Universal Building Materials
Universal Building Materials is a Saudi Arabian B2B distributor founded in 1977 that supplies plumbing, drainage, climate control, door hardware, master key/access control, electrical, and renewable-energy products from 40+ international brands to construction, industrial, hospitality, healthcare, education, and government clients across Saudi Arabia and the MENA region.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1977
- HeadquartersRiyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Universal Building Materials does
Universal Building Materials (UBM) is a Riyadh-headquartered B2B distributor of building materials, founded in 1977 and operating as a subsidiary of Saveto Group within the Al-Rashed conglomerate. The company supplies project managers, design teams, developers, and industrial clients across Saudi Arabia and the MENA region with more than 3,000 products sourced from over 40 world-renowned international brands, spanning mechanical (valves, control valves, drainage, pipes and fittings, multilayer and PE-Xa pipe systems, electric water heaters, HVAC expansion tanks, flexible joints), climate-control and radiant heating/cooling (Danfoss, Uponor), architectural and security doors, door hardware and master key/access-control systems (ASSA ABLOY, Yale, Dorma Kaba, Allegion, ULL, Basys), electrical (MK Electric by Honeywell, Vimar), and renewable-energy solutions (solar thermal through Millennium Energy Industries and PV modules/inverters via Trina, Jinko, LONGi, JA Solar, Huawei). Anchor reference projects include a 25MW Thermal district-heating solar rooftop at Princess Noura University (operational since 2011) and supply work for Makkah landmark projects.
UBM serves customers through a direct enterprise field-sales motion out of three regional offices — Riyadh (headquarters), Jeddah (western region), and Al Khobar (eastern region) — with sales roles including Regional Sales Managers, Sales Engineers, and Technical Support Engineers. Pricing is quote-based and project-by-project, with multi-year contracting on larger infrastructure and industrial deployments; the company does not publish list pricing and routes inquiries through its sales team.
The company generates revenue by purchasing branded products from international OEMs and reselling them into Saudi construction, industrial, hospitality, healthcare, education, and government projects, with a multi-year reference book in renewable energy and a stated track record of over 200 solar thermal systems installed in the region (over 70% for commercial and industrial clients). UBM does not disclose revenue, has no external funding history, and operates without a proprietary software platform or AI/data product layer; its competitive position rests on exclusive brand distribution rights, scale across 3,000+ SKUs, technical-sales coverage, and the financial backing of Al-Rashed Group.
Universal Building Materials firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Universal Building Materials
- Legal name
- Universal Building Materials
- Website
- https://ubmksa.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1977
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Universal Building Materials is a Saudi Arabian B2B distributor founded in 1977 that supplies plumbing, drainage, climate control, door hardware, master key/access control, electrical, and renewable-energy products from 40+ international brands to construction, industrial, hospitality, healthcare, education, and government clients across Saudi Arabia and the MENA region.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Universal Building Materials industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Building Materials Distribution
- NAICS
- Other Building Material Dealers (44418)
- SIC
- Retail-Lumber & Other Building Materials Dealers (5211)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Doors, Windows & Millwork Retail (Interior/Exterior Doors, Windows, Moulding) (CRAIAEAI)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Interior Doors (IMADAIAB)
Keywords
Where Universal Building Materials is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Riyadh
- HQ country
- Saudi Arabia
- HQ region
- Middle East
Offices3 records
Markets served
Universal Building Materials business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Building Materials Distribution: UBM generates revenue through the sale and distribution of building materials including plumbing, climate control, architectural, high-security, solar thermal, and electrical solutions. The company operates as a distributor of world-renowned brands in Saudi Arabia.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | B2B Project-based pricing |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels2 records
Universal Building Materials product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Universal Building Materials is a B2B merchant distributor of more than 3,000 world-renowned building-material products in Saudi Arabia and the MENA region. The company supplies mechanical plumbing and HVAC components, climate-control and radiant heating/cooling systems, architectural doors and door hardware, master-key and access-control systems, electrical wiring/smart-home products, and solar thermal and photovoltaic renewable-energy systems on a project-quotation basis through regional offices in Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar.
Product overview
Universal Building Materials (UBM) operates as a comprehensive building materials distributor offering a portfolio of physical products rather than a unified software platform. The company provides solutions across ten main categories: Mechanical Solutions (valves, control valves, drain systems, drainage cleaning/testing, pipes/fittings, flexible joints/loops, PE-Xa flexible piping, multilayer piping, electric water heaters, HVAC expansion tanks), Climate Solutions (Danfoss-powered climate control and Uponor radiant heating/cooling), Doors (architectural doors including fire-rated, acoustic, and security doors), Door Hardware (comprehensive ANSI/EN standard hardware including ULL, Yale, Allegion, ASSA ABLOY, Dorma Kaba products), Electrical Solutions (MK Electric wiring devices and Vimar smart home/automation systems), and Renewable Energy Solutions (solar thermal and photovoltaic systems through partnerships with manufacturers like Trina Solar, JINKO Solar, LONGI Solar, JA Solar, Huawei, and Millennium Energy Industries). UBM distributes over 3,000 world-renowned products from 40+ brand partners, functioning as the exclusive provider of international building material brands in Saudi Arabia under Saveto Group/Al-Rashed Group.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Mechanical Solutions Comprehensive mechanical product portfolio of valves, control valves, drain systems, drainage cleaning and testing equipment, copper pipes and fittings, flexible joints and loops, PE-Xa and multilayer pipe systems, electric water heaters and HVAC expansion tanks for plumbing and HVAC construction projects.
- Climate Control Solutions Precision climate-control solutions powered by Danfoss that optimize energy use for cost-effective operations and environmental stewardship in commercial and industrial buildings.
- Radiant Heating and Cooling Uponor radiant heating and cooling systems for energy-efficient, quiet and low-maintenance indoor climate conditioning in residential, commercial and industrial buildings.
- Architectural Doors Steel and wooden architectural doors including fire-rated, acoustic and security doors designed for compliance with UL or BS standards in commercial, institutional and residential projects.
- Door Hardware Comprehensive door-hardware category covering hanging, securing, controlling and exit devices, plus cylinders and trims/accessories meeting ANSI and EN standards, sourced from brands such as ULL, Yale, ASSA ABLOY, Allegion, Dorma Kaba, effeff, Omnitec, CES, Securitron, Basys, Baldwin and Mandelli.
- Master Key Systems Master-key solutions in both American (ANSI) and European (EN) standards providing advanced security, simplified access control and premises protection from unauthorized entry.
- Access Control Solutions Electronic access-control solutions in ANSI and EN standards for upgrading and securing commercial, institutional and hospitality buildings, featuring Aperio wireless locking and ASSA ABLOY Vingcard hospitality systems.
- Electrical Solutions Cutting-edge wiring devices, cable management and power distribution products from MK Electric (Albany Plus, Aria, Aspect, Elements, Essential, Logic Plus) and Italian Vimar electrical, home-automation and video-intercom systems including Arke, Eikon, Plana and Elvox.
- Renewable Energy Solutions Solar thermal and photovoltaic energy systems for industrial and large commercial establishments, distributed through partnerships with Trina Solar, Jinko Solar, LONGi Solar, JA Solar, Huawei and Millennium (NEXT) Renewable Energy, with documented payback of 2-5 years on solar thermal installations.
Quantifiable outcome
- Solar thermal systems with payback period of 2-5 years depending on fuel cost and system complexity
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Universal Building Materials
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Universal Building Materials technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Universal Building Materials partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
22 partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- Saveto GroupcoreUBM operates under Saveto Group, which is a subsidiary of Al-Rashed Group. This hierarchical relationship provides UBM with organizational backing and integration within one of Saudi Arabia's leading conglomerates.
- Al-Rashed GroupcoreAl-Rashed Group is a dynamic, leading conglomerate in Saudi Arabia that has been instrumental in the development of Saudi Arabian infrastructure for over five decades. UBM is proud to be an integral entity within this group, operating in areas of building materials, cement, contracting, and more.
- DanfosscoreDanfoss is a global leader in engineering advanced climate control, heating, and energy-efficient solutions. UBM provides Danfoss climate solutions in Saudi Arabia, including Digital MTCV with CCR2+, energy metering products, MTCV, and PICV valves for optimized energy use.
- UponorcoreUponor specializes in plumbing, indoor climate, and infrastructure solutions known for quality and sustainability. UBM distributes Uponor's multilayer pipe systems, PE-Xa flexible pipe systems, and radiant heating/cooling solutions in Saudi Arabia.
- ZURNcoreZURN excels in delivering engineered water solutions including plumbing products and water control systems. Products include floor drains, control valves, backflow preventers, pressure reducing valves, and grease interceptors.
- Bradford WhitecoreBradford White is a pioneer in water heating solutions offering advanced technology products like AeroTherm Series heat pump water heaters and commercial electric water heaters. UBM distributes their electric water heaters in Saudi Arabia.
- NIBCOcoreNIBCO is renowned for expertise in flow control solutions offering an extensive range of valves, fittings, and flow control products. UBM distributes NIBCO's metal pressure fittings, press fittings, and related tools.
- MetraflexcoreMetraflex leads in manufacturing specialty piping products including flexible joints, flexible couplings, metal expansion joints, rubber expansion joints, and VRF expansion joints. Products address vibration isolation, noise dampening, and thermal expansion needs.
- Millennium Energy IndustriescoreMillennium (Next Renewable Energy LLC) specializes in large-scale Solar Thermal (ST) systems for industries and large commercial establishments. UBM partners with Millennium to provide solar thermal and PV solutions, having designed and installed over 200 ST systems in the region.
- ASSA ABLOYcoreASSA ABLOY is a world leader in locking solutions known for innovation, quality, and security. UBM distributes various ASSA ABLOY brands including Abloy, Assa Abloy Access Control, Aperio, and Vingcard hospitality solutions.
- YalecoreYale embodies a tradition of excellence offering a range of locking solutions that combine time-tested reliability with modern innovation. UBM distributes Yale locking solutions in Saudi Arabia.
- Dorma KabacoreDorma Kaba is a global player in opening solutions known for innovative, secure, and sustainable door hardware. UBM distributes Dorma Kaba products in Saudi Arabia.
- MK Electric by HoneywellcoreMK Electric is a prominent leader in manufacturing electrical and power solutions known for quality, innovation, and safety. UBM distributes MK Electric wiring devices, cable management, and power distribution systems.
- VimarcoreVimar is an iconic brand in electrical equipment, home automation, and video intercom systems marked by Italian quality and innovation. UBM distributes Vimar's wiring devices, smart home solutions, and building automation products.
- Trina SolarcoreTrina Solar is a well-known global provider of smart energy solutions and one of the largest solar panel manufacturers in the world. UBM partners with Trina Solar to provide high-quality solar products with cutting-edge technologies.
- Jinko SolarcoreJINKO Solar is a leading solar panel manufacturer based in China specializing in producing high-efficiency solar modules. UBM partners with JINKO Solar to provide affordable and sustainable energy solutions.
- Longi SolarcoreLongi Solar is recognized as one of the world's leading solar cell manufacturers specializing in monocrystalline solar cells and modules with strong focus on R&D. UBM and Longi Solar partner in commitment to sustainability.
- HuaweicoreHuawei is a global leader in innovative technology solutions including systems for reliable and efficient power conversion for solar energy systems. UBM partners with Huawei to provide renewable energy solutions.
- WesselscoreWessels Company specializes in the development of advanced pressure vessels and HVAC products. UBM distributes Wessels' expansion HVAC tanks including bladder, compression, and diaphragm tanks.
- ZURN WilkinscoreZURN Wilkins is a subsidiary of ZURN Industries providing the complete line of backflow prevention products for fire protection, irrigation, plumbing, retrofit, and waterworks projects.
- Universal Lever & Locks (ULL)coreULL is a trusted name in delivering high-quality, durable locking solutions ensuring security and peace of mind. UBM distributes ULL's comprehensive door hardware including securing devices, exit devices, hanging devices, cylinders, and trims in both ANSI and EN standards.
- BasyscoreBasys is renowned for manufacturing superior quality concealed hinges combining functionality and aesthetic appeal. UBM distributes Basys concealed hinges in Saudi Arabia.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Universal Building Materials competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Würth Group: Global leader in distribution of fastening, hardware, tools, and building consumables to professional trades. Würth's direct-sales, multi-category distribution approach is comparable to UBM's enterprise field sales model serving contractors and project clients.
- Rexel: Global electrical, lighting, and building automation products distributor with a strong Middle East footprint. Rexel competes with UBM's electrical and smart-building distribution lines via MK Electric, Vimar, and similar product families.
- Watsco: Largest North American HVAC distribution specialist, distributing heating, cooling, and refrigeration equipment and parts. Watsco's HVAC and climate-control distribution focus is closely analogous to UBM's Danfoss/Uponor/Wessels climate and mechanical solutions lines.
- Sonepar: Global leader in B2B electrical and lighting distribution. Sonepar's model of aggregating premium brand lines and serving commercial/industrial project customers is directly analogous to UBM's electrical and mechanical distribution business.
- Saint-Gobain Distribution: Global building materials distributor (part of Saint-Gobain group) operating across construction products, plumbing, and interior solutions. Comparable to UBM in aggregating international brands and serving project-based Saudi and regional construction customers.
- Ferguson Enterprises: Largest North American distributor of plumbing, HVAC, and waterworks products. Ferguson's mix of plumbing valves, water heaters, drainage, and radiant heating closely parallels UBM's mechanical solutions portfolio, although it operates in a different geography.
- Abdul Latif Jameel: Large Saudi diversified conglomerate with industrial products, energy, and building-related distribution businesses. ALJ's industrial products division overlaps with UBM in distributing international brands and serving Saudi construction and infrastructure projects.
Direct peers
- Al Muhaidib Group: Saudi conglomerate with a substantial building materials, contracting, and industrial products footprint. Al Muhaidib competes with UBM for Saudi project-based building materials supply, including doors, hardware, plumbing, and finishing products.
- Haji Hussein Alireza & Co. Ltd (HHA): One of Saudi Arabia's largest diversified distributors with a major building materials, industrial, and consumer goods division. HHA is the closest Saudi analog to UBM's broad-line building materials distribution model, serving similar commercial and project-based customers across the Kingdom.
Emerging players
- Hilti Group: Global manufacturer-distributor of tools, fasteners, and building technology systems sold direct to construction professionals. Hilti competes for the same Saudi project and contractor mindshare as UBM in the hardware and building solutions category.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Universal Building Materials social profiles
Digital presenceUniversal Building Materials financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Universal Building Materials leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Universal Building Materials funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Universal Building Materials M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Universal Building Materials
What does Universal Building Materials do?
Universal Building Materials is a B2B merchant distributor of more than 3,000 world-renowned building-material products in Saudi Arabia and the MENA region. The company supplies mechanical plumbing and HVAC components, climate-control and radiant heating/cooling systems, architectural doors and door hardware, master-key and access-control systems, electrical wiring/smart-home products, and solar thermal and photovoltaic renewable-energy systems on a project-quotation basis through regional offices in Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar.
Is Universal Building Materials a public or private company?
Universal Building Materials is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Universal Building Materials founded?
Universal Building Materials was founded in 1977. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Universal Building Materials based?
Universal Building Materials is headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in the Middle East region.
How does Universal Building Materials make money?
One revenue line is on record: building Materials Distribution.
Who are Universal Building Materials's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Würth Group, Rexel, Watsco, Sonepar, Saint-Gobain Distribution, Ferguson Enterprises and Abdul Latif Jameel. Direct peers are Al Muhaidib Group and Haji Hussein Alireza & Co. Ltd (HHA). Hilti Group is listed as an emerging player.
Does Universal Building Materials have an API?
No public API is recorded for Universal Building Materials.
What industry is Universal Building Materials in?
Universal Building Materials's product category is Building Materials Distribution. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRAIAEAI, Doors, Windows & Millwork Retail (Interior/Exterior Doors, Windows, Moulding), with a secondary code of IMADAIAB, Interior Doors. Its NAICS code is 44418 and its SIC code is 5211.