TPi July 2009

news business & market

Five star hotel to use multilayer piping systems

Mechanical tubing production commences at US facility Prolamsa USA has begun production of mechanical tubing at its first US manufacturing facility, located in Laredo, Texas. The facility, which will produce mechanical tubing from ½" to 2½", also includes a cut-to-length line. In addition to manufacturing mechanical tubing, the Laredo facility will stock both mechanical and structural steel (HSS) tubing. A second facility in Laredo will stock metal building shapes and components, such as C- and Z-purlins, angles and channels, and slit red primered coils. “ These facilities will enable us to provide our US customers faster deliveries, quicker turnaround times and JIT stocking programmes, ” commented Jean-Marie Diederichs, general manager of Prolamsa USA. Mr Diederichs also explained that delivery from Prolamsa’s Escobedo plant in Mexico was sometimes delayed at the border: “ The US manufacturing location will eliminate that problem. ” “ Even though the economy is struggling right now, there isn’t a better time to invest in the US, ” Mr Diederichs added. “ If we invest in new facilities and train our new US workers now, we’ll be ready to participate in the rebound and future growth of our economy. ” Prolamsa USA was started in 1996 to handle the marketing and sales activities in the United States and Canada for its parent company Prolamsa, a privately owned concern that has manufacturing facilities in Mexico. Prolamsa produces a wide range of high-quality mechanical and structural tubing; UV coated, galvanised and primered tubular products; metal building components and shapes; and parts and components.

Piping System was selected for the project.

The Radisson Port Elizabeth, the first five-star hotel in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, will utilise the Rifeng Multilayer Piping System for all plumbing applications. The Radisson, with 173 luxury suites, will be operated by the Rezidor Hotel Group. The hotel will feature services such as a swimming pool, wellness centre and gym, restaurant and bar, eight conference and meeting rooms and a business centre. The Radisson is a R320 million (US$32 million) project initiated by the Eastern Cape-based Auspex Property Group. Auspex developers insisted that the hotel should fall under the green zone, using solar energy. Because of its advantages over other polymer and metal piping systems, Rifeng Multilayer

Water networks in buildings have a significant impact on the comfort of people. As non-corrosive materials, polymers enjoy advantages over metal pipes in corrosion prevention. This is of specific concern when water quality is not always appro- priate for metal pipes, eg low pH value. The physical and mechanical characteristics of PEX (cross-linked polyethylene)/AL/PEX make Rifeng Multilayer Piping System suitable for both hot and cold applications in high- end hotels like the Radisson. Rifeng Enterprise Co Ltd – China overseas@rifeng.com www.rifeng.com

Prospects are good for EMO 2009 The organisers of this year’s EMO Milano are reporting 1,250 confirmed exhibi- tors for the October show, with enquiries still arriving from those companies who, due to the economic situation, have delayed making a decision on exhibiting. If the figures are slightly below expectations, the calibre of exhibitors is not and the range of exhibitors will be as wide and comprehensive as usual, with all sectors represented.

Commissioner general of EMO Milano, Pier Luigi Streparava, said to expect “ a decidedly international EMO, with over 70% of participating companies representing 31 countries. ” EMO Milano 2009, running 5-10 October, will take place within the new fieramilano exhibition area. Located just outside the city, the exhibition complex has its own underground station and is easily and directly accessed from main motorways.

AS S roof of the fieramilano exhibition area, designed by Massimiliano Fuksas

EFIM SpA – Italy info@emo-milan.com • www.emo-milan.com

Prolamsa – USA sales@prolamsausa.com www.prolamsausa.com

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Tube Products International July 2009

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