Abdul Rahims opens HORECA to cater to hospitality needs

By Cheranka Mendis

A trusted name in household products since 1872, M.C. Abdul Rahim & Bros yesterday opened a state-of-the-art showroom featuring a range of products that are on par with international demands, to cater to the emerging hospitality sector under the name ‘HORECA Expert’ down Rotunda Gardens, Colombo 3.

Acknowledged as the “showpiece in respect to institutional sales” by company Chairman Ruzly Hussain, the showroom is a one-stop-shop for the hospitality industry to choose from an array of products from leading brands such as BathTrade, Hotel Emporium, Light & Shade, Masterpieces, Metropolitan, M3Force, Siem Construction, and St. Anthony’s Hardware.

Noting that the company is no stranger to hotels, restaurants, and the catering industry, which inspired the name HORECA, the showroom is a specialised unit for institutional customers primarily in the hospitality sector, but also caters to Government industries.

With the dawn of peace, the management of Abdul Rahims took a conscious decision to move ahead with its infamous household items in a different direction, catering to the needs of society. The location of the building was identified a year earlier, a stone’s throw away from some of the key hotels in the Colombo metropolitan area.

A large number of industry movers and shakers were present at the opening, which featured Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa as Chief Guest. Also present was Senior Minister for International Monetary Cooperation Dr. Sarath Amunugama.

“What gave us the impetus to move and move fast was the Government putting in place the target to increase the number of rooms from the present 16,000 to 50,000 by 2016,” Hussain said.

Keeping in mind the present situation in the European market, which is Sri Lanka’s prime market for tourism, HORECA is just a modest beginning of what they hope will be a large scale operation in the future.

“We believe we are on the correct track,” Hussain expressed. “This is a good business to get into. We are confident that the industry will command a great segment of the economy in the future.”

The showroom, which has been designed in a unique manner, highlighting each and every product on display, aims to take the targeted customers from bedroom to bath, table to kitchen, and to outdoor displays. It also offers cleaning solutions from a world renowned company which has partnered with the company.

With a dedicated location for F&B managers, purchasing managers, architects, interior designers, chefs, and even managing directors, they can conveniently source all necessary products, with HORECA catering to a niche market need of the hour.

Company Managing Director Bary Jaleel expressed confidence about the concept becoming a success, highlighting new and international hotel chains entering the market and the need for quality products for the hotels. “We are here to cater to a national need,” he added.

A key feature of the concept is that it allows suppliers to have a variety of product placements and brand themselves right throughout the showroom. Precise product placement, positioning, and product branding is a highlight.

Public Management Reforms Minister Navin Dissanayake who was the Guest of Honour at the event congratulated the management on catering to a growing market need and commended them on their positive outlook towards the dynamic industry.

“Abdul Rahims, commonly known as AR, is synonymous for the quality and durability of its products,” he acknowledged.

 Pix by Lasantha Kumara