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Mohammadi and Tohidi holding Leca blocks at their pavilion yesterday. PICTURE: Jayan Orma |
The increasing acceptance of Leca blocks from the region’s only manufacturing facility in Teheran could drastically change the construction scenario of the Middle East, feel officials.
The blocks, which are used for concreting, roofing and flooring are at least 40-45% lighter than the other conventional blocks usually seen elsewhere. “Actually, the blocks had their origin in Denmark more than 90 years ago. But it took more than 60 years to reach this region,” Leca’s export sales manager Reza Tohidi said.
Tohidi said their company stared more than 32 years ago and is still the only factory manufacturing these blocks in the Middle East. “Four years ago, we started supplying the materials to some of our customers in Qatar and each of them acknowledges that it meets their requirements,” said Tohidi.
While One cubic metre space of conventional concrete blocks weighs at least 1,700-1,800 kilos, Leca blocks will not go beyond 400 kilos. “Even though there are other options weighing between 700 and 800 kilos, Leca is probably the lightest of the lot.
Treated aggregate sand, moulded into varied shapes is also exported for agricultural use. It is used in some agricultural farms in Qatar as well, according to the company’s technical manager Makan Mohammadi.
“Our exports are mainly to Malaysia, Vietnam and some of the GCC states.” The domestic consumption in Iran is so strong that we are unable to enhance our exports at the moment,” said Mohammadi.
Recently the company exported more than 40 containers of treated aggregate sand to Ahmedabad in India. “Impressed by its performance, our client has placed another huge order which we are trying to deliver shortly,” said Tohidi.