RFL enters particle board market with launch of 'PLYMAX'

RFL, the Bangladeshi conglomerate, has entered the particle board market with the launch of its new brand, PLYMAX. The brand was unveiled at a formal event held at a hotel in Dhaka today (23 October) by RN Paul, managing director of RFL Group.

Particle board is widely used in furniture, interior decoration, kitchen cabinets, doors, and floor tiles, thanks to its affordability, portability, and versatility. The annual market for particle board in Bangladesh is estimated at around Tk3,000 crore, growing at 12% per year. 

While 70-75% of the demand is met by local production, the remaining 25-30% is imported, mainly from India, China, and Malaysia.

PLYMAX will be produced at RFL's factory in Danga Industrial Park, Narsingdi, with an initial annual production capacity of 1.3 million pieces, which is planned to grow fivefold over the next two years. 

According to a press release, the company has invested Tk200 crore in the sector and currently employs 500 workers, with plans to create an additional 1,000 jobs in the coming years.

Addressing the audience, RN Paul said, "The demand for engineered wood products in Bangladesh is increasing rapidly. To ensure the continuity of our existing businesses in furniture, doors, and interior solutions, and to provide affordable, quality alternatives to customers, we have introduced particle board to the market. We hope PLYMAX will earn the same trust and satisfaction as our other products."

He also highlighted that the sector is poised for growth due to rising purchasing power and urbanisation; however, he stressed the need for government support in facilitating raw material imports and strengthening quality control.

Kazi Rashedul Islam, executive director of Banga Building Materials Ltd, a concern of RFL, added that PLYMAX particle boards are water-resistant due to paraffin wax and use zero-emission glue to ensure strong bonding. The boards will be available nationwide through authorised dealers, retailers, and the popular online platform othoba.com, with a maximum retail price of Tk1,960 per piece.

The launch event was also attended by Mohammad Allama Mursed Muneem, chief marketing officer at RFL Group; Md Mehedi Hasan, chief operating officer at PLYMAX, and Shafik Shahin, head of marketing at Banga Building Materials Limited.