleased to announce that Orkila Morocco has obtained ISO 9001 certification.
This certification is the end result of a long process of procedural review and improvement coupled with considerable investment at our Casablanca warehouse. These efforts will continue and the necessary investment will be made to ensure that our procedures and operating standards are maintained at the highest level.
The certification is a just reward for the Moroccan team who should be congratulated for their success. However, it should also be seen as the starting point for the achievement of a group wide objective in excellence in all aspects of Orkila’s service to customers and suppliers alike.
Management Team.