Marlin Lighting enters its 80th year in project design, manufacturing and supply of lighting this year with high emphasis on further developing its position in the Gulf, according to a spokesman for the UK-based firm. To further strengthen its position in the region, the company intends to open new offices and showroom facilities in the UAE.

"Marlin already enjoys more than 25 years experience in a diverse range of projects - both for interiors and exterior applications - working alongside its current distributors, many of whom have been with the firm from the beginning," says the spokesman.

He continues: "Through its recent and ongoing extensive programme of product development, Marlin has never been better positioned than now to meet the needs of an important and growing region by providing excellent lighting solutions.

"With this in mind Marlin is opening offices and showroom facilities in Dubai, which will be fully operational from September. The showroom will be situated off the Shaikh Zayed Road in the Crown Plaza Commercial Centre, opposite the Dubai World Trade Centre."

The Middle East is currently supported by a full-time Marlin sales representative based in the UAE.

"As a leading architectural lighting company committed to a tradition of design excellence, Marlin has achieved the optimum combination of function and design in its luminaires, backed by its high-quality standards of manufacturing," he comments. "We work in partnership with our customers to ensure that we provide architecturally integrated results, geared to individual needs. This enables us to maintain our innovative drive and openness and to consider limitless design opportunities.

"The firm is building within the industry a reputation as market leaders in design and quality. Many designs have stood the test of time, becoming classics, and are still sold today - with originals remaining fully operational around the world despite some testing conditions," he points out. "Meeting the needs of our customers is at the heart of Marlin's philosophy. We take great pride in our customer-care as well as in the excellence of our products. With this in mind it was imperative that Marlin has offices and showrooms locally."