Vexve making a strong move on the Arabian Peninsula

30.6.2013 / Energy distribution

- Our first entry into the region was in 2009 with Finpro. We toured the region, surveying the district cooling markets and getting to know the regional district cooling operators. What makes this regional market particularly challenging for us is the use of American standards on the Arabian Peninsula. Nevertheless, the market has such potential that we decided to pursue expansion in the region on the strength of our confidence in our product quality, explains Jari Randell, Sales Director for Vexve.

According to Randell, in 2009 there were really no other European suppliers operating in the district cooling construction market in the region. The Vexve delegation soon noticed that district cooling pipelines on the Arabian Peninsula used heavy industrial valves that are not ideal for the purpose. Randell explains that pipelines for cool water do not require heavy industrial valves.

- During the past few years, we have educated regional operators on industry standards and shared our knowhow of the valve attributes required for district cooling construction. In addition, partnering with other European operators, such as the district heating pipe manufacturer Locstor, has opened up good market opportunities for us, Randell says.

Qatar is the first market on the Arabian Peninsula where Vexve has delivered butterfly valves for use in district cooling pipelines. Lusail, an urban centre under construction near Doha, is developing at a tremendous speed and Vexve valves are now playing a key role in guaranteeing district cooling production in the area.

- We now have a local agent in the area to advise customers and, more importantly, help customers realise the benefits of our products to ensure that they choose Vexve butterfly valves for the rapidly developing district cooling network, Randell explains.