Skip to main content

Thermal Road Repairs and Rowad in Egypt deal

Low-carbon asphalt repair technology from UK-based Thermal Road Repairs will be used by Rowad Modern Engineering, based in Cairo, for Egypt and regions.
By Kristina Smith July 28, 2025 Read time: 2 mins
The “City of a Thousand Minarets” will have thousands of its potholes filled with British technology (image © Svetlana485/Dreamstime)

Thermal Road Repairs has signed an agreement with Rowad Modern Engineering to deploy asphalt repair technology on highways, airports, ports and utility infrastructure in Egypt.

The deal was signed in the Egyptian capital Cairo, often called the 'City of a Thousand Minarets'. Thermal Road Repairs – based in Crewe, England - will provide its technology, together with training and support, to Rowad, a major Cairo-based construction company operating in Egypt, Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Africa. Rowad Modern Engineering also now has the exclusive rights to promote and distribute other Thermal Road Repairs technologies within Egypt.

Thermal Road Repairs says its globally patented technology has been designed to provide permanent repairs to potholes and other defects, while emitting 85% less carbon than traditional repair methods. Its PC-controlled infrared heaters heat up asphalt in and around a defect so that it can be mixed with a small amount of new asphalt and then compacted to create a seamless repair, with no joints that can widen and fail over time.

The process produces no waste, according to Thermal, since the failing asphalt is recycled and re-used in situ rather than being cut out and removed from site.

With all equipment and workers transported in one unit, it reduces truck movements and disruption for road users and businesses local to the works. As well, since it does not require the use of jackhammers, it removes the risks of noise pollution and vibration-related health issues for operatives.

The partnership comes following a year-long period of information exchange and discussion in Egypt through the British Chamber of Commerce with key Egyptian organisations such as the Egyptian Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation.

The agreement with Rowad Modern Engineering is the result of a “great deal of dedication and collaboration”, noted Aidan Conway, Thermal Road Repairs managing director. “From the very start, it was clear that Egypt is not only rich in opportunity but also incredibly welcoming to international partnership and innovation.”

“This strategic partnership reflects our commitment to providing innovative and sustainable solutions in the infrastructure sector,” said Yasser Al-Saadani, head of the commercial sector and director of the Saudi Arabia branch of Rowad Modern Engineering. “We strive to achieve the highest quality standards with the lowest possible environmental impact, serving Egypt and African countries and contributing to the provision of more efficient infrastructure.”
 

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • On the road to the IRF Istanbul Congress, first stop: decarbonisation
    May 30, 2024

    As the world gears up for the highly anticipated IRF World Congress 2024 to be hosted in Istanbul on 15-18 October 2024, work on some of the core themes of the Congress is moving on steadily.

    Under the overarching theme of “Connecting to Empower Mobility: Roads as Enablers of a Sustainable Future for All”, the Congress serves as a dynamic platform to explore innovative solutions and collaborative efforts.

  • EV charging infrastructure – what’s the future?
    November 14, 2022
    Road designers, construction companies and concessionaire firms will increasingly need answers about electric vehicle charging infrastructure and a new website is there to help – EV Charging and Infrastructure, evcandi.com - follows the latest news, technology and regulations.
  • Egypt’s roads and bridges to benefit
    November 12, 2021
    Egypt’s roads and bridges are to benefit from a new budget
  • Shrewd construction
    January 2, 2013
    David Williams is director of Kijlstra UK, one of the leading European manufacturers and suppliers of drainage solutions. The Group has a turnover in excess of €150 million and sites in numerous locations throughout Western Europe. Ever since Sir John Egan kick-started the Rethinking Construction movement more than a decade ago, designers, contractors and suppliers have been trying to find ways of improving site safety, cutting waste and generally improving efficiency in the construction process. “There has