RAK Ceramics Steps Up Global Ambitions

RAK Ceramics, the world’s largest manufacturer of ceramic and porcelain tiles, today announced that its international ambitions have been stepped up with the roll-out of industry leading software solutions from SAP across its global manufacturing facilities in China, India and Bangladesh.

All RAK Ceramics operations now run with a comprehensive suite of SAP Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) tools improve transparency, efficiency and productivity. The ceramics giant had previously gone live with the solution across its UAE operations in February this year at 12 factories, 15 warehouses, 6 showrooms and various administrative offices.

The implementation for RAK Ceramics’ UAE operation was achieved in just eight months. Over 100 executives across RAK Ceramics departments were engaged in the project and over 350 employees underwent training to handle the system. The core implementation team was led by Dinesh Mohan, Chief Information Officer, RAK Ceramics, and Manoj Aheeray, Chief Financial Officer, RAK Ceramics.

RAK Ceramics also announced that it had enlisted SAP to deliver an additional set of solutions in the UAE, making the overall project one of the largest software deals of its kind in the MENA region.

Phase two of the project will see RAK Ceramics adopt advanced data analytics and mobility services for unprecedented real-time analytics, transparency and flexibility.

Other SAP solutions set to be implemented include Business Planning & Consolidation, Performance Management, Global Trade Services, as well as Treasury and Risk Management.

RAK Ceramics’ bid to enhance its operations with SAP was personally initiated by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah and Chairman of RAK Ceramics.

“RAK Ceramics has big international expansion plans, but we need to ensure that we have a sustainable growth that should be able to enhance the quality of our products or services,” said Abdallah Massaad, CEO, RAK Ceramics. “SAP gives us the competitive edge we need to maintain our reputation anywhere in the world, as well as lay the foundation for considerable innovation moving forward.”

Qais Gharaibeh, UAE Managing Director, SAP MENA, added: “RAK Ceramics is a true UAE business success story, and their willingness to improve and innovate has been clear from day one. The speed with which we have been able to implement our solutions has been remarkable, and already the benefits have been tremendous. SAP is proud to be a part of RAK Ceramics’s bold growth plans, and we look forward to the roll-out of phase 2 of this landmark project.”

Established in 1991 by H.H. Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, RAK Ceramics is a USD 1 billion global conglomerate that supplies to over 160 countries across five continents. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Saud Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah heads the company as Chairman and directing the company to global competitiveness.

The company employs around 8,000 employees in UAE and 15,000 employees through its various manufacturing facilities and distributions worldwide. Currently, state-of-the-art Ras Al Khaimah plants produce 227,000 sq.m of tiles and 8,500 pieces of bathware per day. Global production exceeds 360,000 sq.m of tiles and 12,000 pieces of bathware per day.

RAK Ceramics has achieved the milestones of supplying 1 billion sq.m. of tiles and 50 million pieces of bathware worldwide within two decades, which is an unparalleled feat in the Middle East region.

Global acclaim has also been forthcoming for the company’s focus on eco-friendly products and its role as a founding member of Emirates Green Building Council, which supports the development of sustainable buildings in the UAE. RAK Ceramics was awarded SUPERBRAND status in 2011 for third consecutive year in a row by the Council of Superbrands, the world’s largest independent brand arbiter.

Emirate:  Ras Al Khaimah

Date: Dec 8, 2013

Back