Interview with Mr. Aly Nagy, Managing Director of ATAG Company
Delve into the world of textile and flooring solutions with Mr. Aly Nagy, Managing Director of ATAG Company. With over 25 years of industry experience, ATAG serves as a prominent agent for European textile suppliers, specializing in carpet and flooring equipment. Join us as we explore ATAG’s comprehensive services, its pivotal role in the MENA region’s floorcovering business, and its insights into the future of digital printing technology in the MEA region.
Could you provide an overview of your company and its services in the textile and flooring sectors?
Thank you for the opportunity to discuss our operations. I am Aly Nagy, the Managing Director of ATAG Company. We serve as agents for European textile suppliers, specializing in carpet and flooring equipment. Our main partners include industry leaders such as Oerlikon, Barmag, and Neumag, supporting carpet yarn manufacturers. Additionally, we handle heat set yarn equipment like Power Heat Set, as well as Zimmer digital printing technologies for carpet and blanket printing.
ATAG also supplies essential accessories for tufting carpets, including products from TMS, Temco, and Epperlein. With over 25 years of experience in the carpet industry, our presence spans Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and more recently, North Africa and Libya.
Our business model focuses on equipment sales and comprehensive customer support. We boast an in-house service team dedicated to machine installation, troubleshooting, and online support for our clients across all operations.
Why is Dubai emerging as a central hub for the floorcovering business in the MENA region?
Having attended the Domotex in Hanover for over 15 years consistently, we’ve witnessed Dubai’s rise as a pivotal destination, particularly advantageous for carpet customers facing hurdles in travelling to Europe, such as visa issues. Dubai caters to the Middle East, Iran, and GCC nations, offering excellent facilities and seamless customer connections. This resurgence mirrors an initiative from 15 years ago, now reinvigorated.
We advocate for this trend to continue, suggesting either an annual event or one concurrent with Domotex in Hanover, providing stability and recognition for all customers.
Notably, Egypt, UAE, and Saudi Arabia are pivotal hubs, especially for carpeting.
Egypt, in particular, has seen significant traction, drawing textile manufacturers from Europe and Turkey due to its favorable operational expenses, including low energy costs and labor expenses.
Additionally, logistical advantages, despite recent challenges like Red Sea disruptions, position Dubai as a significant hub in the Middle East. Conversations with our clientele, including Standard Carpet, ADNC, Emirates Filament Exceeds, Al Abdul Latif, Suraya, and Hayat Carpet in Saudi Arabia, indicate a promising market trajectory over the next five years. Dubai’s strategic location, coupled with growing regional demand, foretells a flourishing future for the floorcovering industry in the Middle East.
How do you assess the future of digital printing in the MEA Region?
Currently, there’s a significant trend towards digital printing, emphasizing sustainability and environmental preservation compared to traditional dyeing methods. The advancement in digital printing technology allows for nearly indistinguishable results from conventional methods. This shift towards sustainability and recycling signifies the future trajectory of the industry.
Digital printing, a relatively new technology introduced over the past decade, has revolutionized carpet manufacturing. Previously, processes like chromojet printing required specialized setups, whereas digital printers now offer the convenience of home printing. This transition highlights the future’s emphasis on flexibility and eco-conscious practices, enabling businesses to operate more efficiently without compromising environmental integrity.
Looking ahead, digital printing is poised to become increasingly prevalent across various textile products, including carpets, towels, and blankets. This evolution underscores the industry’s commitment to sustainable practices and marks a significant step towards a more environmentally friendly future.
