BusinessGrenada.com Issue: 6 2013 -2014 | Page 86

Building windows to the T SAINT LU METALS hey say the curb appeal of your house adds more to its value than say kitchen appliances or bedrooms. And the one thing that adds great appeal to any house is a great front door and good looking windows. Countless homes in Grenada and across the Caribbean have “Saint Lu Metals” to thank for this. Saint Lu Metals is a locally based operation owned by a Pakistan born businessman Muhammad Armghan Ul-Haq and his in laws. They currently control an estimated 50-60 percent share of the market producing all types of aluminum custom jobs within any reasonable design specifications,” explains Mr Muhammad, a director in the company. Saint Lu Metals offer 19 types of glass & safety glass, and the latest, trending bathroom product - frameless shower doors. As a testament to the positive business environment here in Grenada, Saint Lu Metals, which previously led the market in St Lucia since the late 1970s (formed in 1977) chose the Spice Isle over cheaper, more financially attractive manufacturing hubs like Trinidad and Jamaica. “We had 80% of the market in St. Lucia so we had to expand. After St. Lucia, Grenada was our first choice. At the time in 2010, that decision was based on the fact that Grenada was the next in line to boom. We first applied to open here in 2008 and the GIDC was excellent. They even visited our factory in St. Lucia to see our operations and after that they have become so helpful. Any problems I call them and they are there to assist. I especially want to mention the manager Sonia Roden and Ronald Theodore and KathyAnn – they are very nice and great to work with.” Mr Muhammad says. Whilst there are great business incentives offered by the Grenada government, there are still some challenges. Muhammad says their aluminum windows are not yet up to hurricane standards, because it is uneconomical to manufacture hurricane standard windows and doors at this moment in time. ISO standards require that the minimum www.businessgrenada.com We had 80% of the market in St. Lucia so we had to expand windows, and doors with raw materials from America, Germany, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong & Mexico. “I think we are one of the largest window manufacturers in Grenada. We make all types of windows, and aluminum doors. From start to finish - manufactured and assembled and fit them if the customer wants. We prefer to install, but sometimes they prefer that their contractor or builder fits. If we do it, there is no extra fee. We also do 86