Construction Business News March 2018

March 2018

THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO THE REGION'S CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS

CBNME takes a tour of the Opportunity District at the Expo2020 site with MEP contractor ASU

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// contents

March 2018 // Issue #37

8 Ed Note 12 News 24 Comment

RSG’s Raj Sahni talks about the rising trend of residential vs hotel apartments in the region

26 Comment

Sameer Daoud from DSI discusses significant changes in technology in the MEP sector

28 Cover Story

CBNME visits the Opportunity Theme District at the Expo 2020 construction site with ASU to view the progress

www.cbnme.com

construction business news me // March 2018 //

3

www.cbnme.com

CEO Wissam Younane wissam@bncpublishing.net Director Rabih Najm rabih@bncpublishing.net Group Sales Director Joaquim D'Costa jo@bncpublishing.net +971 50 440 2706

Business Development Director Rabih Naderi rabih.naderi@bncpublishing.net +966 50 328 9818

Editor Paromita Dey paromita@bncpublishing.net Art Director Aaron Sutton aaron@bncpublishing.net Marketing Executive Mark Anthony Monzon mark@bncpublishing.net Photography Farooq Salik

34 Interview

Cimolai Rimond explains how latest developments in real time design and feedback are affecting the construction industry

38 Case Study

ISG explains the refurbishment of one of the oldest stadiums in the UAE while keeping it functional

44 Event preview

A look into what visitors can expect from the Big 5 Heavy

66 Suppliers News 68 Editor’s Pick 70 Diary

SUBSCRIBE subscriptions@bncpublishing.net PO Box 502511 Dubai, United Arab Emirates P +971 4 4200 506 | F +971 4 4200 196 For all commercial enquiries related to Construction Business News ME contact sales@bncpublishing.net T +971 55 339 5097 All rights reserved Š 2015.

Opinions expressed are solely those of the contributors.

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// construction business news me // March 2018

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// Editor's note

editor’s note

Future Awaits

The GCC has always been the hub for ambitious real estate projects. According to a recent report by Deloitte, the region's construction sector boasts a robust pipeline of projects, currently in the planning stages, thus indicating there is still demand for construction projects. The report states that these projects are mainly driven by social needs, initiatives associated with economic transformation plans, government’s commitment towards investment in infrastructure, as well as tourism related projects.

The report also highlights the importance of greater private sector participation to improve the delivery of social services, including healthcare, education, transportation, and utilities infrastructure. In the current economic environment, investment into construction projects by governments, regional private and international investors is less aggressive than it used to be.

In addition to this, Dubai has succeeded in transforming itself into a truly global city, and a regional business and tourism hub; this has happened predominantly in the

8

last two decades. With the government also undertaking numerous ‘smart’ initiatives, the benefits of digitisation are expected to percolate to every sector in the economy, especially infrastructure, utilities, transportation, aviation, and tourism.

Keeping in line with this vision, I present to you our Construction Innovation Forum, to be held on March 27, 2018, at The St Regis Dubai. The forum will present an opportunity for the attendees to get acquainted with the facts about the technology solutions for the growing infrastructure sector in the region, uses of building information modelling (BIM) to tackle MEP challenges, addressing the growing formwork demand in the GCC, and the importance of sustainability in the HVAC industry.

The forum will feature industry experts from well known companies and will give the attendees a chance to interact with them and make the most out of it.

See you at the forum!

// construction business news me // March 2018

Paromita Dey Editor paromita@bncpublishing.net @paromitadey1 linkedin.com/in/paromita-dey

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// Update An update from around the region

For News, features and more, Visit www.CBNme.com Follow us on twitter for breaking news: @cbn_ME Follow us on Facebook for up-to-the-minute breaking news

Contracts

Nakheel awards AED79.7mn contract for The St Regis Beach Club to Ghantoot

Dubai-based developer, Nakheel, has awarded a contract worth AED79.7mn to Ghantoot Gulf Contracting to build the exclusive beachfront facility, The St Regis Beach Club, which will offer restaurants, and lifestyle and fitness venues with extensive views of the Arabian Gulf.

Construction is currently underway at The St Regis Beach Club on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah. Due to open in 2019, the development complements The St Regis Dubai – The Palm, a 289-room hotel forming part of Nakheel’s 12

52-storey Palm Tower, under construction nearby.

The beach club will feature an array of dining options, including modern fusion concepts never seen before in the UAE. There will also be an infinity edge pool, stretching almost 100m along Palm Jumeirah’s seafront and gym and fitness facilities.

Recently, Nakheel confirmed that the 240m Palm Tower is 80% complete in terms of concrete works.

Due to open in 2019, The Palm Tower combines The St Regis Dubai – The Palm,

// construction business news me // March 2018

432 luxury residences, and a rooftop infinity pool, restaurant, and public viewing deck offering views across Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf, and Dubai skyline.

Hotel guests and Palm Tower residents will receive priority access to The St Regis Beach Club. The Palm Tower is linked to Nakheel Mall and its 350 shops, restaurants, and attractions and entertainment outlets, from where the public will access the 52nd floor viewing deck. The mall is scheduled to open in 2019.

Nakheel’s current and future

retail project portfolio covers 161ha of leasable space. Developments include Ibn Battuta Mall, Dragon Mart 1 and 2, Golden Mile Galleria, Nakheel Mall, The Pointe, Deira Mall, Deira Islands Night Souk, Warsan Souk, Al Khail Avenue, The Circle Mall, Nad Al Sheba Mall, and Discovery Gardens Mall, as well as major extensions to Dragon Mart (renamed Dragon City), and Ibn Battuta Mall. The retail profile also includes several neighbourhood community centres, known as Nakheel Pavilions.

Construction

Sharjah’s ARADA awards Nasma Residences phase 2 construction contracts ARADA has awarded main construction contracts for phase 2 of Nasma Residences, a fully self-sustained villa and townhouse community in the heart of Sharjah, to two separate companies.

Sharjah-based Intermass Engineering and Contracting and Klampfer Middle East, a joint venture between Basma Group and KBW Investments, will construct the 184 villas and townhouses that make up phase 2 of ARADA’s first project. Mobilisation on site began in February, and handover of units to homeowners is scheduled for the first quarter of 2019.

Launched in March 2017, Nasma Residences sold out the first of the community’s five phases in less than a month, making it the fastest-selling residential real estate project in Sharjah. In total, the project contains 800 homes, and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2019.

The main construction contract for work on phase 1 of Nasma Residences was also awarded to Intermass Engineering and Contracting. Enabling works began on site in September last year, and the first phase is on track to be delivered to buyers by the end of 2018.

The news follows the announcement in December that the world’s largest private education operator, GEMS, will open an international school in Nasma

Residences, ensuring that homeowners in the community have access to premium education for their children on their doorstep.

HE Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, chairman of ARADA, said: “This year is hugely important one for Nasma Residences, as we work towards handing over our first homes in the final quarter. These contracts for phase 2 of this community shows our commitment to homebuyers to move quick-

ly and deliver on schedule.”

Spread over an area of 464,515sqm, Nasma Residences has been carefully planned to ensure a balance between living areas and community facilities.

The residences will be anchored by a number of community offerings – a 13-acre lush landscaped park with cycling and jogging tracks and large play areas; a multi-purpose community centre with clubhouse offering sports and recreation facilities; children’s nursery and full-service medical clinic; the GEMS international school; and Nasma Square, a retail mall.

With homes ranging in size from 139sqm to 408sqm, complemented by generous plots, there is an offering to suit every prospective homeowner. With homes starting from AED1.04mn, it offers an attractive opportunity for investors who want to buy in a lively new urban destination.

UAE-based property developer Eshraq Properties reported a net profit of AED32.2mn in 2017 as compared to a net loss of AED301mn for the same period in 2016.

French lighting solutions provider, Switch Made, has undertaken the value engineering for the new façade lighting, developing a custom solution for The Dubai Mall.

// Bitesize news

ENBD REIT, the Shari’a compliant real estate investment trust managed

by Emirates NBD Asset Management, confirmed that its education asset, South View School, is nearing completion. www.cbnme.com

Aldar Properties has awarded Serco a contract of five years for the delivery of integrated facilities services across its iconic commercial properties in Abu Dhabi.

construction business news me // March 2018 //

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// NEWS

Fit-out

S&T Dubai wins two fit-out contracts for The Royal Atlantis Resorts

We have bold plans for 2018 – exciting development launches and seeking opportunities to grow our portfolio in existing and new markets. ” Talal Al Dhiyebi, CEO of Aldar Properties

S&T Interiors and Contracting Dubai has won two contracts for The Royal Atlantis Resort & Residences project, located on The Palm Dubai.

The contracts include packages F3 for complete interior fit-out of the 219 super-luxury apartments and F9 for all back of house areas. The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2019.

The Royal Atlantis Resort &

fit-out partner for luxury bespoke solutions in the GCC region. With our solid track-record of more than 150 high-end projects worldwide, and an excellent team on the job, I am confident we will deliver the project beyond client expectations and exhibit our continued commitment to international quality.”

Ali Malas, CEO of S&T Dubai, said: “Being awarded this contract is a testament to what S&T can deliver in terms of quality, finesse, expertise, and global skill set.

It is indeed an iconic project that we are proud to be part of and we intend to provide service, par excellence.”

The architect for the project is Kohn Pederson Fox Consultants, project management is being done

by Faithful & Gould, and the main contractor is Ssangyong Besix JV.

Residences is a contemporary interpretation of classic architectural design masterpieces, creating a destination perfect for living.

KS Ravikumar, executive director – international operations, S&T Dubai, said: “We are delighted to be working on the next modern wonder of Dubai and showcase our capabilities as a leading turnkey

// In numbers

Dubai Municipality approved construction spaces in the emirate in 2017 16

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Low end - International City, IMPZ, Discovery Gardens, Jumeirah Village Circle, Jumeirah Village Triangle, Sports City, JLT, Dubailand apartments Mid Range - Business Bay, The Views, Greens, Dubai Marina, JLT, Green Community - DIP High end - Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, DIFC

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// NEWS

// The big Picture

Dubai-based Azizi Developments announced that construction of phases 3 and 4 of its flagship project, Azizi Riviera, commenced in February.

Steel

Top 5 Web Stories

www.cbnme.com

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1

L&T bags EPC deal

2

Nakheel Palm Tower on track

3

Azizi accelerates Dubai project works

4

Samsung Engg wins refinery deal

5

MAG appoints Dutch Foundation

Star Cement witness downtime reduction with SSAB Steel Cement manufacturer Star Cement announced a significant turnaround in its machinery downtime and increased output when switching from mild steel to SSAB’s Hardox Wear Plate steel grades. Hardox Wear Plate is a flagship product of the Swedish steel giant, SSAB, recognised globally for its strength, durability, and ease of use.

Velayuthan, general manager, Star Cement, said: “Mild steel, that we were using earlier, hardly gives us a life of two to three months. At our factory, we are targeting 330 days of running every year (which is very high compared to market standards). And Hardox Wear Plate is helping us achieve that target.

If we use a normal steel plate, it will breakdown in early, and then we have to take an intermediate stoppage, replace it, or repair it. Since we switched to Hardox Wear Plate, we have been consistently running for 330 – 331 days over the last four to five years, because of its low wear and tear.”

// construction business news me // March 2018

He further credited Hardox Wear Plate to be partly responsible for Star Cement’s capacity increase from 6,800 tonnes to 8,300 tonnes per day, without any major modification. “The fact that we are able to survive this capacity increase means Hardox Wear Plate is also playing a role in it. With it supporting us in some of the key areas, we are able to push the machine to the extreme and still survive the situation.”

// NEWS

Contract

Eagle Hills awards contract for Fujairah Beach to Ghantoot

Eagle Hills Abu Dhabi has awarded the construction and infrastructure works contract for its Fujairah Beach development to Ghantoot Transport & General Contracting.

Ghantoot will be responsible for the development of the entire 38,258sqm site, which includes the 167-keys Palace Hotel, 80 luxury villas, and the associated infrastructure that will turn the Eagle Hills vision for the resort into a reality.

Low Ping, CEO of Eagle Hills, said: “We are pleased to appoint Ghantoot Transport & General Contracting, given their strong reputation and portfolio. This milestone brings us a step closer to delivering this exciting development to Fujairah. Fujairah Beach offers a truly unique investment opportunity to buyers as it is situated on the beach and within the city, and we have already witnessed a huge level of

demand coming from investors. The project is on track for its 2019 completion.”

Ali Mohammed Sadeq Al Blooshi, chairman, Ghantoot Group, said: “We are honoured to be working with Eagle Hills, offering our vast experience and excellent track record that will ensure this project is executed to the highest quality standards.”

The new Palace Fujairah Beach is a luxury hotel that will be managed by the Address Hotels + Resorts brand.

It will offer a health club, select cafes, high-quality dining outlets, separate pool for adults and children, and world-class meeting venues – ideal for families and business guests.

The mixed-use development will also feature a gated residential community, comprising 80 villas and townhouses available in two-, three-, and four-bedroom layouts with beach, garden, and city views.

// They said...

Make sure your balance sheet and debt level are at reasonable levels, so if there’s a shake-up, you can handle it.”

Mohamed Alabbar, Emaar Properties

Nakheel has an impressive portfolio of projects under development, which will further reinforce our position as an established developer.”

Ali Rashid Lootah, Nakheel

Khansaheb wins first hotel deal at The Onyx UAE-based developer, Ishraqah for Development Limited, has appointed Khansaheb Civil Engineering as the contractor for its first hotel at The Onyx Project, located on Sheikh Zayed Road, in the Greens master development.

The hotel is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2018. Zabeel House by Jumeirah – The Greens is the first hotel to be announced under the Zabeel House by Jumeirah brand.

The Onyx is Ishraqah’s prestigious freehold project, which along with

20

the hotel, consists of residential and commercial towers and three levels of retail shops and restaurants in the podium. The hotel will be operated by the Jumeirah Group, a global luxury hotel company and a member of Dubai Holding, under the Zabeel House by Jumeirah brand.

Zabeel House by Jumeirah – The Greens will offer 210 guest rooms, two restaurants, terrace dining around the pool area, conference and business facilities, as well as a gym and spa treatment rooms.

// construction business news me // March 2018

Ammar Sweis, CEO of Ishraqah, said: “We are very excited to announce the award of the fit-out contract to Khansaheb Civil Engineering.

In a few months, the prestigious and first hotel to be announced under the Zabeel House by Jumeirah brand will be ready to open its doors. We anticipate the hotel to be a social hub for the locality, and a new destination in Dubai. Ishraqah is indeed excited to have Zabeel House by Jumeirah – The Greens as part of our ambitious The Onyx development.”

The AED2.5bn plant is capable of providing power to 120,000 homes; roughly 2% of the annual electricity consumption in Dubai.”

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// NEWS

Construction

Nakheel reports 17% rise in 2017 net profits Dubai-based developer, Nakheel, announced a net profit of AED5.67bn for 2017, up 14% as compared to 2016. The company also generated a net profit of AED1.67bn in Q4 2017, an increase of 58% on the same period in 2016.

The 2017 results highlight the stability and maturity of Dubai’s real estate sector and reflect the robust business and economic approach adopted under the leadership of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Nakheel handed over 1,439 land-and-built form units in 2017, taking the total number of handovers since 2010 to 12,700, while the retail, hospitality, and leasing businesses all continued to perform well.

Nakheel chairman, Ali Rashid Lootah, said: “2017

was another good year for Nakheel. The company met its business and financial targets for the year and continued to support the local economy by awarding construction contracts worth almost AED8bn in 2017. We remain ever thankful to – and inspired by – our leader, HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who has placed his trust in Nakheel to play its part in delivering Dubai’s vision.”

The 2017 results reflect

Nakheel’s progress over the past few years in diversifying its business in creating revenue-generating assets. At the end of the year, Nakheel had 43ha of retail space in operation that led to increased annual revenue from the retail business – a key focus for Nakheel – which is expected to generate significant incremental revenue in subsequent years.

Nakheel’s hospitality business also registered an impressive increase in revenue

over 2016, reflecting the robust performance of the two properties that were fully operational in 2017. With tourism in Dubai continuing to grow, Nakheel is further expanding its footprint in this sector, bringing new hotel concepts and new international partners to provide a diverse range of offerings for tourists and residents in Dubai, the UAE, and the Middle East.

Nakheel’s residential leasing sector business too contributed positively in 2017.

The company remains committed to providing quality leasing accommodation, with plans to increase its number of units for lease in subsequent years.

Lootah continued: “Nakheel has an impressive portfolio of projects under development which will further reinforce our position as an established, worldleading developer.”

ASGC to develop world’s largest 25hours hotel property Dubai-based ASGC has been appointed as the main contractor of the newlyannounced 25hours One Central hotel from AccorHotels, which upon completion, will be the largest 25hours Hotel property worldwide and the group’s first in the Middle East.

Located in Dubai World Trade Centre’s One Central development and expected to open by 2020, the new property will include approximately 434 rooms over nine floors, plus one ground level and four basement levels.

Ground has already been broken on the site with ASGC planning to deploy its technology-driven strategy on the 25hours One Central project, using cutting-edge solutions such as drones

22

// construction business news me // March 2018

with high-definition closed-circuit television and 360° video-capturing systems, to monitor progress at the site.

Bishoy Azmy, CEO of ASGC, said: “It is a privilege to work on such an iconic hospitality project, one that will become the largest in the 25hours Hotel global portfolio. In matching to the vision of AccorHotels and DWTC, we will be leveraging the very best techniques, technologies and talent to ensure smooth project completion and deliver to the impeccable standards that we are all committed to.”

With an emphasis on social dining concepts, adventure and cutting-edge design, each 25hours Hotel has been shaped into a vibrant community hub.

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// Op-Ed

What does the trend say?

Raj Sahni, owner and chairman of RSG Properties, discusses the rising trend of residential buildings vs hotel apartments in the region

R

eal estate in the UAE has always been more about being a class asset than a mere holding. Catering to both the native as well as foreign population, it has evolved from its primary function.

The hospitality industry is particularly susceptible to the influx of tourists and corporate arrivals who bring a new gamut of requirements with them. One such trend to emerge in recent times is the increase in number of hotel apartments. While it may sound like an oxymoron, it has undoubtedly blurred the distinct line between residential buildings and hotels. A hotel apartment indeed fulfils the adage of ‘home away from home’ and has become the new favourite amongst both property developers and visitors. The market has been propelled by tourists as well as investors looking for turnkey investment avenues.

What is trending?

The surge has been partly fuelled by the Expo 2020, but it also fills a critical gap in the existing market. On an average, a regular non-native office goer may be earning more than his peers back home but is faced with high rental rates as compared to other markets.

In addition to that, most housing units have a lease that lasts at least a year, and this is when we have not even considered the working hours spent on the actual hunting of a house. In such a scenario, hotel apartments step-in 24

Residential units will set you back due to high rents alone. On the other hand, hotel apartments, though priced slightly on a higher side, serve you with extra services at absolutely no investment on the resident’s part. to provide respite to the enormous incoming population. We can quote numbers to adjudge which segment is getting an inch ahead, but in reality, the situation is not so lucid. The residential markets are showing no signs of fatigue while the hotel apartments are still in their nascent stage. The latter has yet to establish its worth to both investors and the public in the long run.

Next milestone A hotel apartment, in its bare basics, is an apartment that provides the auxiliary services of a hotel such as room service, cleaning services, and probably the most coveted, parking facility. They allow for monthly or annual pay-outs with some even offering payments in instalments. The real allure of the hotel apartment is the rent. The same rent might fetch you a two-bedroom apartment in the city with no facilities, unpredictable rent hikes, a binding lease and a high utility bill. A hotel apartment, on the other hand, not only offers services to

// construction business news me // March 2018

make your stay comfortable but also saves you the utility bill, furniture investments, and even gives you flexibility in payments.

To truly appreciate the contrast, consider the average rent of both establishments. Residential units will set you back due to high rents alone.

On the other hand, hotel apartments, though priced slightly on a higher side, serve you with extra services at absolutely no investment on the resident’s part. It’s not hard to see why hotel apartments seem to be the next milestone in the GCC’s real estate segment with them being tailor-made for the large transient population. Unlike visitors elsewhere, there are a large number of corporate visitors who toe the fine line between tourists and city-dwellers. They are here for assignments that exceed a year but are not looking to set up their base here, and hotel apartments are an appropriate solution. The tourist profile in the GCC region is also skewed towards families who prefer hotel apartments

portunity for a definite return on their investment. In the run-up to the Expo 2020, the hospitality segment will see a colossal expansion of its units to cater to the estimated 20-25 million visitors that it will attract. With the soaring demand, we can prognosticate that the segment is not likely to dwindle on its current trajectory either.

that allow a more intimate and convenient setting than individual rooms.

Economically speaking There is no denying that despite the trend leaning towards hotel apartments, the traditional housing structure still stands strong. While the pure commercials of renting a unit may break even the cost of a hotel apartment, one cannot deny that it is the recurring costs of utilities, furnishings, and maintenance that tips the scales in favour of the latter. The tally does not include other rental expenses such as brokerage, security deposits, and government registration expenses.

Needless to say, rent is not the only economic consideration for a resident.

With Dubai experiencing an exponential rise in the inflow of foreign nationals looking to rent in the city, the demand is fast outweighing the supply of residential housing options.

Hence, the rental costs show no signs of decreasing in the near future. The hotel apartments, on the other hand, www.cbnme.com

are steadily increasing in number with the industry realising this gaping hole in the market. The increase will be further expedited due to the Expo 2020 for which the hospitality industry is rigorously preparing for.

Minimum risk, maximum return Hotel apartments are additionally becoming the new favoured investment solution among the high net worth individuals (HNWIs). The investor pool is seeing additions primarily from the UAE, India, Pakistan, and Europe, who recognise an unequivocal return on their money. The model allows the investors an assured profit, no managerial commitment, and owing to hotel apartments entering into long term contracts, they ensure stability of returns as well. Some projects even allow the investors to stay in the property according to predefined terms, thus adding that elusive cherry on top in real estate. The move not only diversifies their portfolio, but due to the high demand, offers a rare op-

Scaling up The UAE hospitality, with Dubai in particular, is not known for being austere.

The industry has been reinventing luxury and is known for providing unparalleled experiences. Established names in luxury living have begun making a foray into this segment. The demand is driven by both the regular business travellers and by those desirous of having a vacation spot in the region.

In fact, there is paucity in this specific segment of branded names with reports suggesting that in some established areas of the city, very few of the hotel apartments are owned or managed by reputed names. The schema will undergo a substantial change with many high-end brands in both construction and hotel management announcing projects to cater to the demand.

With the inundation of long-term visitors and investors, one can safely predict that hotel apartments will cause an upheaval in the realty blend.

The surge is demand driven and is being appropriately complimented by a corresponding rise in supply by both property developers and investors. A model such as this allows them to not bank on the fluctuating occupancy rate as they rely on contractual leasing of the units and as such keeps them insulated from the uncertainties of the market. With longer stay durations, comes a stability that is perhaps its most promising feature for the investors. Notably, in the case of Dubai, the demand is not likely to see a fall as it has cemented its position as a leisure and business hub. With both sides of the market firmly looking at a steep ascent, the segment seems set to expand in the coming years.

construction business news me // March 2018 //

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// Op-Ed

Potential unlimited Sameer Daoud, chief development officer of Drake and Scull International, thinks that technology in construction is about to change significantly, particularly for the MEP sector

U

nlike previous times, the words technology and construction are ever more commonly used in the same sentence. With all due respect for everything, one reads about innovation and the emergence of smart cities; technological development in the construction sector has been limited compared with industry in general.

Among the most highly anticipated 26

developments in the field of construction is 3D printing. If its advocates are to be believed, this technology has the potential to restructure economies and labour markets and redefine the built environment, as we know it. My interpretation is that conventional construction practices will not become a thing of the past. We are not at the stage yet where buildings will soon be manu-

// construction business news me // March 2018

factured from the ground up using big 3D printers that mix cement, steel, and plastics. That vision still has a long way to go before it becomes a reality! However, Dubai is pushing the boundaries and becoming a leading hub of 3D printing technology. Its stated goal is to have 25% of new buildings 3D-printed by 2030. The overarching strategy is to adopt emerging technologies to cut

costs; the construction sector being primary focus.

I expect that 3D printing will reduce the construction cost and speed up the build time. In some markets like Thailand, we have seen experimenting with delivering one-storey houses. I see this being a more likely first mode of application rather than using it for high-rise applications. Using 3D printing for modeling and planning needs to be distinguished from adopting it for building construction per se. A challenge with 3D concrete printing is ensuring that the structures have the necessary strength. It is not viable to use it commercially until test methods are established to guarantee materials hold up according to the design.

Initially, I see 3D printing to foremost complement existing construction methods. Depositing material quickly and speeding up the construction process compared to conventional methods is a major incentive for experimenting with new technologies in construction. An example is how printing formwork on site is being considered to replace the labour-intense and time-consuming traditional approach of formworks. 3D printing can also be adapted to use for rapidly building temporary structures in remote areas without easy access to bring in different materials and machinery, for instance, after a natural catastrophe.

The stage we are in now is achieving incremental improvements through the adoption of 3D printing and merging it with other emerging technologies and practices such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Virtual Reality (VR). What I see is the merger of the Internet Age and the Automation Age coming together to completely change what we deem as practically and economically possible. How this is applied in the real world is that these technologies enable the many people and stakeholders involved in a project to handle greater complexity without increased risks of mistakes. In theory, construction projects are rather simple; in that you have the end result clearly staked www.cbnme.com

Using 3D printing for modeling and planning needs to be distinguished from adopting it for building construction per se." out and the scope of work defined for each stakeholder.

However, when projects do not happen according to plan, it mostly comes down to human error. Using technology to mitigate these risks represents an incredible potential for improvement.

Visualising how the different parts all fit together in a building project is a tool that will expose flaws in the planning process, and will help you solve problems before they arise on the construction site. Delays will be fewer; more creative solutions can be designed and

tested in a virtual environment before they are implemented in the real world.

The next step beyond that is to manufacture entire prefabricated sections that simply slot together, without the risk of drawings getting misinterpreted and improvised on by workers on site. For planning the MEP fit-out, higher levels of intricacy and customisation will be possible too. Feeding laser measurements from a BIM model and exporting them into a 3D printer will make it possible to customise each component where the MEP layout and fit-out had panels and walls with ducting and wiring pre-planned and controlled precisely. This will vastly improve the efficiency and what is possible to achieve with MEP design. None of this can be accomplished in one fell swoop, but the journey towards this vision is now well underway. Productivity gains, reduced labour costs, and safer working environments will surely but surely keep improving. The process of adopting new technologies will likely feel slow for longer than many expect, but change will come and inevitably wholly redefine how we approach construction and MEP.

construction business news me // March 2018 //

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// Cover Story

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// construction business news me // March 2018

S h ap in g t h e

CBNME takes a tour of the Opportunity Theme District at the Expo2020 site with leading MEP contractor, ASU, to take a look at the work progress

www.cbnme.com

construction business news me // March 2018 //

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// Cover Story

W

hen Dubai was declared as the host for the Expo 2020 in November 2013, it gave the entire GCC an opportunity to showcase and explore the possibilities of new ideas and people connecting through one platform. Through its unique theme of ‘Connecting minds, Creating the Future’, the expo aims to provide a platform to foster creativity, innovation, and collaboration.

30

The idea is underpinned by three interwoven themes addressing the pressing issues, which include Opportunity, Mobility, and Sustainability. The 438ha main site for the Expo has been masterplanned by the American firm, HOK, and is organised around a central plaza, titled Al Wasl, enclosed by three large pavilions, each one dedicated to a sub-theme.

In March 2017, Dubai-based contractor, Al Futtaim Carillion, was awarded

// construction business news me // March 2018

the main contract for the development of the three theme districts. When Expo 2020 Dubai opens on October 20, 2020, the theme districts will be home to 136 pavilions for many of the participating countries, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and commercial partners, to host exhibits and experiences for the millions of expected visitors.

One of the three petal-shaped thematic district, dedicated to the subtheme of Opportunity, will house 33

pavilions, including assisted, rented, and service ones. Dubai-based mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) contractor, ASU, was awarded the job and started working on the project from December 2017.

The Opportunity District project consists of a huge basement, with a total surface area of around 54,000sqm.

Above the basement, there will be 33 buildings, which will be called Pavilions. The basement is being built for www.cbnme.com

all the services, utilities, and servicing the Pavilions and all other surrounding areas. The same will also be useful for future expansions.

The project taking-over certificate for ASU is planned in April 2019, which according to the company, is a [very] squeezed programme. The contractor had to do a lot of preparation works on site before the construction commenced. All activities are being conducted in parallel, including engi-

neering, procurement, and construction at the same time. Massive and precise co-ordination is needed and huge manpower just to conclude all this together, says the company.

ASU believes that working on the project as one team will help the main objective to finish on time since these are prestigious developments for the country and there is no chance of delaying it even for a day. The contractor is currently ahead of schedule and has had around 10% progress on site, but in terms of shop drawings, ASU has seen around 75% progress, and in terms of material ordering and procurement, they have 47% progress. The progress increases day by day based on the lifetime of the project.

ASU has deployed around 100 workers on site currently, and in the peak time, it is expected to exceed based on the requirements of the works. The company believes that the main task is to increase efficiency on site, and for that, the areas have been split between all the trades so not to be jammed at one place.

One of the aspects that ASU is focussing on is that they are thoroughly looking into the design and engineering issue for materials and approvals themselves, since the contractor doesn’t want to depend on the official transmission of documents because that will entail waiting for 14 days for review and commenting. Hence, ASU conducts condensed workshop meetings, on a daily or a weekly basis, with its engineering team, consultant, and client, so that they are able to expedite and get the approvals in advance. This helps in continuing with the drawings submissions and the material ordering as per schedule.

In addition to it, ASU is also using the most recent technologies like building information modelling (BIM) in the drawings and drafting. A hightech software is used which demands skilled labour and team. ASU already has a separate team specialising in BIM working on the same, so that it helps a lot in the engineering and the construction side.

The MEP contractor is using some-

construction business news me // March 2018 //

31

// Cover Story

thing akin to a laser surveyor, which can absorb and upload the drawings in a CAD format on a robot surveyor and it can automatically read the drawings. It can also mark and highlight the places and locations of the services so that the engineers can carry out fixation and supporting systems based on that.

Most of the fabrication are done out of the site by ASU. This is also to avoid any safety problems and to enhance the progress on site. So, the MEP contractor conducts most of the fabrication in factories. The contractor has reserved places for its workshop, equipped with all kinds of certified tools and machinery. Minor fabrications are done onsite.

One of the targets of the Expo 2020 project is that it wants to increase the standard of construction activities in the region, including in terms of how the contractor is dealing with the workers, accommodating them in the camps, providing them safety and protection while working onsite; all this lies under the regulations. The welfare regulations have a lot of standards to meet regarding how the workers should be mobilised, furnishing the camps, and many more.

This is in line with the vision that it will be implemented in all future projects. Based on the regulations on site, 25% of the materials and power consumption must be from recyclable and natural resources. Following the same, ASU reuses water and reduces the wastage of water and chemicals. The company has very strict rules in terms of waste recycling, welfare for camps, which comes under the sustainability or the LEED requirements. The contractor aims to achieve the LEED requirement of GOLD and according to the company, it depends on how far the rules of the sustainability requirements are followed and met.

So far, ASU hasn’t faced any losstime injuries (LTIs) on this project. The company follows strict rules in terms of safety. One of the most important aspect for the contractor is to have high levels of health and safety (HSE) and it needs to be put completely separate from the project management control.

ASU sends its HSE reports directly to 32

the top management in the company.

The company also conducts regular trainings for HSE and constantly updates everyone about new standards and regulations. Specialised training is also provided to the staff and labourers in terms of fire and safety.

Waste control is an important aspect;

// construction business news me // March 2018

hence ASU splits the waste into two hazard waste and normal waste. The company employs specialised subcontractors to deal with the waste and treat them. Designated places to dump the waste has been allocated on site and on a weekly basis, a special truck arrives to collect it for recycling.

// Interview

Working in

real time Stefano Converso, Parametric Design professor of Roma Tre University, and head of design and engineering at RIMOND, explains how latest developments in real time design and feedback are affecting the construction industry, improving efficiency, and transparency

What exactly is Real Time Design/ Feedback?

We see Real Time Design Feedback as the possibility to work in a digital environment where it is possible to get information that drives the design, available in almost the same environment where forms are developed.

It is true that BIM itself offers such feedback, but practice shows that old habits still prevail, often “masked” by use of models.

Development of BIM 3D models remains contained within professional “silos”. The aim of RIMOND 34

and CIMOLAI RIMOND is to overcome these limitations by using software customisation combined with an innovative professional expertise that combines management with technical development, to achieve ‘design’ as a truly integrated concept at a higher level in all phases, including both construction and operation.

In what ways is it better than the traditional methods of collaboration/designing?

Real time feedback allows to precisely evaluate the end product, without

// construction business news me // March 2018

filters. A good example would be editing a text digitally; user can freely modify it, but he always operates on the end product, seeing the changes as he makes them; there is no postprocessing to it.

Some say the immediate feedback can stand in the way of abstract thinking. But I do not see it that way. It eventually becomes a more open way to conceive a design process, instead.

In the case of The Cloud Auditorium in Rome, tessellation of the main auditorium was connected with a real time evaluation tool of panel deforma-

tion. Using different technologies and therefore different number of panels was affecting both the cost and geometry. This evaluation wouldn’t have been possible without putting the right people around the same table.

And, in fact, this was possible because the process was after the bidding phase, when designers and contractors were able to work together towards the same goal. As we know, a true full collaboration, like in mechanical, automotive, and aerospace industries is not possible in the AEC industry. In case of The Cloud, the dewww.cbnme.com

sign team was driven by the RIMOND core activity that was model development, but at the same time, geometry definition and providing outputs to all different stakeholders of the process.

Traditionally, the latter is regarded as a purely management activity, done through the general contractor. But in case of The Cloud, the information was provided fully by the design and modelling team, since they were working on fully-informed renderings. This provided unprecedented efficiency, reliability, and transparency for every decision made, both in terms of exact

costs estimation and the final built output precision.

What RIMOND/CRME projects are taking advantage of this technology?

The New EUR Convention Centre in Rome is the most significant completed project that used this approach. Furthermore, Cimolai Rimond is working on several projects, at the moment, in the UAE that are using the Real Time Feedback, where we see a lot of interest and support for the advanced reliability workflow.

construction business news me // March 2018 //

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// Interview

What is RIMOND’s WebGL platform?

It’s our research and development (R&D) development to put all the above process in an easily accessible web interface, where involvement of all stakeholders in the process becomes truly streamlined because no plugin, no software is needed, just a web browser, powered by 3D through this innovative standard.

Web sharing in real time will emerge in many more aspects of the industry, making it accessible, fast and efficient.”

Stefano Converso What are the actors and how is the collaboration organised in real time?

We are setting up a workflow where the team is working on a lightweight and simple model that provides a quick source of reliable information (a mother model) and several more defined models, including construction detailing in 3D, that are derived from it (child models). This way, all the actors can be using the mother model and contribute to it always through RIMOND’s management, supported by Building Information Technology (BIM).

How does it help architects/ engineers overall process?

It makes the process more shared and transparent, but most importantly open.

What makes it unique/different?

In our case, the fact that it’s not simply a tool, but a company, real people, innovation in the process, supported by innovative tools. So, all the advantages of passionate talented people working together, powered by reliability of software and data. ters we designed. The client was requesting the budget changes as the design proceeded, and by providing a BIM model providing real time quantities, as well as rendered navigable model with materials and natural lighting simulation. The client was eventually very satisfied with the ability to tailor how the money is spent and where to assign the resources, all done with immediate feedback.

Why is working in real time or getting feedback in real time particularly useful?

3D is a great communication device.

When we are using a navigable model, allowing the user to walk inside the space while deciding on various design options and their associated costs, we can also observe the change in light, atmosphere, and overall feeling of the overall building. Therefore, it allows for a truly informed choice and a real value of every decision made.

Another example would be an Italian telecom company headquar36

// construction business news me // March 2018

What benefits will they bring to clients and stakeholders in the coming years?

Web sharing in real time will emerge in many more aspects of the industry, making it accessible, fast and efficient.

Imagine a live model of a building where the team can alter values and elements just with a few clicks, getting reliable and precise results immediately. This is the future.

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// Case study

The Game changer Fit-out specialists ISG highlights the strategies that were adopted to refurbish the Zayed Sports City Stadium while keeping it functional at the same time

38

// construction business news me // March 2018

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// Case study

T

he largest in the UAE with approximately 43,000 seats, the Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi, has hosted a number of remarkable tournaments till date. It has developed a great history and heritage and has cemented its place in the country's history by being featured on the AED200 banknote.

The stadium hosted the 1996 AFC Asian Cup including the final, where the UAE lost against Saudi Arabia in penalty shoot-outs. The stadium also hosted the 2007 Gulf Cup of Nations final between the UAE and Oman. The semi-finals and finals of 2009 and 2010 FIFA Club World Cup were also held at the stadium. The stadium will be hosting some of the 2018 FIFA Club World Cup and 2019 AFC Asian Cup matches alongside five other stadiums.

One of the oldest sports facilities in the UAE, the stadium was opened in 1979 and has recently been renovated, with many of the facilities and amenities upgraded to ensure that it complies with international standards and can be used for a wide range of events. Fit-out contractor, ISG, com-

40

pleted the refurbishment works for the stadium within a span of 30 weeks, commencing from February 1, 2017.

The scope of work included the renovation of staff administration offices, VIP lounge area, leasable Grade A offices, the public washrooms, and the

// construction business news me // March 2018

entire flooring to the corridors in the upper concourse and ground floors.

ISG also managed the upgrade of fire and life safety systems, including the addition of a fire fighting system, inclusive of pumps and tanks, which is compliant with local authority requirements and international standards. The refurbishment also involved essential upgrades to the existing electromechanical-systems including replacement of four electrical substations.

Steve Ramsden, managing director, says: “ISG Middle East was appointed to undertake the Zayed Sports City Stadium refurbishment with the knowledge that it had to be completed ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup UAE. This is the second time that ISG is entrusted with a missioncritical project that is linked to the stadium and our team, once again, delivered brilliantly.”

The stadium remained live throughout the refurbishment, as it was required to host several sports events.

This posed several challenges, from logistical and operational perspectives, especially with the upgrade of the electrical substations and air handling units, which meant planning and scheduling shutdowns, while keeping the building fully operational.

Ramsden remarks: “This was man-

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INTRODUCING UNDERTIME.

// Case study

While working closely with the client and the building’s FM team, we could accurately plan around the events.”

Steve Ramsden, managing director 42

aged by working closely with the client, the building’s facilities management (FM) team, and the event organisers, to ensure “business as usual” for the stadium. While designing the project, AAID architects and Cundall MEP consultants divided the stadium into seven zones. We then incorporated these zones into a programme, which was then delivered over three phases. It allowed for the least amount of disruption for the existing tenants and also reduced the amount of open works fronts at any one time, allowing events to take place as planned.”

Ramsden pointed out that as the project was delivered in phases, this meant only certain sections of the stadium were under construction at any given time. “While working closely with the client and the building’s FM team, we could accurately plan around the events. This took careful planning, while shutting down the electrical substations and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.”

The new fit-out also boasts many sustainable features, including intelligent lighting to reduce energy consumption,

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new AC units, which are connected to the building management system (BMS) to monitor and control air flow, and cooling and fire suppression systems, which have zero effect on ozone depletion.

Ramsden says: “Naturally, this could have only happened with the support of our client and experienced consultants, so we are thankful to all stakeholders, who ensured a seamless and successful delivery of these works.”

ISG is currently completing a large full hotel refurbishment in Al Barsha Heights, which will take the contractor’s completed rooms now to more than 650. Ramsden mentions: “Staying on hospitality, we are midway through two signature restaurants in the W hotel, which will bring our food and beverage (F&B) count to eight complete restaurants. In the commercial office sector, we have five live projects for many of these existing customers.”

He concludes: “Our project pipeline is a healthy mix of office, healthcare, hospitality, and leisure projects. We are expecting to add some exciting new projects to our portfolio across each sector in the next few weeks.”

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// Event preview

The big test The heavy equipment industry gets its own Dubai show as optimism grows The month of March sees the launch of a new event for those involved in the construction and concrete industry in the GCC called Big-5 Heavy.

For years, the industry was invited to the twin PMV Live and Middle East Concrete shows that were slotted alongside the perennial Big-5 show in November, but the organisers dmg events felt that more could be done to effectively cater to the needs of the concrete, construction, mining, and quarrying machinery industries.

Not only have PMV Live and Middle East Concrete been given their own platform, other sections such as Foundations and Geotechnical, Mining and Quarrying, and Road Construction have been fused into the event. Dmg events will be hoping that this heady representation of the construction and 44

concrete industry will be a (pardon the pun) big draw for the contractors, property developers, local municipalities, and government authorities it hopes to attract to the event.

“Concrete equipment, tower cranes, earth moving machines, drilling, and mining don’t traditionally sit within a building materials show like The Big-5 Heavy. There is a specific need for a standalone heavy construction exhibition that caters to the Middle East market,” says event director for The Big-5 Heavy, Richard Pavitt.

While the GCC market has been a challenging environment for the construction industry since the price of oil began to fall at the end of 2014, there are promising signs that the market could be beginning to recover. Recent research by analysts such as BNC Net-

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work and MEED have suggested that the total number of active projects in the region could be valued at anywhere between $2-2.4tn.

Furthermore, research by BNC Network on behalf of dmg events suggests there are nearly 23,000 active projects underway with the total value of tender announcements increasing substantially in 2017 by 50.2%. The organisers believe it suggests that the time is right for the Big-5 Heavy launch.

“The GCC infrastructure expansion continues at a breathless pace despite recent headwinds and The Big-5 Heavy is bringing all the major buyers and manufacturers together,” adds Pavitt.

While it is not unusual for exhibition organisers to feel positive regarding a

market’s fortunes, particularly when an event needs to be promoted, there are many exhibitors that share its outlook.

Nagham Al Zahlawi, strategy and marketing manager at NFT Cranes, says that Expo 2020 and Dubai’s ambition to be a global hub will bring significant growth to the construction sector in the UAE for the next few years. He does, however, add that the biggest challenge for the globallyrecognised crane supplier is a current lack of liquidity in the market.

“Contractors are less willing to invest in tower cranes for long stretches and are focusing on a project-toproject basis,” he says. This tunnel vision is less risky but costlier and less efficient in the long run. Also, more education is needed on the advantage of tower cranes versus other product categories as well as more focus on quality over price.”

Despite these challenges and looking ahead, Al Zahlawi views factors such as governmental support and vision, tourism, and increasing population as well as improving policy and regulations as major growth drivers for the company.

“We are optimistic about the future.

The region has so much more potential to grow and is far from saturation,” he says. “We expect a larger need for high capacity equipment like giant tower cranes (60T and more) especially for luffing and an increasing appreciation for self-erecting machines. We also anticipate that there will be more regulations in construction with stricter focus on quality and safety.”

Fellow exhibitor Wael Hasan, the Middle East commercial manager at Raimondi Cranes, describes the UAE’s “forward-trajectory as a nation” as a major growth driver for the KBW Investments-owned manufacturer.

“The UAE sees innovation as a prized characteristic in its private sector and it champions private sector valuecreation,” he says. “This is one of the reasons that Raimondi has a Middle East base of operations in Dubai; the economic climate here is such that there really is a flurry of high quality development and growth potential.” www.cbnme.com

He continues: “The opportunities in the GCC construction sector for a company like Raimondi Cranes are truly limitless. We see only growth in the future, and a countless number of potential partnerships that are about to come to fruition. In terms of infrastructure, it’s exciting for us as a heavy machinery company.”

Echoing Al Zahlawi’s assessment of a lack of liquidity in the market, he says that ‘budget’ heavy lifting companies are the biggest challenge not just for Raimondi, but for all “quality premiere” manufacturers. “I’m sure our peers in the crane industry feel the same way,” he says. “Customers who are price-sensitive may see short-term gain in opting for a budget model, but nothing could be further from the truth.”

Franz Freiherr von Redwitz, managing director, MAN Truck & Bus Middle East, agrees that the market has been challenging but the construction industry should be cautiously optimistic in the UAE. “The Expo 2020 preparations are helping to provide more projects in Dubai especially in the construction sector,” he remarks before adding that MAN is excited by the potential of the UAE market, especially in the runup to Expo 2020 and a bigger focus on safer roads in the country (MAN has recently worked alongside Dubai Police to help improve road safety), as

well as a change to a cleaner standard in vehicles emissions.

“MAN has seen a positive expansion with regards to the Expo 2020 Dubai giving opportunities to different businesses,” he says. “We are fully prepared for the introduction of Euro 4 - we have full range of vehicles available in this emission standards.”

Italian company MB Crusher will be at the event after contributing its crushing and screening buckets to infrastructure projects across the GCC. “The Middle East market is dynamic and grows at a high speed,” says Najmeddine Sahraoui. “There are many infrastructure projects for the future where our machines will be necessary MB attachments are the solution to all those scenarios.”

Deewan Equipment Trading will be demonstrating its new concrete printing technology at the show.

Eng Ghaith A Yaseen, managing partner, Deewan, says that it enables you to print anything you wish to print on a concrete surface, “even your picture!”

According to Eng Yaseen, the opportunities in the GCC are not limited to Dubai.

“GCC states are the fastest developing countries in the world. They have placed time-based development plans in all sectors, including infrastructure, housing, environment, transportation, technology, and industry,” he remarks.

construction business news me // March 2018 //

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// Event preview

What to see at the show?

Leading brands at the event include the world’s largest construction machinery manufacturer, Caterpillar (represented by Al Bahar, its exclusive dealer in UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain).

CIFA and Liebherr join the line-up showcasing concrete pumps, alongside the event’s official Lubricant sponsor, Caltex, exhibiting their premium range of lubricants for heavy machinery. Products from other manufacturers include: Crusher Bucket BF 90.3 (MB Crusher) MB Crusher will showcase the brand-new series of Crusher Bucket BF 90.3, Screening Buckets MB-S18, plus the Drum Cutter MB-R900 VR70 (Batmatic) The model VR70 is a walk-behind roller suitable for compacting and maintenance of asphalted surfaces.

MA02 (Magna Tyres) The MAGNA MA02 is designed for use on wheel loaders, articulated dump trucks, scrapers, and dozers.

Sidewall protection and flotation are enhanced by the side shoulder design.

RT234 Tower Crane (Raimondi Cranes) A flattop tower crane with a maximum length jib of 70m and a maximum capacity of 12,000 kg, with four falls configuration.

At the maximum radius, it can lift 2250 kg in Ultralift mode.

Rapideck (AC Amadio & C) Rapideck is a system of horizontal formwork, ideal for all types of reinforce concrete decks of large dimensions casted in place.

46

“[You have] the 26,500sqkm NEOM city in Saudi Arabia; Expo 2020 Dubai; metros in various cities; Middle East rail; and major development projects announced by oil and gas companies are major opportunities. The NEOM project will be backed by more than $500bn from the Saudi government, its sovereign wealth fund, local and international investors.”

Francois Saab, general manager at lift specialists CarlStahl, warns that growth in the market is being restricted as the GCC governments are taking precautionary measures to cope with the volatility of oil prices. He adds: “Recent budgets reflect the GCC governments' efforts to instil fiscal discipline and cut wasteful expenditures.”

To cope with market requirements and demand, he explains that Carl Stahl is focusing on quality, reducing its expenses, and following more efficient strategies and technologies: “We are also continuously working to develop and increase our range of products and services,” he says.

Saab argues that, despite the challenges he has highlighted, the future is looking good for the market in the region.

“While the GCC continues to de-

// construction business news me // March 2018

velop and the UAE proves itself as the best place to invest, work, and live in,” he says. “If we look at the construction market in the recent past, the ongoing projects, the announced events, and the ambitious plans ahead, we have a solid indication of the great potential of this market in the future.”

One of the major names at the event will be Al Bahar, which will ensure a rare exhibition outing for Caterpillar’s machines in the region. The distributor also represents Trimble’s civil engineering technology via SITECH Gulf. Andrew Caldwell, region manager, Trimble Civil Engineering and Construction, says that looking beyond Expo 2020 Dubai, the construction market, especially in its core infrastructure and civil engineering segments, should remain strong for many years ahead.

“There’s a long-term vision and the plans for the UAE, in particular, means there is a lot of development,” he says.

“With any country that is as young as that one, once you get past a certain stage you then need to look at the refurbishment and expansion of existing infrastructure. The region still has a lot of promise.”

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// Machinery & Vehicles

Muscle & Might Our monthly review of the workhorses of the construction industry

50 US crane manufacturer Link-Belt talks about

forging strong market ties in the Middle East

54 SDLG highlights the balance of meeting the need for

green and efficient machines

60 A four-model rigid hauler range could be the last

bearing the Terex Trucks name

62 MAN Truck & Bus ME deters buyers from purchasing

counterfeit automotive parts

48

// construction business news me // March 2018

// Cranes

F o rg i n g a strong link CBNME talks to Roy Burger, manager for international sales at US crane manufacturer Link-Belt

50

// construction business news me // March 2018

T

he history of Link-Belt Cranes dates almost 150 years to 1874 when a young salesman named William Dana Evert first conceived of a chain belt that had detachable links (hence Link-Belt), rather than the drives that could break and debilitate harvesters when they were needed most.

The surroundings of the large-scale projects in oil and gas and infrastructure that Link-Belt Cranes has been supplying to in the Middle East region are very different to the rich and verdant state of Kentucky where the mobile crane specialist is based in today. However, the region has proven to be a largely successful territory since it first entered the market in the 1960s as one of the most established leaders in its field.

The company’s international sales manager, Roy Burger, tells CBNME: “Link-Belt’s strongest market share comes from North America where it is able to market its full range of products and where the greatest concentration of distributors is located. However, the Middle East is still a strong market for LinkBelt. The most comparable market to the Middle East for Link-Belt Cranes is Latin America.”

Rough terrain, telescopic, and mobile cranes were once viewed as useful for the oil and gas and infrastructure industries in the Middle East but undervalued for other styles of projects. Progress made by companies like Link-Belt, and others such as SANY and Liebherr suggest attitudes are changing. Burger says that the US company boasts clients from both the private and public sectors and a varied resumé of projects – including a recent deal for the sale of multiple 50-tonne rough terrain cranes to Bilal Transport in the UAE for the Dubai Harbour project.

“Link-Belt’s major markets in the Middle East include oil and gas, in-

frastructure, and general construction – either for government or commercial development. Many of Link-Belt’s most notable achievements and projects have also involved partners in the military sector in the Middle East and Africa,” he explains before adding that the biggest drivers for crane purchases are “routine maintenance in refineries for oil and gas, power plants, and other general lifting necessary for maintenance”.

Link-Belt is able to rely on a strong distributor network in the region with distributorships located in Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Burger says the company is working alongside them to access their customer bases, “to communicate the benefits of owning and operating a Link-Belt Crane.

This involves training of sales staff not just on our products but also on specifications of our cranes that meet or exceed the requirements for safety, service, reliability, and overall resale value in the region.”

The end of 2017 saw its ranks of distributors further bolstered by the appointment of the Egymec Engineering Company in Egypt.

Through the partnership, the El Didi Groupowned business will be entrusted with growing the brand in a country desperate for equipment and expertise as it reignites its programme of development on a national scale.

“Egymec coming aboard this year is also integral to future growth in Egypt,” affirms Burger. “Egymec Engineering Company is a division of El Didi Group founded in 1984 and headquartered in Cairo. Egymec plans to have the cranes and support, including technical staff, to cover the needs of their customers. We think this is essential for their success.”

With the distribution deal in place, Egymec has subsequently purchased a 60t HTC-8660 Series II hydraulic

“The Middle East is still a strong market for Link-Belt.

The most comparable market to the Middle East for Link-Belt Cranes is Latin America” Roy Burger

www.cbnme.com

Telematics and utilisation Burger says: “Link-Belt’s product support is better than ever with new options like telematics that not only improve utilisation for crane owners with real-time data, but they give owners the tools and information to improve the longevity of their crane purchase.

“Link-Belt’s success with telematics has been the flexibility it offers to customers. An owner can give their distributor and/ or Link-Belt access to their crane’s telematics information.

Link-Belt offers choices for coverage that range from a very simple program with basic information (location, operating hours, odometers, fuel, etc.), to comprehensive needs of customers with expanded requirements.

“Return on investment, distribution, and product support are all factors that come into play for a crane owner when purchasing a Link-Belt crane.

For crane owners, return on investment is measured by utilisation. Link-Belt cranes are hitting the mark in regards to reach, capacity, and transportability, which makes it easier for owners to fill their job schedules and keep their cranes driving and lifting.”

construction business news me // March 2018 //

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// Cranes

truck crane for a company owned by El Didi Group. A further 50t RTC-8050 Series II was delivered in 2017 to Zohr gas field (the development of which is viewed as critical in Egypt for its energy security) for which Egymec will provide service and support. An additional RTC-8050 Series II is also on order to go into Egymec’s dealer stock, adds Burger, and is due to be deliver in Q2 2018.

Beyond Egypt, April will mark the fourth anniversary of Link-Belt’s appointment of Bakheet in Saudi Arabia.

Like other machinery and equipment suppliers, the company has had to persevere during a tough period for the construction and energy sectors in the country. Burger says that Link-Belt will be prepared when demand for its rough terrain, telescopic, and other mobile cranes starts to recover.

“The Saudi market has been challenging,” he laments. “Although many changes are underway, we have maintained our focus with our distributor, Bakheet. Our focus is on continued training and having a viable growth strategy in place when the market does return.”

When it comes to how Link-Belt’s products give its clients a productivity advantage in the field, he says that the company methodically selects its distributors. He says: “First, you ship a great quality product; after that, it’s all distributor support, not promises over the phone from the factory.”

From a technology point of view, he argues that its cranes also feature, “best in class capacities with longest booms, combined with intuitive incabin controls, comfort and visibility are standard project targets Link-Belt continues to design into its cranes.”

He continues: “Link-Belt’s new cab design offers 20% greater visibility and a camera vision package that enhances on-board site monitoring and includes cameras for viewing the right side of the upper, the main and auxiliary winch, as well as one for backing up.

Link-Belt’s flat-deck carrier design, access and egress, and work platform guardrails are three very important features that reinforce working boundaries.

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“Ease and simplicity of routine maintenance are also defining characteristics of a Link-Belt Crane that increase the service life of a crane and reduce cost of maintenance. Once on deck, routine checks on powertrain components and fluid levels are a snap with large swing-out doors and LED lighting that illuminate the entire engine compartment. A centralised pressure check and grease bank located near the cab allows an operator to monitor multiple pressures and fluid workings from one centralised location.

“Finally [there is] versatility. At LinkBelt, we begin every new crane design with transport in mind. Minimising the number of loads required to move a crane and simplifying assembly/disassembly are at the core of our design and how we ensure that Link-Belt cranes transport better than any others in the industry.”

At ConExpo 2017, Link-Belt debuted the huge TCC-2500, a 250t telescopic crawler crane with an overall tip-height of 105m. This is a crane built to handle huge industrial, energy, and construction loads and CBNME asks, given the scale of projects in the Middle East, whether it might find a role here.

“The energy sector is a very important market for the TCC-2500.

Several of the early units to ship out have been found on energy projects in the US including a wind farm in Texas, a rail yard in Kansas unloading wind components, and a chemical

// construction business news me // March 2018

plant in Illinois where the TCC-2500 is completing routine maintenance.

The TCC-2500 will be available to ship globally with different engine options beginning in 2018,” he remarks.

Another much smaller but also potentially useful technology on display was the Link-Belt Pulse 2.0 system, which has been designed to deliver a high-resolution screen tough enough for harsh operating environments as well as the ability to service the crane remotely. It solves issues familiar to operators in the region.

Burger explains: “Pulse 2.0 is currently available on the TCC-2500 and 75RT. The reaction to Pulse 2.0 has been very positive from Link-Belt customers and operators alike. Based on ongoing operator and customer feedback, the intuitive design of Link-Belt Pulse 2.0 crane operating system provides a simple interface for crane operators with a larger display, along with programmable features that allow each operator to customise their display; and software can be updated remotely.

“The most visible difference to Link-Belt’s Pulse 2.0 is the new 10 in. display, 47% larger than the original Pulse screen. It has a resistive touch screen and can be used with gloves and be seen in direct sunlight with larger, clearer images; and the unit is pivot-mounted for optimal viewing.

The interface is more dynamic throughout the operating system, with larger buttons and interactive indicator lights displayed on the margins.”

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// Machinery

CBNME looks at SDLG’s balance of meeting a need for greener but more efficient machines

P

erhaps to the surprise of many, the Chinese industry is positioning itself as a leader in the global effort to limit the impacts of climate change. While the Trump administration continues to distance the US from the Paris climate accord, China’s president Xi Jinping stepped into the vacuum and has reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the agreement.

As such, China is investing in renewable energy and tackling air pollution on a scale unimaginable for most governments. In 2016 alone, it spent $88bn on renewable energy and is installing a new wind turbine every hour.

If the momentum is going to continue, Chinese manufacturers are also going to have to make a huge contribution. While it may be a Volvo subsidiary, the Linyi-based SDLG has spent years developing its own green strategy and product development programme. It has been a decade since it first initiated an energy saving research project which culminated in the company’s first-generation of energy-saving wheel loaders being launched in 2009.

That generation of machines consumed 10% less fuel than similar 54

In 2016 alone (China) spent $88bn on renewable energy and is installing a new wind turbine every hour” products and by 2012, the company was continuing its environmental mission by signing a partnership agreement with WWF. SDLG was also the first construction equipment company in China to pledge and successfully reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 1.65 Mt in three years.

“As a pioneer of energy efficient technology in China, SDLG is actively working to reduce its environmental footprint,” says Wen Degang, general manager of SDLG. “We are proud to say that the company has made significant progress towards making its prod-

// construction business news me // March 2018

ucts more environmentally friendly.

Our partnership with WWF has magnified our environmental effort.”

“SDLG will continue to take the lead in reducing carbon dioxide emissions,” says Wen. “In the next five years, SDLG will invest more than 300 million renminbi in a smart manufacturing project in partnership with the School of Software of Tsinghua University.

The project aims to establish intelligent plants in pursuit of zero emissions in production. Recently, SDLG was named ‘Best Corporate Citizen in Shandong province’ and ranked one of the top 10 socially responsible corporations in Linyi. We hope other companies start to take similar steps to help protect our environment.”

Recently, in response to the tier 3 legislation, SDLG rolled out its latest F-Series machines which are designed to help reduce emissions.

SDLG launched four-wheel loaders for Middle Eastern and African markets as part of the F-series earlier this year: the L953F, L956F, L958F, and L968F, and all feature a modern design and a host of technical enhancements. While the F-series machines may have cleaner engines, they have also been designed to meet the rigours of contractor work.

“Customers are increasingly demanding reliable construction equipment at affordable prices,” says SDLG product manager, Henrik Sjöstrand. “This is SDLG’s specialty. This new range has been specially engineered for high productivity and reliability and will provide customers with an excellent return on investment.”

The release of this new range is timely, as large-scale infrastructure projects as well as quarrying, continue to operate at strong levels in both the Middle East and Africa, he says.

“The most noticeable difference is the design of the new machines,” says Sjöstrand. “The larger cab design adds 20% more glazing for improved visibility, safety, and efficiency. Superior www.cbnme.com

air conditioning has also been added for greater operator comfort, while the single joystick guarantees precise, easy, and comfortable operation of the loader arm and bucket, reducing operator fatigue.”

Behind the new design are a number of technical improvements for enhanced productivity, reliability, and uptime. A high breakout force and a new bucket design provide improved productivity and ease of operation. The machines’ bucket volumes range from 3m3 in the L953F to 3.5m3 in the L968F. In addition, a wide range of attachments are available to ensure versatility.

When it comes to engine capability, the F-series uses the powerful and ef-

ficient 6-cylinder Weichai engine. This is matched to a new SDLG transmission, which delivers maximum torque from the engine to the wheels. The smaller F-series models (L953F and L956F) have been fitted with the SDLG BX50 transmission, which has marked improvements in reliability and durability. The larger models (L958F and L968F) have been fitted with the new SDLG VRT200 transmission, which offers an 8% increase in comprehensive efficiency over the older ZF 4WG200.

Maintenance is also more convenient for the VRT200 compared to the 4WG200; not only can the transmission and transfer case be separated on the SDLG model, it also contains an external pump for easy access.

construction business news me // March 2018 //

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// Machinery

“The new series has been designed to ensure that service and maintenance can be handled easily, with excellent accessibility throughout the machine,” adds Sjöstrand. “Easier and more affordable maintenance is something our Middle Eastern and African customers are increasingly demanding. So, we’ve optimised the maintenance intervals to provide greater uptime, with parts availability that is much more affordable. This is backed up by SDLG’s superb dealer network, which is ready to support its customers’ maintenance and repair needs when required.”

“We have already received a great 56

deal of interest in the new series,” mentions Sjöstrand. “We expect its specifications to exceed the demands of our customers. Those looking for high-performing, reliable, easily operable, and cost-effective wheel loader need look no further than SDLG.” More recently, SDLG has launched a new backhoe loader for the Middle Eastern and African markets, the SDLG B877F. Available as of October, this F-series, sideshift backhoe loader is half a tonne lighter than its predecessor, the B877, and features a new engine, greater cab space, and enhanced cooling capacity, as well

// construction business news me // March 2018

as state-of-the-art loader linkage and other improvements.

Sjöstrand says: “SDLG backhoe loaders always receive a great deal of interest in the Middle East and Africa, and for good reason; they are extremely versatile and efficient machines.

Whether you’re operating the loader or the excavator, the new B877F has the power and manoeuvrability to handle almost any job.”

The B877F is equipped with an improved loader linkage system to provide excellent breakout force, and it comes with a 1m3 capacity loader bucket as standard. What’s more, the

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// Machinery

SDLG in South Africa An SDLG LG958L sold in February 2012 – the first SDLG wheel loader to be sold in Southern Africa – continues to front operations at a portside bulkhandling facility in Durban, South Africa.

The first SDLG wheel loader to be sold in Southern Africa – an LG958L – recently surpassed 5,000 hours of demanding operations at a portside dry bulk facility in South Africa. The 16t wheel loader – owned by South African Bulk Terminals (SABT) – is used to load and off-load the 2.4 million tonnes of dry bulk that passes through the Port of Durban per annum. It has recently clocked over 5,000 operating hours and has yet to encounter any significant downtime.

“Our investment in the LG958L wheel loader has proven to be a master stroke,” says Wentzel Nel, foreman at SABT’s in-house repair and maintenance operation. “In all the time we’ve run this machine, we’ve not encountered a single leaking hose or cylinder. I would say SDLG is far and away the best Chinese brand; the reliability and productivity is equal to anything else on the market.”

SABT is a major business unit within Bidvest Freight, the freight management arm of Bidvest Group. The company operates twin storage facilities that have a combined capacity of 120,000 tonnes. It handles a mixture of products including soya, maize, wheat, sunflower seeds and pellets, rice, fertilisers, sorghum malt for beer production and fluorspar – a particularly challenging material that weighs 1.4 tonnes per cubic metre because it has to be stored and handled while moist.

Prior to choosing SDLG, SABT worked with South African construction equipment dealer Babcock International to find the right machine for the job. It tested various wheel loaders but the LG958L was the only one that impressed from the outset.

“The LG958L ticked every box for us,” says Nel. “We even tested this machine in the hull of a ship and it outperformed all the other machines in the trial.”

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// construction business news me // March 2018

kinematics have been improved. It is now easier to anchor the machine when using the excavator bucket. It also offers better control of the excavator arm when repositioning, better stability, and more efficient excavating. The new model also features a 55o steering angle, providing excellent manoeuvrability that is particularly advantageous when working in confined areas.

“Customers can purchase the B877F with either a multipurpose or general-purpose loader bucket, together with an extendable or standard arm,” said Sjöstrand. “There is also a wide range of attachments to choose from, such as various sizes of excavator buckets and flip over forks. The B877F can be equipped with additional hydraulics if needed.”

Inside the machine, one of the biggest changes comes in the form of a new engine. The B877F is fitted with a 70 kW Yuchai, manufactured by Guangxi Yuchai Machinery Group Co. The Yuchai features the same power as the machine’s previous engine, but it offers much higher torque. The new engine now supplies the hydraulic system with a constant flow, providing the operator with a reliable power supply for extended durations.

Access to the engine is made easier through a larger, rear-hinged engine hood. To make maintenance easier, the filters and water separator have been grouped in the engine compartment. The B877F has also been fitted with a larger radiator, with an ambient temperature of 50˚C. This improved cooling capacity leads to better performance in hot climates. Access to this high-capacity radiator is also made easier via the large hood opening.

Sjöstrand mentions: “The new series has been specifically designed to ensure that service and maintenance can be handled with ease.”

The B877F’s new, spacious cab provides the operator with excellent visibility around the machine, as well as greater space for turning between the loader and excavator operating positions. The ergonomic cab also features a streamlined layout and design of the machine’s controls, a new handbrake design, and a new parking brake that is easier to operate and has better brake force. Additionally, the differential lock switch has been moved from the side panel to the floor, resulting in easier use for the operator.

The air conditioning has been improved for this model, too. Outlets from the ceiling provide 30% increased cooling capacity and a 120% improvement in blowing speed than previous-generation machines. This results in faster cooling of the cab and a much more comfortable operator environment, particularly in the hot climates of the Middle East and Africa.

The new B877F is now available through SDLG’s expansive network of dealerships and service workshops throughout Africa and the Middle East. Sjöstrand says behind every great product is great service. “SDLG has one of the largest, most seasoned dealer networks in these regions, with highly-trained, expert technicians that are ready to provide extensive support to customers,” he remarks.

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// Trucks

Rigid Thinking Why a new four-model rigid hauler range could be the last bearing the Terex Trucks name

It may have taken almost four years, but Volvo Construction Equipment has finally announced plans to enter the rigid hauler market in Q2 2018 with its own branded machines developed alongside its Scotland-based subsidiary Terex Trucks.

News that executives in Gothenburg were looking across the North Sea at Terex’ plant in Motherwell first surfaced towards the end of 2013. At the time, the mining and quarrying sector was still one of the better perform60

ing global industries for machinery manufacturers but that was soon to end. Following falls in gold and silver, iron ore, copper, and coal prices slumped in 2014 and would take years to recover.

Only two years before, Caterpillar had shelled out $8.6bn – its biggest ever deal – to buy mining equipment maker, Bucyrus, as commodities rode out the storm of the global economic crisis (largely) on the back of growth in the BRICS economies. With that

// construction business news me // March 2018

deal now viewed by some as an over-priced move by the Peoria-based giant – analysts estimate it was worth 15 times the ebitda - the relatively modest $100mn reportedly spent by Volvo CE to buy Terex Trucks was a sign of the deal’s status as a simple rounding off of Volvo CE’s offering to the sector, as well as an indication of the turbulence that was beginning to swill against the sector.

Fast-forward to 2018 and commodity prices are once again running hot.

Coming into January, copper was enjoying its best performance in decades, zinc is at a 10-year high and gold is over the $1,300 per ounce barrier.

The Trump administration’s failure to secure subsidies for the coal industry apart, the mining and quarrying sector is looking strong. A good time then for Volvo to be coming to the market with four machines bearing its iron-marque.

In a boon to quarrying companies in the region, Volvo says the range is initially launching in less regulated markets. The three smaller (if you can call a truck that can carry 72t as ‘small’) machines of the line-up - the 45t R45D, 60t R60D, 72t R70D – are rigid haulers that are based on the existing TR-Series, which has been a fixture in countries such as the UAE and Oman for a number of years.

Volvo says it undertook an in-depth review on these models and its engineering teams from both sides of the North Sea have clearly been finding ways to tangle the Swedish company’s DNA with the grunt and raw power of the Terex Trucks range. Visibility has been improved and safety features have likewise been addressed to be closer to Volvo CE’s other products. While its early statement on the launch doesn’t specify regional differences, it is reassuring that it also wanted to slip the rigid trucks into its technical support network – which has been a notable strength of its approach to this region.

www.cbnme.com

100t rigid dump trucks rank among the most immense and impressive vehicles ever designed by the human mind. Terex Trucks’ own TR-100 has racked up venerable service in the Middle East; scaling quarry faces such as the massive Stevin Rock limestone escarpments of Ras Al Khaimah to haul giant rocks off the mountain-sides for years. However, the diligent worker is likely to be now succeeded by the flagship (Volvo CE’s words) 100T (or 95T) R100E. Ahead of its launch, Volvo CE has stressed that the E-Series R100E is a completely new rigid hauler: “that combines a wealth of market and customer knowledge with proven components, new technologies, and a striking new design – all providing a cost-effective and productive solution to fulfil the needs of today’s mining and quarrying customers.”

According to the company, the R100E has been designed to meet demands for a rigid hauler that delivers “high performance and productivity, low total cost of ownership, easy serviceability, and good operator comfort. With its high capacity and hauling speeds, new V-shaped body, intelligent monitoring systems, and operator environment, the R100E will help customers move more material in less time.”

Paul Douglas, Volvo CE’s VP of Rigid Haulers and Terex Trucks, has described the contribution of Volvo

CE as adding muscle to the operation and believes that one of the strengths of the E-Series R100E is the fact that it is quick and simple to operate and maintain despite its huge size. He added: “The new E-Series R100E is a completely new machine that delivers stability, a long service life, high profitability, durability and comfort.”

While the new rigid haulers are being manufactured at a rebranded Volvo Motherwell production facility (and sold exclusively through the Volvo dealer network), they will continue to be designed, built, and developed at the facility, and distributed using the pre-existing Terex Trucks independent dealer network.

Thomas Bitter, SVP of the Marketing and Product Portfolio (MaPP) function at Volvo CE, said the R100E and the other vehicles should “impress” its customers in the industry as they begin to roll-out into the field.

“Our purchase of Terex Trucks in 2014 was a strategic decision that allowed Volvo to offer customers a rigid hauler option. Since then, we’ve been working to design a completely new rigid hauler that builds on Terex Trucks’ 84-year heritage, while also incorporating Volvo CE’s industryleading technology and core values of quality, safety, and environmental care.

Today, we move to the next stage, and the new Volvo machines, especially the E-Series R100E, are the outcome of this work. We’re confident that they will impress customers working in the mining and quarrying segments.”

Volvo CE has intimated that as a result of the launch of the Volvo-branded rigid haulers, production of Terex Trucks rigid haulers will eventually come to an end. Douglas started as a graduate 30 years ago at the Motherwell factory and believes the Terex Trucks heritage will live on.

“Terex Trucks’ rigid haulers are known for performing well in tough conditions, while also being easy to maintain and delivering low cost of ownership,” said Douglas. “Our proven design has provided a strong DNA on which to help develop Volvo CE’s innovative entry into this product line.”

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// Trucks

Reliability doesn’t r e s u l t fr o m making copies MAN Truck & Bus Middle East tells buyers they are risking their businesses if they buy fake parts Buying cheaper priced spare parts may seem tempting, particularly when the business environment gets tougher, but you could be putting drivers and other road-users in harm’s way. NonOEM parts are not subject to the same rigorous testing or supply chain management procedures of their pricier authentic counterparts, leaving your company prone to increased incidences of faults at best or, in the worst-case scenarios, at risk of causing costly and potentially dangerous accidents.

Unfortunately, the Middle East market is vulnerable to the importation of fake or counterfeit automotive parts.

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Recent research by global black-market analyst, Havocscope, estimates the value of fake or counterfeit parts in the Middle East to be worth $1bn. Other estimates suggest the figure could be as high as $2bn. The region is also open to exploitation by traders operating in the so-called grey market.

As the name suggests, this is a murkier aspect of the global trade of auto-parts where seemingly authentic parts are distributed via non-authorised dealers. The grey market promises considerable discounts on parts that can enter into the region unsuitable for the harsh climate and are often

// construction business news me // March 2018

poor imitations of the real thing. Use of untraceable grey market parts can also affect the future resale value of a vehicle – a critical consideration for all fleet owners.

MAN Truck & Bus Middle East always recommends that its customers opt for its own range of MAN Genuine Parts.

Franz von Redwitz, managing director, MAN Truck & Bus Middle East, says: “Whoever decides on a truck or bus/coach from the MAN brand associates maximum expectations of quality, performance, safety, and longevity with the decision. Justifiably, as MAN repeatedly occupies the top spots in

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Benefit from a substantial price saving for MAN Genuine Parts. Maximum benefits and minimized costs make it worthwhile to shop now. Seize the opportunit. www.parts-me.man

// Trucks

national reports (for example, the TÜV report for Germany) in the category of ‘lowest percentage of faults’.”

He adds: “The aim of MAN is to provide the absolute best in quality when it comes to Genuine Parts, as in all other parts of its business, so that customers’ vehicles are not only safe and efficient to drive but will retain their value. Always offer your customers MAN Genuine Parts to ensure we fulfil our promise of quality and to maximise the service life of customer vehicles.”

MAN Truck & Bus Middle East acknowledges that there is no doubt that non-OEM parts will cost less compared to original parts but, according to MAN Truck & Bus Middle East’s head of after-sales Dr. Richard Brown, these lower prices can usually only be achieved by cutting corners in terms of quality and safety standards.

“This is because grey market manufacturers tend to get MAN Genuine Parts duplicated by unnamed producers in low-wage countries,” he explains. “In most cases, these producers will not have an in-depth understanding of the specifications and requirements in relation to the Genuine Parts.

It is therefore highly unlikely that parts will have been subjected to quality and endurance tests, constituting a safety risk for the vehicle and driver.

“All these mentioned checks and approvals are not done by aftermarket companies which try via reverseengineering and use of lower-quality materials to approach customers.”

As a globally operating OEM vehicle producer, MAN Truck & Bus works exclusively with recognised suppliers worldwide, who manufacture their parts subject to its own demanding specifications. Spare parts only get an MAN item number once they have undergone and successfully completed MAN endurance and laboratory tests.

As such, only a MAN genuine part can guarantee the perfect fit, the best quality, as well as maximum efficiency and service life. For this reason, MAN service and parts-outlets work exclusively with MAN Genuine Parts.

Dr. Brown remarks: “With MAN Gen-

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“MAN provides the correct part first time with quality customers can trust.”

Dr. Richard Brown, MAN Truck & Bus Middle East’s head of after-sales uine Parts it is not trial and error, OEMs know every part that every vehicle was constructed with. MAN provides the correct part first time with quality customers can trust. All MAN Genuine Parts are backed with an international spare parts warranty, due to the rigorous quality controls MAN Genuine Parts are monitored under. Genuine Parts are designed specifically and manufactured precisely for specified vehicles, this ensures that the installation of these parts is simplified and provides confidence of a long service life.”

Customers’ total cost of ownership can be controlled easier by utilising its extensive range of Genuine Parts. They

// construction business news me // March 2018

know they are receiving exceptional state-of-the-art quality; certified safety; security of investment in vehicle; driving safety and purchasing confidence (with manufacturer’s warranty); high reliability; and accuracy of fit.

Dr. Brown concludes: “Indeed, each MAN vehicle is an intelligent investment which always benefits customers in the long term. However, it is still possible to increase the value retention and efficiency of this investment once again. Thanks to the comprehensive 2-year MAN Genuine Parts and Service warranty (MAN is the only company to offer it in the region), downtime can be significantly reduced, and uptime will be increased.”

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// Supplier News

Investment

New Raimondi LR330 luffing jib crane unveiled Raimondi Cranes says the launch of its new luffing jib LR330 crane features a “breakthrough” in technology.

Following a presale process in January, the Italian manufacturer says the crane’s equilateral triangular jib design enables an array of set-ups for erectors.

Eng Domenico Ciano, technical director, Raimondi Cranes, said: “We’re proud to present a technologically advanced, superior performance luffing crane, fully European in manufacture, to the market. The LR330 is productive, durable, strong, and efficient. As the flagship crane of the new luffing range, we have incorporated a breakthrough equilateral triangular jib design to enhance several different aspects of the machine. Structurally optimised, this innovative layout allows for improved packaging and transportation, simplifies the construction phase, and reduces wind impact on the jib,

thereby decreasing the out of service radius.”

The Raimondi LR330 is the newest luffing jib crane in the range with a maximum jib length of 60m and a maximum capacity of 18,000kg, with two falls and four falls configurations. At the maximum radius, it can lift 3,300kg in Ultra-lift mode. Six different jib length configurations, from 30m to 60m, satisfy all needs in terms of specific jobsite configurations.

Raimondi, which is owned by the Dubai company KBW Investments, claims the LR330 enables crane operators to

control and tailor the machine’s work to their preferences, thereby reducing jobsite stressors. Together with the new Raimondi safety control system, there is a significant advancement in performance and control of the LR330’s three movements.

“Crane operators can now choose between three different configurations, enabling a change in parameters related to the movement speeds and dynamic,” explained Ciano.

“This functionality allows the operators to align the crane closer to their specific needs.

Further, to reduce pressure on the operator and simultaneously increase the overall level of onsite safety, the safety control system’s installed sensors monitor all the crane’s movements and monitor the load, supporting the operator as site hazards approach. Alerting the operator with alarms and direct intervention, the LR330 is both agile and intelligent.”

Ciano added that working at height has also been factored in with the crane’s simplified installation and dismantling procedures.

The LR330 may also be equipped with three different hoisting winches: standard installed power of 80kW or the two falls configuration with the more powerful 110kW, while the four falls configuration has an installed power of 80kW. The rope capacities are respectively: 650m, 1,000m, and 980m, and all winches may be equipped with a secondary emergency brake.

XCMG opens first African spare parts centre Chinese construction machinery giant, XCMG, says its first direct regional spare parts centre in Kenya will enable it to serve five countries located in East Africa.

Opened in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi in January, XCMG has partnered with local distributor, TISCO Construction, to provide “prompt services to clients” in all the five countries in the region. The two companies have additionally opened an adjoining XCMG 4S shop that will provide sales, spare parts, service, and survey services.

According to XCMG, the new facility – called The Center in Kenya - will enable it to gradually increase investment and better support in the region, and to establish a bonded warehouse in Mombasa that can ensure supplies to construction projects.

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Cui Xiangdong, assistant secretary of XCMG spare parts supervision management department, said: "XCMG has established dealerships in 16

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countries across Africa. The center in Kenya will further advance XCMG's strategy in the African spare parts market, it also sets an example for XCMG's overall arrangement of spare parts centers in AsiaPacific, Middle East, Central Asia, Europe, and the Americas."

There are more than 200,000 pieces of XCMG equipment in use outside China at present; and in Kenya alone, there are 2,000 machines. The center in Kenya is part of strategy initiated by XCMG in 2017 to upgrade its overseas service and spare parts network, with the stated aim of “establishing independent service and spare parts centres and increase relevant support for dealers”.

hvac

IVECO hails Ivory Coast deal Italian truck-maker, IVECO, says it has renewed its partnership with Morocco’s Premium Group as its representative prepares to provide assistance for 105 vehicles owned by the municipality of Abidjan, the financial capital of the country.

Under a supply agreement with the city, 30 Daily, 21 Eurocargo and 54 Trakker trucks will be deployed in waste management operations throughout Abidjan and the surrounding areas, serving a population of some 1.7 million.

Through this important supply agreement, the

brand will contribute to the Ivorian government’s goal of finding a lasting solution to improve the environmental and sanitary conditions of its capital city, said IVECO in a statement.

IVECO’s agreement to renew its partnership with Premium Group includes providing transport businesses in throughout West

Africa with effective specialist sales and aftersales support. Premium Group will serve the brand’s customers from its local premises in Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Mali, Cameroon, Senegal, and Togo – with the last three also serving Central African Republic and Chad, Niger, Guinea Conakry, and Benin respectively.

Pierre Lahutte, IVECO brand president, commented: “The West African markets are very important for us, and this supply agreement in the Ivory Coast is testament to the trust that big operators place in IVECO for the quality of our vehicles and the service offered to our customers. Our new partnership with Premium Group will enable us to provide them the quality support they need and, consequently, ensure they can get the full benefit of the efficiency and performance of our vehicles and enjoy their low total cost of ownership.”

hvac

Mammoet and Eversendai partner for Dubai Mall expansion challenge Mammoet says that its LR1750 crawler crane was the only crane in the UAE capable of meeting the demanding requirements of the preparation work for the new Fountain View Link-Bridge, which is being built as part of an extension to the Dubai Mall.

Contractor Eversendai is overseeing the erection of the new bridge. When completed, it will connect the existing mall to a new section and help expand the number of retail outlets and provide a walkway to further parking.

According to Mammoet, the deployment of the crane faced a number of challenges after it was asked to complete the lifting and installation of the 16 steel girders that form the base of the bridge. Projwww.cbnme.com

ect constraints meant that the crane needed to have a minimal footprint and low ground bearing pressure and Mammoet’s LR1750 was the only available crane in the UAE that complied with all technical requirements.

With each girder weighing between 83t and 172t and placed within two sections,

the lifts were carried out on Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, the main road that runs around Dubai Mall. Mammoet installed the first set of girders on the Fountain View side of the road before the whole operation was then moved to the mall side of the road where the other halves of the gird-

ers were installed, ready for connection in the middle.

With only two out of six lanes closed to minimise disruption to traffic, the crane had to manoeuvre in a tight space. Additionally, water pipes under the area of operation that supply Dubai Mall and the whole of Downtown Dubai provided a further engineering challenging.

“To avoid damaging them, it was imperative that the crane kept within the ground bearing pressure tolerance,” Mammoet said in a statement. “Careful engineering calculations were made for the lifts to ensure that the LR1750 could lift the girders and manoeuvre in to place without nearing traffic or going over the ground bearing pressure limit.”

construction business news me // March 2018 //

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// Editor's pick

Spread the word The decision to initiate a wide-ranging school construction programme highlights the growing Saudi emphasis on delivering the social infrastructure assets, according to recent report by BMI Research

In line with a stated commitment to growing the Kingdom's knowledgebased industries, the Saudi government has announced plans to build and operate a total of 1,600 schools across the country in partnership with private sector firms. The phase of the initiative involves building 60 schools in Mecca and Jeddah. The first phase will deliver a mix of kindergarten and primary, intermediate, and secondary schools for boys and girls.

Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Council of Economic Affairs and Development and the Ministry of Finance, have approved the project.

According to the recent report by BMI Research, in this vein, there is a scope for the ongoing prioritisation of social infrastructure to drive an increase in the share of social infrastructure projects in the country's overall project pipeline in the years to come, which, according to its Key Projects Database, account for a mere 7.5% of the total.

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Furthermore, in a country where over 80% of education infrastructure is funded by the state, the decision to tender the initiative on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) basis underscores Saudi government's desire to attract private capital and expertise into the sector - particularly to lessen the financial burden on the state.

Having said that, the report maintains the view that the PPP initiative will fall short of government expectations in meeting its ambitious targets in the education sphere, as its effectiveness constrained by the Kingdom's lack of an overarching and consistent legal framework governing the various stages of implementing PPP projects.

Moreover, the government has yet to establish a designated PPP agency as with other markets mentioned above, which further clouds the contract approval process and drives additional regulatory uncertainty in the marketplace. The Saudi education push will

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occur in the wider context of the Kingdom's economic diversification agenda as embodied by the country's 'Vision 2030' agenda, which aims to diversify Saudi Arabia's economic base away from oil and into knowledge-based industries like technology and tourism.

As such, in addition to the aforementioned plan to construct 1600 schools, there has been an uptick in project announcements aiming to move the Saudi economy up the intellectual value chain. Most prominent among these is NEOM, a planned $500bn independent special business and industrial zone. The 26,500sqkm special zone will be in the North West of the country and will extend across the Egyptian and Jordanian borders.

The zone will focus on various including energy and water, food, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and entertainment. NEOM will be fully automated and will be completely powered by wind and solar energy.

The scheme will be supported by Saudi Arabia and the country's Public Investment Fund, and local as well as international investors. NEOM is viewed as emblematic of broader Saudi economic diversification efforts exceedingly ambitious, but unlikely to be realised in their desired form due to operational and regulatory hurdles that have plagued the delivery of similar Saudi mega-projects in the past.

More recently, and more representative of a realistic project, it was reported in February that US-based Google is considering a partnership with Saudi Aramco to form a technology hub in Saudi Arabia, which would involve the construction of data centres and afford the opportunity for Saudi citizens to bolster their technological expertise.

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TRUCKS

// Save the date

Save the date Mark your calendar

March

12-13

March

26-29

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Middle East Rail Dubai, UAE Middle East Rail is the largest rail, transport and logistics conference and exhibition across the Middle East, North African, South Asian, and Central Asian regions.

Furthermore, it is the only rail event to be hosted in partnership with the UAE Government. With current and future rail projects around the region running into billions of dollars, it is not surprising that Middle East Rail has become an event of cardinal importance. This is where key decision makers, government officials and investors of the industry unite to survey the rail landscape and chart its future.

Middle East Coverings Dubai, UAE The region’s premier platform for flooring, wall, and ceiling solutions has been revamped for 2018. Following three hugely successful years as Middle East Covering, the sister show of interior design showcase, INDEX, now goes by a new name: Surface Design. The show has grown incredibly since its inception, regularly welcoming international brands like HP, BASF, Colortek, PARADOR, and Val Paintare - all of whom have been key in advancing the design methods and technologies that are making interior and exterior surfaces more spectacular than ever. The exhibition, heading into its fourth year, offers a one stop shop for any designer, architect or contractor’s flooring, wall, and ceiling needs across four sectors: architectural exterior and interior surface materials, composite and resilient flooring, technology and equipment, and textile covering.

// construction business news me // March 2018

March

26-28

April

23-28

Big 5 Heavy Dubai, UAE Over the past 35 years, The Big 5 has firmly established its position as the leading international construction event. The Big 5 portfolio of events has connected more than 100,000 global suppliers and buyers of construction products providing an exceptional opportunity to do business, network and learn from global leaders. The Big 5 Heavy, an independent, international large-scale exhibition dedicated to the heavy construction industry, has the sole aim of facilitating the trade and dialogue for a billion-dollar industry that is growing at a furious pace, year on year.

Intermat Paris, France Intermat, the international exhibition for construction and infrastructure, will take place from April 23-28, 2018, at Paris Nord Villepinte, France. The exhibition will host 183,000 visitors and 1,500 exhibitors presenting an offer of equipment, materials and solutions for civil engineering and structural building works. Intermat has adjusted its sector organisation to respond to visitor expectations (more clearly specified sectors, a more efficient visiting experience and greater emphasis on innovation), arranging the event around four activity sectors for optimal clarity. One special feature makes this event unique - an outside demonstration area. Visitors can see the exhibitors' machines perform in a gigantic open-air construction area.

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