SUPPLY CHAIN
we are not stopping our investment plans .”
To make sure it stays competitive , Hepworth is making the most of what technology can offer in its existing and new factories . “ We are investing in new machines that improve our efficiencies and output with new technology . We have a new extruder that is the first machine of its type in the GCC , which we will commission it in a couple of weeks . We are the market leader for this technology .” Hepworth is also a market leader in fittings technology and its socketed pipes have a special design that gives another competitive edge . It covers all market sectors with its product range , focusing on the top tier segment of the market . But , Al Gendy explains , new product developments mean it is increasingly working on second tier projects . He says : “ It is the same high quality but we had some value engineering in the product to reduce the cost so we can be competitive in the second tier segment . We are trying to work some value engineering projects to reduce our costs that makes us competitive against the lower market players . Not everyone has seven-star hotels , so we need to have good market influence in other tiers .”
Specialised products and innovation are clearly important to Hepworth and , says Al Gendy , it offers a service that simply isn ’ t replicated by any similar company in the region . “ We have the edge of technology . We have the edge of know how . And because we don ’ t just sell pipes or fittings , we sell these systems plus service . You don ’ t www . hepworth . ae 73