Linen manufacturer KTC joins Housekeeper's Forum

Founded more than 25 years ago, Egyptian linen manufacturer Kazareen Textile Company (KTC) is set to open its Dubai office this year, and will be supporting the Hotelier Executive Housekeeper Forum.

KTC hospitality division business development manager Noha Hemdan told Hotelier Middle East: "We offer a wealth of knowledge, experience, and professionalism that we hope to bring to the Middle East hospitality industry through platforms like the Housekeeper Forum.

"Also, it’s a great opportunity to meet key decision makers and stakeholders to understand the challenges they are facing in their respective daily duties and responsibilities. Finally, KTC hopes to introduce its tailor-made products and services for each of the brands in the forum."

KTC is set to launch its first Dubai office by the end of this year, and Hemdan said it will "include a showroom, sales and support staff as well as a training centre that we hope our customers will benefit from".

The firm is also launching a range of new products. It has a new line of 700 GSM towel range made from combed and compact yarns, and has expanded its bathrobe and spa robes line to include new fabrics and constructions.

Hemdan added: "We have worked with Ecolab in the US to refine our dying and bleaching formulas to achieve the proper colours and Ph levels for all our customers."

At the Executive Housekeeper Forum, Hemdan said she would expect a discussion about laundering/cleaning of bedding and linen items, and added that the topic of handling linens and making construction adjustments that make handling the products easier will probably be raised.

With the firm's experience in the sector, Hemdan commented on the main challenges facing housekeeper professionals in 2016: "Finding reputable suppliers with reasonable prices and consistency in their products is always a challenge, Budgeting restraints is another concern. Limited innovation in this space is a long term concern. Housekeepers are normally insulated from engaging suppliers and developing customised solutions for their own brands."

Saying there are many opportunities in the hospitality industry with several new properties in the pipeline, Hemdan said the diversification in other categories of hospitality is very interesting.

"Four and three star markets will be growing and it will be interesting to create a complete line for these sectors. The entry of new hospitality players is very interesting," she concluded.

Hotelier Middle East will host its fourth annual Executive Housekeeper Forum on May 3, at Grosvenor House Dubai. Attendance is free for members of the industry, including executive housekeepers, housekeepers, directors of rooms, and laundry managers. 

• For speaking opportunities, contact louby.maktari@itp.com.
• To register your attendance, contact cynthia.rodrigues@itp.com.
• For sponsorship opportunities, contact alex.hall@itp.com.