Kyle Waney, serving as the Vice President at Standard Carpets Ind LLC, shares his wealth of experience within the textiles industry, emphasizing the pivotal role of innovation and a people-centric approach. He sheds light on the company’s expansive facility growth and the establishment of Standard Turf, a testament to their unwavering commitment to producing sustainable and high-quality artificial turf.
In this illuminating interview, we explore Kyle’s vision for elevating the artificial turf sector in the UAE. His strategic emphasis on vertical integration is underscored by the influential guidance of his uncle and mentor, Gulu Waney. Gulu Waney advocates for the paramount importance of quality, service excellence, and robust customer relations as the key pillars of success across diverse business ventures. This interview provides a deeper understanding of Kyle’s strategic initiatives and the principles driving Standard Turf’s pursuit of excellence in the realm of sustainable and top-tier artificial turf solutions.
A Complete Journey About The Company? When You Have Started, How And Where?
The pivotal decision to internally extrude our grass yarn emerged as the driving force behind the establishment of a new brand. Standard Carpets has been a stalwart in transforming yarn into finished products for numerous globally renowned turf brands since 2007. Although sourcing yarn from external suppliers served to address gaps in the regional supply chain, this practice did not align with Standard Carpets’ core competency of vertical integration.
Recognizing that the yarn constitutes the fundamental essence of any turf product, we acknowledged that true control over our destiny could only be achieved by producing our high-quality yarn. Until this crucial shift in our approach, we operated within a framework where the sourcing process limited our influence over the foundational component of our products. The decision to bring yarn extrusion in-house marked a strategic move toward vertical integration, solidifying our commitment to quality, control, and the realization of our full potential within the artificial turf industry. This shift represents a significant evolution for Standard Carpets, aligning our practices with our core competencies and placing us firmly in control of the essential elements shaping the destiny of our brand.
The strategic choice to internalize our extrusion process marked a transformative juncture, prompting the realization that Standard Turf should emerge as an autonomous entity within the Standard Carpets group. This decision was rooted in the recognition that Standard Turf needed to embody the same fundamental values that define Standard Carpets.
Positioned as a distinct brand within the group, Standard Turf now stands as a beacon of innovation and excellence in its field. With a commitment to driving the industry forward regionally and globally, Standard Turf sets itself apart through adaptability, cutting-edge innovation, and an unwavering dedication to quality. This deliberate move to establish Standard Turf as an independent and dynamic entity underscores our vision for a brand that not only aligns with the values of Standard Carpets but also pioneers progress and sets new standards within the artificial turf industry.
The Journey Of The Entrepreneur – Kyle Waney
A decade ago, upon my initial relocation to Dubai, Standard Carpets operated from its original site in Sharjah. Engaging in one of my earliest projects, I played a pivotal role in orchestrating the complete relocation of our operations from the original location to our present facility in Dubai Industrial City. Over the course of 15 years, the company had organically expanded, outgrowing the confines of its former space.
The decision to increase our plot area served as a strategic initiative, enabling us to not only reorganize our operations but also enhance efficiency and strategically plan for the future. This significant move represented a proactive step in aligning our infrastructure with the evolving needs of our growing business and ensuring our capacity to thrive in the years ahead.
Despite the challenges, the process of relocating was far from straightforward. Disassembling an entire factory and reconstructing it 100 kilometers away, all while minimizing disruptions to our supply chain, provided invaluable insights into our processes, customer dynamics, and the essential elements for running operations with efficiency.
Fortunate to be part of a company that has experienced uninterrupted growth over the past three decades, our journey has evolved to the point where we now proudly ship our products to 64 countries spanning six continents. This expansive reach is a testament to our commitment to adaptability, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of operational excellence, reflecting the core values that have propelled Standard Carpets on a trajectory of sustained success.
The journey of establishing the Standard Turf division remains an ongoing endeavor, and I take pride in the strides we’ve made within a relatively short timeframe. The launch of Standard Turf, undertaken alongside my dedicated colleagues, presented a complex yet immensely rewarding challenge that has significantly elevated my professional expertise.
Navigating the creation of Standard Turf involved a multifaceted approach. From assembling a global team featuring prominent figures in the industry to analyzing market potential, securing state-of-the-art machinery from both the US and Europe, developing innovative products, and cultivating customer relationships – each aspect required me to don various hats. This diverse set of responsibilities has proven instrumental in refining my skills and offering versatile business solutions.
Whether engaging with retailers, distributors, or fellow manufacturers, Standard Turf has positioned itself with a keen understanding of the challenges at every stage of the supply chain. This comprehensive perspective has not only granted us a competitive edge but has also enabled us to effectively navigate and excel in the dynamic and competitive market landscape.
Principal Influences In Your Professional Journey?
My uncle, Gulu Waney, has had a profound influence on my professional journey. Beyond facilitating my move to Dubai and offering me the opportunity to contribute to Standard Carpets, he stands as one of the country’s most accomplished businessmen. The revelation often surprises those who learn that the Chairman of Standard Carpets is also at the helm of some of the UAE’s most renowned restaurants, including Zuma, LPM, Coya, Roka, and The Arts Club. Gulu Waney’s multifaceted success serves as a testament to his entrepreneurial prowess and has been a source of inspiration throughout my career.
The connection between owning high-end restaurants and the flooring industry may seem elusive to clients, yet the shared success of both realms is no mere coincidence. Gulu Waney, my uncle and the Chairman of Standard Carpets, exemplifies a set of qualities that transcend industries.
His capacity to lead with conviction, entrust talented individuals, take calculated risks, and unwaveringly deliver the highest quality products represents just a fraction of the characteristics that have continually inspired me over the past decade working alongside him. Gulu Waney’s leadership philosophy serves as a testament to the universal principles of success that transcend specific sectors, leaving an indelible mark on my professional journey.
How Has Your Industry Evolved In The UAE In Recent Years?
The UAE lags in the artificial turf industry regarding quality, largely influenced by the prevalence of low-quality products sold at discounted prices. This trend has adversely impacted the overall industry, fostering the misconception that artificial turf is an inexpensive product with subpar performance over time.
The exacting standards and dedication to innovation upheld by our in-house R&D department resonate in our products. Examples include our landscaping turf, which boasts a 7-year UV guarantee, and our sports turf designed for professional-grade quality, even suitable for stadium use. With a robust presence spanning over three decades in the UAE market, we recognize the paramount importance customers attribute to quality.
We are committed to not only delivering top-tier products but also educating customers about crucial features like UV stability and yarn thickness. Through these efforts, we aim to elevate the industry as a whole, aligning with and meeting the exceptional standards set by the UAE.
Your website and social media pages
Website: https://www.standardcarpets.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StandardCarpetsGlobal
Twitter: https://twitter.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2FStandard_Carpet
Also Read: Taqua Malik – Passion & Innovation, the driving force behind Freedomvisory’s Growth