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

  • Bentley advances construction software technology
    December 19, 2016
    Design and construction software specialist Bentley Systems is strengthening its position in the market with the introduction of new software advances as well as a series of strategic business moves. This allows the company to offer new solutions and technologies to its client base, as well as reaching out to new business segments The firm is introducing an array of powerful tools to the market. A key launch is for the OpenRoads Designer CONNECT Edition, which is the successor to Bentley’s well-proven an
  • The environmental high road with VIALOW
    May 11, 2021
    VIALOW uses a bitumen additive to enable asphalt manufacture at up to 40°C lower than standard mixes with no compromise in performance, according to CEMEX.
  • IRF Geneva highlights making roads safe: a priority for all
    May 15, 2014
    IRF Geneva’s Susanna Zammataro highlights the importance of the Federation’s ongoing commitment to the work of the United Nations Road Safety Collaboration, with which she serves as co-chair of the project group dedicated to Safer Roads and Mobility On 10th April, the United Nations General Assembly was due to discuss a new global road safety resolution. For those who might dismiss this as just another piece of paper condemned to sit on government shelves and gather dust, this a reminder of a few facts
  • Astec president J. Don Brock steps down
    August 23, 2012
    Astec Industries Inc. founder J. Don Brock has stepped down as president of the Chattanooga, US-based company, and Norman Smith, who co-founded the company with Brock, will replace the 73-year-old CEO as president and chief operating officer. The new "decentralised company structure facilitates the development of a strong internal management team," Brock said. Smith, 72, has served as head of the company's asphalt division since 1998. He was president of both Astec Inc. and Heattec Inc, and has been a direc