McFarlane exec predicts huge purchasing strength in GCC region

McFarlane exec predicts huge purchasing strength in GCC region Brown McFarlane International FZE, a part of Brown McFarlane, the Global Steel Solutions Group based in the UK, carries a historic presence and a futuristic vision; servicing the manufacturing industry throughout the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent. The company carries an undisputed reputation and a rich portfolio of clients throughout the region garnering the status of one of the most trusted steel stockist and distributors in the GCC. Demonstrating their ongoing commitment, Brown McFarlane International is commissioning their brand new state-of-the-art stockholding facility in Jebel Ali, during May-June 2010. During a recent interview conducted by Zainab Mansoor for International Metalworking News-Middle East, Mr. Ben Jones, Commercial Manager, Brown McFarlane International shared his thoughts about the prospects of working in the region, the servicing demands, and outlook for 2010. IMNE: What products and services does Brown McFarlane International FZE specialise in? JONES: Brown McFarlane International is a carbon steel plate stockist and distributor based in Jebel Ali, Dubai. We are specialised suppliers of high-quality steel plates. Additionally, we offer straight line cutting services, up to 40mm thick, as well as delivery to project sites within the region. As a group, Brown McFarlane has a huge range of product offerings with stocks available in the UAE, UK and South Africa. Brown McFarlane International currently stocks pressure vessel, HIC Premium and Ballistics steel plates. We also stock high-strength structural steel plates that are demanded by fabricators for offshore industries and industrial construction. Duplex and super duplex steel plates are supplied from our UK stock when requirements surface and are predominantly used for equipment and pipe works for desalination and power plants. IMNE: Which industries does Brown McFarlane International cater to? JONES: We predominantly deal with fabricators, building process equipment for various industrial sectors. Sectors include Oil & Gas (upstream, onshore and offshore), Refineries, Power Stations and similar process industries. We can also make use of our steel processing capacity in the United Kingdom and South Africa to supply profile cut plates for the structural engineering, bridge building, storage tank, and renewable energy industries. IMNE: Which geographical regions is Brown McFarlane servicing domestically as well as a group? JONES: Brown McFarlane International operates a 10,000 square-metre facility in Jebel Ali, which includes 2,500 square-metre of covered storage with a monthly turnover of 800 to 1,200 tonnes. From our strategic location, we service a market that includes GCC and the wider Middle East; including Iran, India and Pakistan markets. From the UK offices, we are serving Europe, Central Asia, North Africa and the Americas. From our offices in South Africa, we are covering both the domestic market and sub-saharan Africa. We operate a trading hub in Singapore as well, which has a sales network covering the Far East. "Brown McFarlane International FZE offers a comprehensive range of high-quality steel plate products, which are designed to meet the needs of fabricators servicing various industries. We monitor growing trends in the emerging markets, focus specifically on consumer insights and periodically consult our clients to seek any changes in product specifications so that we can respond accordingly and modify our product range where necessary. " IMNE: What are the company's best features in terms of product and quality? JONES: Brown McFarlane International offers a comprehensive range of higher specified steel plate products that are designed to meet the needs of fabricators servicing various industries. We keep a fingerAir Jordan IV 4 Retro Snake Skin