JCR Imports Ltd has established itself as one of the market leaders in the supply of construction materials. Founded by the Attard family, JCR Imports Ltd dates back to 1982, heading towards its fourth decade of operations. During this period, the company has consolidated its position as the supplier of top quality materials at competitive prices. Design & Build caught up with third generation family member Jonathan Attard who explained in detail the company background, its ethos and how being a responsible business has been key to its success.
Innovation has a long-standing tradition within Sika, exclusively represented and distributed in Malta and Gozo by JCR Imports Ltd.
T he story of JCR Imports is one of innovation, ambition and sheer hard work. Their humble beginnings date back to 1983 when a father – Joseph and his two sons – Carmel and Raymond, set up a bricks factory in Gozo and the first twenty foot container of Sika products rolled into their garage.
The three decades that followed saw the Attard family move into bigger premises twice – first in 1992 when they moved to Msida, and then, outgrowing these premises by 1998, moving into their current Mriehel offices and warehouse. Although supplying a wide variety of products used in the construction industry, JCR Imports are known for being the exclusive agents of Sika products and Jonathan’s enthusiasm for the brand is very easy to see as he explains Sika’s history.
Innovation is the lifeblood of any brand, and Sika is definitely not short of this
Sika’s long history of innovation, which goes back to 1910, has led to unparalleled success in becoming a recognised global technology leader in many markets, as well as creating value for Sika’s customers. Innovation has a long-standing tradition within Sika, and ‘courage for innovation’ is one of the corporate values. By the end of 2018, Sika’s patent portfolio included more than 800 unique patent families with more than 3,400 single national patents.
The quality products supplied by JCR Imports Ltd have been supporting a swathe of developments in Malta and Gozo for decades now.
Jonathan goes on to explain that Sika is not just about selling products. Sustainability is a key feature and a central element of Sika’s growth strategy. Climate change and growing populations are forces that are driving the demand for intelligent construction materials. With this in mind, Sika recently joined the ‘Together for Sustainability’ initiative which is based on the UN Global Compact and Responsible Care® principles.
Our strong relationships with the brands we represent enable us to get more in-depth advice when this is needed
Whilst it is evident that Jonathan is more inclined to recommend Sika products, he is quick to explain that JCR Imports represents and distributes a vast portfolio of related brands – these include Preifer, Somay, Novaglass, Licata Construction, EdilChimica, Pavan, Dakota and Redback just to mention a few. And while the popular products are kept in stock in the Mrieħel warehouse, the more technical products, mostly required for specific jobs, are ordered on a project by project basis.
Jonathan explained that “four decades of experience in the field enable us to be able to boast of a top notch support service to our clients who come to us seeking guidance and advice. Our strong relationships with the brands we represent enable us to get more in-depth advice when this is needed.”
“Sika is not cheap. It is a high end, very strong and sought-after brand; there is no doubt about that,” Jonathan explains. He is fully versed with the fact that the Maltese market generally opts for more price-conscious products. And this is the main reason why JCR Imports decided to have a larger, multi brand portfolio with each product embodying a unique selling proposition.
“Our price-quality ratio ensures that we can provide a product to all market requirement, without compromising on safety and industry standards,” Jonathan assures.
With the recent construction incidents, would it be a matter of developers not making use of good quality materials thus resulting in building collapses? we asked.
Jonathan does not think this is the typical case although one has to assess on a case-by-case basis. The architect working on site has to establish that. Jonathan continues to explain that this would not be a matter of calling up JCR Imports, asking for a Sika product and that is that.
Since concrete structures are often exposed to different aggressive environments, they require high quality protection systems. JCR Imports Ltd specialise in supplying products which ensure that concrete structures can serve for many generations to come.
The architect would need to identify what the best product would be in a particular situation. This can be achieved through the detailed data sheets available for each product, and for which detailed explanations are available – both from the local representative and Sika engineers as well.
In order to maximise the products’ potential and to ensure that a finished product is of the best quality, it is imperative that the step by step process, explained on the respective data sheet, is adhered to. “If there is a shadow of doubt that our products will not be used in the way they were designed to be used, and that work will not be carried out properly, we will not be afraid to refuse a sale. This is something we strongly emphasise with each prospective sale,” he explained.
when a job is done professionally, this starts from the raw material used throughout, and the end result’s superiority is clearly visible
So, how important is it for developers to employ high quality raw materials nowadays?
Jonathan emphasises that good quality materials are indispensable from start to finish. He is quick to stress that, despite some very unfortunate accidents, the industry prides itself in ensuring that the correct health and safety measures are taken throughout. In the industry one rarely sees clients going to developers or builders and asking specifically for cheaper products or looking at options for short cuts when it comes the actual physical structure. Yet many do opt for the lowest cost estimate and this affects the finishing process.
This is something in which our country lacks behind, especially when compared to some of our European counterparts; a result of a lack of in-depth examination of product data sheets and a thorough assessment of the technical specifications for each product to be used. Of course, operating in a highly competitive market does not help when a company such as JCR Imports pushes quality. “When choosing to go for more high end products, then one will see a general improvement in all sectors of the industry – when a job is done professionally, this starts from the raw material used throughout, and the end result’s superiority is clearly visible.”
Jonathan explains that the JCR Imports team has an optimal relation with architects and interior designers. There is very much a two-way conversation with each other and it is more often than not that architects seek more in-depth technical advice – for which they receive input from the Sika engineering team as to how works should proceed. There are also instances when Jonathan and his team are required to go on-site, particularly when more complex solutions are necessary.
The Marsa Junction Project too has been supplied by products from JCR Imports Ltd’s product portfolio.
The company’s achievements have not been limited to just the supply of quality products. They are involved in several high profile projects that have, and are being developed on the Maltese islands. Jonathan recollects the time chaos hit the streets in Marsa and the surrounding areas when a crane hit the foot bridge in Aldo Moro Road. As a result, the bridge was damaged and the architect entrusted to conduct repairs called us in to share our expertise, using Sika products – this project was a typical one where Sika engineers were also involved to ensure that the right products were used for such a vital project to the Maltese people.
In the JCR Imports project portfolio one can find some of Malta’s major projects – including the Bay Street Complex’s foundations, Hilton Hotel, the Dellimara Power Station, as well as many other projects by leading Maltese developers. Sika products can be found practically everywhere on the island. Their most recent activity is the supplying of Sika products to Turkish contractor Ayhanlar Yol Asfaltlama working on the Marsa Junction Project.
As the company is reaching its fourth decade in business, Jonathan’s father is semi-retired however he still takes an active role as a mentor to Jonathan and his brother Anthony as they take the helm. “We continue to build on long years of experience, offering top notch products and expert support to our clients. For us it is not about selling. It is about selling responsibly and deriving satisfaction from the knowledge that we have assisted our clients to ensure that they properly achieve what they have set out to accomplish.”
Sika engineers were also involved to ensure that the right products were used for such a vital project to the Maltese people
As we go to print, Malta is in partial lock down due to the covid-19 Corona virus. Although most outlets have temporarily stopped operations, JCR Imports keeps on working behind the scenes as recommended by the government: purchasing, quotes, queries and orders are handled electronically. The workforce is still employed and doing their utmost to provide an optimum service – notwithstanding the current situation.
Jonathan is upbeat. Whilst he is fully aware that a slump in business will be registered, he is fully cognisant of the fact that JCR Imports will see through these challenging times. Working as a family with a tightly knit team of employees , this company is looking forward to starting a new decade of business; serving the property and construction industry with the very best products at competitive prices indeed.
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