In the Lebanese economy, trade houses and regional distribution ventures have long resided at the nexus of business success. And while at first it may look unassuming, the import and distribution of plumbing supplies, sanitary wares, heating equipment and tools is a fascinating part of this crucial but underreported economic activity. Georges Khoury & Co is one of the leading players in this particular industry. Based in Beirut, the enterprise, which employs around 100 staff, supplies locally manufactured as well as imported tiles, pipes, bathroom fixtures and related materials to commercial and individual customers. Founded in 1937, the company’s operation in Lebanon looks back on almost 70 years of action in its sector. For the past three years, the firm has also been running branch operations in Syria and Iraq. Business in this subsector of the building industry currently is, “slow in distribution and good in projects, and this is
