ISSUE 33 jULY 2014
IRAQ IN TURMOIL Dealing with the unrest
MADE IN CHINA Zoomlion heads the rest
POWER PLAY
What next for LiuGong?
FIRST LOOK: THE NEW S450
IN THE GROOVE Bobcat’s skid steer hit PLuS: RAW POWER
* NEWS & VIEWS * POWEREd ACCESS * QATAR * PM TIPS * ANd MuCH MORE
Contents
16
page 16 PREPARING FOR THE BEST IN IRAQ
“Our plans have slow-down and we’re watching events but other than that everything is looking good.”
IS S U E 3 3 JU LY 2 0 1 4
04
Editorial The industry watches on as Iraq turmoil causes chaos for projects and people.
06
NEws What’s happening across the region in construction machinery?
16
hEavy hittErs CMME talks to IC Global in Baghdad as the company rehouses its inventory in light of the unrest to the north.
22
ENGiNE oF ChaNGE GCIC’s JV partners LiuGong and Cummins on what their Dubai training centre means for customers and the Chinese giant.
26
sitE visit: doha FEstival City, Qatar The concrete is poured on Doha’s answer to the UAE’s Dubai Mall behemoth.
48
26
32
CovEr story: thE NEw BoBCat Stian Overdahl is in the Czech Republic to get a first look at Bobcat’s follow-up to the best-selling S130.
32
22
52
Raw power
43 TOP TEN: GUIDE TO PLANNING AHEAD CMME tries to help you make sure that your maintenance stays on track. Page 50 SPECIAL OVERVIEW: THE BIGGEST AND BEST IN CHINA CMME looks at the companies leading the Chinese revolution. Page 52 TRAIN AND GAIN Experts on how training is essential to preventing accidents at height for mobile powered access platforms. Page 56 KIT SPOTTING Keeping it tight at height. Page
38 NEW RELEASE ROUND UP What’s hot in new machinery this month?
Page
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Editor’s Letter
GROUP GROUP CHAIRMAN AND FOUNDER DOMINIC DE SOUSA GROUP CEO NADEEM HOOD GROUP COO GINA O’HARA PUBLISHING DIRECTOR RAZ ISLAM raz.islam@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5471 EDITORIAL DIRECTOR VIJAYA CHERIAN vijaya.cherian@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5713
A FORCE MAJEUR
W
hat does Luis Suarez have when he fancies a bite to eat? Italian of course. Apologies that’s not even the funniest joke I heard in June but it has the virtue of being printable. The summer heat made it the perfect opportunity for the region to digest the FIFA World Cup tournament in Brazil in all its colourful, inspirational and, yes, violent spectacle. It was at times difficult to remember that for all the perspiration and screen to screen advertising that the FIFA World Cup is only a sporting event where people get to kick a ball around for 90 minutes not including drinks breaks or extra time.
EDITORIAL GROUP EDITOR STEPHEN wHITE stephen.white@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5477 DEPUTy EDITOR GAVIN DAVIDS gavin.davids@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5480 INTERNATIONAL EDITOR STIAN OVERDAHL stian.overdahl@cpidubai.com MARKETING & ADVERTISING COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR MICHAEL STANSFIELD michael.stansfield@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5497 MARKETING MANAGER LISA JUSTICE lisa.justice@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5498
While the events of Uruguay versus Italy stole screen time for a few days in June, we unfortunately had to view the sight of Iraq erupting to remind ourselves that - Luis Suarez’ attack on an Italian defender apart – sport should merely be a celebration of the containment of humanity’s most primal urges. Conflict on the other hand are when they are most exposed.
MARKETING ASSISTANT BARBARA PANKASZ barbara.pankasz@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5499
The violence in the north of the country saw the construction industry having to conduct its most rapid retreat since the north of Africa was swept over by the tide of the Arab Spring.
JUNIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER PERCIVAL MANALAYSAY
Among those displaced included 1,300 Chinese workers who were evacuated from a power plant they were stationed on near Mosul. With only enough buses to carry just over 600 of them sent from Baghdad, you can only imagine the nervousness of those left behind. You also must sympathise with the drivers that had to criss-cross fighting four times to get everybody to safety. Meanwhile consulates and embassies in Baghdad and Dubai were innundated by having to handle returning staff from construction companies that no longer had anywhere to go in Iraq. The families of 39 Indian workers capture by an insurgent group remained on tender hooks as CMME went to press. Their whereabouts may have been known but their fate was unclear. If this makes for heavy reading for a summer issue of CMME, then I apologise and I really should remember that when I spoke to Zain Sadik of IC Global in Baghdad over the phone (please read Courage Under Fire on page 16), he was extremely calm and far funnier than the joke I made at the top of the page. He reminded me that the events of June are just the latest in a series of upsets in Iraq. The country has grown used to instability and concerns of security, he said. His company continues to grow rapidly and is poised to be a major force in Iraq. So where our screens show us destruction, he experiences disruption and sees opportunity. Like he says: “There are some competitors from Dubai that were going to come into this market, and I’m sure they will think twice now.”
DESIGN ART DIRECTOR SIMON COBON
CIRCULATION & PRODUCTION CIRCULATION AND DISTRIBUTION MANAGER ROCHELLE ALMEIDA rochelle.almeida@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 368 1670 DATABASE AND CIRCULATION MANAGER RAJEESH M rajeesh.nair@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 440 9147 PRODUCTION MANAGER JAMES P THARIAN james.tharian@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 440 9146 DIGITAL DIGITAL SERvICES MANAGER TRISTAN TROY MAAGMA PUBLISHED BY
Registered at IMPZ PO Box 13700 Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 4 440 9100 Fax: +971 4 447 2409 www.cpimediagroup.com PRINTED BY Printwell Printing Press LLC © Copyright 2014 CPI All rights reserved while the publishers have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of all information in this magazine, they will not be held responsible for any errors therein. ISSUE 33 jULY 2014
Stephen White, Group Editor, CMME
IRAQ IN TURMOIL Dealing with the unrest
MADE IN CHINA Zoomlion heads the rest
POWER PLAY
What next for LiuGong?
FIRST LOOK: THE NEW S450
IN THE GROOVE Bobcat’s skid steer hit PLuS: RAW POWER
* NEWS & VIEWS * POWEREd ACCESS * QATAR * PM TIPS * ANd MuCH MORE
NOW ONLINE You can now catch the online edition every month at: www.constructionmachineryme.com
4
CONSTRUCTION
MIDDLE EAST
July 2014
News Round-Up
NEWS
Hasan IsmaIk resIgns from arabtec
New machines, new offices, new projects, new initiatives – we look around the region at what’s new this month
The share price of one of the UAE’s largest contractors plunged in June when Hasan Ismaik, CEO of Arabtec Holding Co, resigned from the company. His departure followed state-controlled Aabar Investments’ reduction in its stake in Arabtec by almost 4%. Board member Mohamad Al Fahim has been appointed as the acting CEO and was elected by Ismaik, it is believed. The former CEO had tripled his holding in Arabtec to 28.84% earlier this year. According to Bloomberg, Ismaik said he would “consider the offer” if any government entity approached “to buy his stake.”
HEALTH And SAFETy 14 Flat-Top tower cranes from the Spanish manufacturer Linden Comansa are being used to build hospitals in Montreal, Canada. The cranes are rented by Alliance Formwork, the main formwork contractor for the projects.
Arabtec’s shares witnessed their worst weekly drop since March 2012 after Aabar reduced its stake in the publicly traded company from 21.57% to 18.85%. Industry analysts remain unsure about the consequences of this change at the top following a ‘minor’ restructuring. Craig Plumb, head of research at Jones Lang LaSalle, said that there was ‘unlikely to be any instability’ and that it would be ‘business as usual’, as far as construction contracts were concerned. Al Fahim is a board member at International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC), which is the parent of Aabar Investments.
Zahid expands mining offering Expanded Cat Mining distributorship means that Zahid Tractor will represent former Bucyrus business
Z
ahid Tractor, KSA’s dealer for Caterpillar and other brands including Volvo and Renault trucks, has been appointed as the authorised the Expanded Cat Mining distribution business in the Kingdom. Formerly known as Bucyrus, the Expanded Cat Mining distributorship means that Zahid Tractor will represent the former Bucyrus surface and underground distribution and support business, including legacy equipment such as hydraulic shovels, electric shovels, draglines and rotary drills. Saudi Arabia has an established mining sector, and exploration projects over
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September July 2014 2011
the past two decades have unearthed extensive deposits of precious and industrial minerals throughout the country, according to the Saudi embassy website. These include not only gold and silver, but also copper, tin, tungsten, nickel, chrome, zinc, lead, phosphates, iron ore, bauxite, potassium ore and even table salt. “This is an important milestone in the Zahid-Caterpillar partnership, and we look forward to combining our industry knowledge with Caterpillar’s world-class product range to offer a ‘one-stop-shop’ for mining customers. Zahid Tractor will continue to deliver value to our
customers with unmatched service, integrated solutions and exceptional after-sales support, all backed by the latest technology, guaranteeing a customer experience second to none,” said Amr Khashoggi, vice president of Group Affairs at Zahid Group. “Our mining customers want strong partners. They are looking for integrated solutions, high productivity, superior equipment availability and low operating cost, and the Caterpillar dealers know more about helping customers get the most from Cat products than anyone else,” said Steve Wunning, Cat’s group president for Resource Industries.
Company intelligenCe
Liebherr wins Large Turkish MinisTry order
the latest results for the world’s biggest machinery manufacturer, Caterpillar, made for unhappy reading for its shareholders. slowing construction sales in latin america and were flat in north america were only partially offset by volumes in africa, europe and the middle east which fell at a slower pace. for Caterpillar’s resource industries segment, asia-pacific sales fell 69 percent and 47 perCent in afriCa, europe and the middle east in the last quarter. more than 1,200 China maChinery engineering Corporation workers trapped in the northern iraqi city of samarra have been safely evacuated to the capital Baghdad, according to the Chinese embassy in Baghdad, iraq experienced a tumultuous month after militants under the banner of islamiC state of iraq and levant launched an offensive across the north of the country. tata hitaChi ConstruCtion maChinery Company, has rolled out a new high-end hydraulic excavator that the company believes will be attractive for premium contractors and buyers. the construction firm, which is a 40/60 joint venture between tata motors and hitachi Construction machinery, also plans on exporting the Zaxis 220 lC – gi series exCavator to Both the middle east and afriCa. “we are also waiting for the market to revive. with the new government and new infra projects coming in…. we expect premium contractors to come back into the field [and show interest],” said a krishnakumar, senior general manager – sales and marketing.
tender updates
1
Construction work has commenced in the Trauma and Emergency Centre of Dubai’s Rashid Hospital, which will be expanded by up to 160 beds at a cost of $43.8 million. PRE-EnginEERED uniTs will bE uTilisED in THE ExPansion so as To EnsuRE THE CEnTRE ConTinuEs To funCTion despite ongoing expansion works. it is THE fiRsT PHasE of THE $816.7 million-woRTH masTER-Plan announced for Rashid Hospital by the DHa in may 2013, said a report by Zawya.
2
Qatar Railways Company (QRail) has awarded a consortium, comprising of alsTom anD QDVC, THE ConTRaCT To suPPly a TuRnkEy TRamway sysTEms for a line tram network in lusail, Qatar. Qatari Diar owns 51% stake in QDVC and Vinci Construction grand Projects owns the remaining 49%. alstom’s share in the recently-signed turnkey contract is $1.02 billion including the option for 32 additional tramways.
Liebherr has cracked open the Turkish General Directorate of State Hydraulic Works DSI, winning a major order to supply 130 Liebherr PR 754 Litronic crawler tractors, part of the DSI’s programme to modernise its fleet of existing equipment. At Ankomak 2014, the Turkish construction machinery trade fair held in May in Istanbul, Liebherr-Werk Telfs GmbH announced that the 130 machines would be delivered by
the end of 2015. The Austrian-based Liebherr company, which manufactures crawler tractors and loaders as well as telescopic loaders, did not disclose the total value of the deal. The DSI is the primary state agency responsible for management of the Turkey’s water resources, and on projects large numbers of bulldozers are employed alongside other earthmoving machines, such
as when building dams and flood protection dykes and when realising infrastructure measures and general earthworks. Like all Liebherr crawler tractors, the 40-tonne class machines feature a freely variable hydrostatic travel drive and are characterised by good thrust and tearout performance, by their simple controls and by their especially good efficiency. The robust components, which have been tried and tested in practice, guarantee excellent availability even under the toughest of operating conditions. The PR754 Litronic crawler tractor is powered by the engine D 946 L A6 250 kW six-cylinder diesel engine, developed and built by Liebherr. With 130 of Liebherr’s PR 754 Litronic crawler tractors in its fleet, the DSI should find managing its part inventory and service programme for the bulldozers will be easy, leading to fast mobilisation of machines and considerable up-time.
SAUDI ARABIA’S Al JomAIh ImpReSSeD In ChInA The Ceo of sany’s qualified dealer for saudi arabia – al Jomaih heavy equipment and agriculture – sheikh abudullah, along with his general manager of the heavy industry department, and his family successor have toured key sany design and manufacturing sites in China. abudullah was met by the president of sany heavy industry, Xiang wenbo for discussion of developing sany’s market position and prospect in saudi and surrounding regions, and deepening cooperation with each other. Xiang, on behalf of sany, showed warm welcome toward abudullah’s arrival, expressed heartfelt thanks for the contribution al Jomaih made in assisting sany to expand the Middle east market and granted the dealer authorisation Plate to abudullah. abudullah conveyed that he was totally attracted and impressed by sany’s excellent brand image, modern manufacturing facilities, and high proportion r&d input, according to the sany media release. abudullah also said that China and saudi has a long history of trade and communication and the silk road in ancient times was the ties between two peoples. abdullah said that he believed that sany and al Jomaih can cooperate closely to become the model of sino-saudi enterprise cooperation which will pave the silk road in modern times. during the recent big-5 saudi show abudullah, described
his partner’s products as ‘unique and grand’ which demonstrate sany’s strong innovation ability. “with powerful r&d strength, sany has always been leading the development of engineering machinery industry of China,” he said. “i hope that taking opportunity of this exhibition, sany would put more effort into innovation and actively open up new market in gCC region.”
September 2011 July 2014
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77
News Round-Up
Perkins builds 20 millionth engine Caterpillar-owned engine manufacturer Perkins has celebrated the production of its 20 millionth engine, a major milestone which took place at
Qatar steps up labour reform
Himoinsa powers up its me-ea presence The Spanish generator manufacturer Himoinsa has strengthened its personnel team in the Middle East and East Africa, with the appointment of a new business development director (BDD), and a new product support engineer for the Middle East business. The Himoinsa brand, which produces generators from 16637kVA in the professional range, and then up to 670-2000kV in the larger range, is well-known in the GCC markets through its distribution deal with regional equipment supplier Famco. It comes at a time when the demand for portable and temporary power generation is growing across the wider region. In the Middle East, Rajeev Lalitha Rajan has been appointed as product support engineer, working with the existing Product Support team to meet the technical needs of the region. Rajeev Lalitha Rajan has worked for a number of major energy generation companies and has a strong track record in delivering technical solutions in the diesel generator sector, and his appointment underlines Himoinsa’s determination to deliver quality
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service in the aftermarket area, said the company. Meanwhile, Ramy Mohy el Dine has been appointed as the new business development director in Eastern Africa. “Himoinsa is constantly endeavoring to increase its international presence,” said el Dine. “My goal is to draw on all my personal strengths to extend the company’s distribution network in those countries in East Africa where it isn’t full represented.” He believes that countries such as Ethiopia, with a population of 93 million, are bound to experience dramatic growth in demand for energy generation. “The quality of Himoinsa’s products is one of the main drivers of the growth in the company’s market share in this region.” Appointing an additional product support engineer to the Middle East region shows that Himoinsa is focused on providing the reliability that customers want. And a new BDD for Eastern Africa highlights the growing demand for equipment in that region, something which some GCC sellers of equipment are looking to cash in on.
TERMINAL TARGET Sohar Port and Freezone welcomed the 10,000 TEU (twenty foot equivalent units) ship at the newly expanded Oman International Container Terminal (OICT) in May.
Qatar’s ministry of labour and Social Affairs has punished more than 200 companies in the first quarter of 2014 for violating key provisions of the country’s labour laws, it has been announced. More than 1,000 firms have been issued warnings by the ministry as they were not fully complying with rules that are aimed at protecting worker’s rights. A total of 10,500 raids on approximately 7,443 firms were conducted by inspectors in the first quarter of the year, the ministry said. Of these, routine inspections were conducted on 6,523 companies to check their compliance with the labour law. Another 3,485 raids
were conducted on the worksites of 920 companies, with the intent of checking on their occupational safety rules. Although about 80% of the firms inspected were found to comply with the law, there were temporary bans imposed on 3% of the firms as punishment for violating the law. A further 15.9% were issued warnings and asked to correct their current situation. The figures were disclosed by Qatar’s Permanent Representative at the UN Office in Geneva, Faisal bin Abdullah Al Hanzab during a meeting on the side-lines of the International Labour Conference, which ended on 12 June.
KhALIfA PoRT EAsILy AMoNG ThE bEsT During a recent visit to the Khalifa Port and Fujairah Port in the UAE, the GCC Secretariat General’s delegation praised the customs work across the UAE’s ports, adding the work procedures adopted in the ports are a “source of pride for all member states.”
Value, Ready To Work
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Tunis Société Commerciale de Matériels (COMAT) www.comat.tn +216-74468710 Azerbaijan Grand Motors LLC www.grandmotors.az +994-125647494
United Arab Emirates General Navigation And Commerce Company (GENAVCO) L.L.C (Member of Juma Al-Majid group)
www.genavco.com +971-43961000 Oman General Engineering Services Est. (Genserv) (Member of Juma Al-Majid group)
www.genserv-oman.com +968-24490755
Qatar Al Arabia Heavy Equipment Co. L.L.C.
Saudi Arabia -Arabian Bugshan Group
Iraq Al Ittihadia General Trading Co.
(Member of Al Fardan Group)
(Earthmoving machinery)
( Member of Sardar Group)
www.alarabia.com.qa +974-44971090 Bahrain ZAYANI MOTORS W.L.L. www.zmotors.com +973-17703703
www.abugshangroup.com +966-14931018 -Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo Co., Ltd.
www.sardargroup.com +964-662569888 Algeria S.A.R.L. SOCOPE www.socope.net +213-43273939
(Concrete machinery)
www.kanoocom.com +966-22632959 Kuwait Bahrah Trading Company W.L.L. www.bahrahtrading.com +965-1802008
www.shantui.com
News Round-Up
Tandem Groves build floaTinG buildinG positioned to execute the lift, which required the GMK6300L and the 220t GMK6220L to perform a 180o pick and carry from a truck over to the river.
Three Grove all-terrain cranes have been used to install the foundation of a unique floating building on the river Mosel in Schengen, Luxembourg. Two of the Grove cranes, a GMK6300L and GMK6220L, completed the complicated tandem lift, placing the 64t base of the building, measured 34m long and 6m wide. A GMK3055 was also on site for support. All three cranes are owned by local rental company Megalift. Working in consultation with the Manitowoc dealer MKT, the two main cranes were chosen for their precise load control, said MKT GM Uwe Döring.
ContraCtors quit Kuwait airport bidding Tendering for construction on a second terminal for Kuwait’s airport mega-project has been put on hold following complaints and withdrawal by bidders regarding ‘three tough conditions’, local reports have suggested. “The contracting companies found the conditions as discouraging and incapacitating… this pushed the Ministry of Public Works to put the project indefinitely on hold,” said a local Arabic-language newspaper. The first of the three “tough” conditions requires contractors to invest at least 35% of the contract’s value – which amounts to $1.26 billion – in civilian projects under an offset programme. The next condition requires that only one company executes the project. The contractor is also required to pay a 5% guarantee as income tax on the project; 10% as offset guarantee; and other contracting
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fees, such as project execution guarantee and a 10% advance payment fee under the third condition. Construction cost of the second airport terminal project was initially estimated at $3.2 billion; the figure later jumped to as much as $3.6 billion, said Al Rai, a Kuwaiti publication. Out of the 19 pre-qualified firms, only six international companies bought tender documents, added the Zawya report. Though it was floated in 2004, the project was postponed until April 2014 due to various factors, including these three conditions, the Ministry of Public Works had announced. “Kuwait will be the biggest loser of the project’s postponement as this hurts its regional and global reputation and contradicts with plans to turn Kuwait into a regional financial and commercial centre,” a source close to the project reportedly said.
“Grove cranes are easy to manoeuvre, quick to set-up and make light work of even demanding lifts,” he says. “It was extremely important that the two cranes worked together to lift the load smoothly. The operators were very impressed by the ease with which they handled the demanding job. The cranes caused minimum disruption to the surrounding area, performed the lift very efficiently and were on their way to the next job site in no time.” Situated on a small, residential road next to a sloped riverbank, the job site made for a challenging set up. The cranes were carefully
Having traveled 60 km from Megalift’s headquarters in Colmar Berg to the job site, the three cranes took half a day to set up and spent two days on the project. River traffic was halted during the lift, but despite the large load and the difficulties in preparing the narrow riverbank, the Grove cranes completed the job with time to spare. The building will be a new tourist information and exhibition center. Grove’s 300 tonne capacity GMK6300L is a six-axle, all-terrain crane with the longest boom in its class, at 80m, while the 220t capacity Grove GMK6220L is its predecessor. The GMK3055 has a 55t capacity and a 43m main boom.
Hyundai-Cummins faCTory finisHed Hyundai Heavy Industries and Cummins have completed work on their joint factory, which, once opened, will be capable of building 50,000 diesel engines per year, the result of a 2012 agreement. The Hyundai Cummins Engine Company hopes to achieve annual sales of 500 million by 2020, which will create around 3,700 direct and indirect jobs in the region. The factory was built with investment of $98 million (KRW 100 billion). For HHI, the joint engine factory will give its construction equipment division a stable supply of high-
quality engines that are essential for improving the performance and quality of its construction equipment. At the ceremony, Lee Jai-seong, Chairman and CEO of HHI, spoke of the factory’s positive impact on the Daegu area. “I would like to extend my sincerest appreciation to Daegu Metropolitan City and its citizens for their strong support to make today’s inauguration ceremony possible. It is our belief that when HCEC engine factory goes into operation, it will play an active role in galvanising the local economy.”
AFGHANISTAN FAMCO (Al-Futtaim Auto & Machinery Co. LLC) + 971 4 213 5100 (UAE) famco@alfuttaim.ae AZERBAIJAN Aztexnika Ltd + 994 502 452 555 a.aslanbayov@aztexnika.az BAHRAIN A.A. Bin Hindi B.S.C (c) + 973 17 703078 ciesales@binhindi.com GEORGIA Elite Motors Ltd + 995 577 769 615 zantelidze@elitemotors.ge IRAQ Sardar Automobile and Machinery Trading Co. + 964 750 344 4701 ihsan@sardarmachinery.com KUWAIT Al-Zabin International Group Co. For Heavy Equipment + 965 2433 4721 alzabin@alzabinkuwait.com LEBANON AMTRAC (Abdelmassih Trading Company) + 961 3 425625 michel@amtrac-lb.com OMAN GENSERV (General Engineering Services Est) + 968 244 90755 sales@genserv-oman.com PAKISTAN VPL Limited + 92 42 111 875 875 uzair.shahid @panasiangroup.com QATAR Arabian Agencies Company WLL + 974 44 50 0925 araco@araco.com.qa SAUDI ARABIA FAMCO (Al-Futtaim Auto & Machinery Co. LLC) + 966 12 680 4444 famco@alfuttaim.sa SYRIA Nassib Saad Est. Trading & Import + 963 11 222 5432 i.saad@saad-syria.com TURKEY Ascendum Makina + 90 216 581 80 00 info@ascturk.com TURKMENISTAN Ez Aziya-Hyzmatdash + 993 124 37278 h.hangeldyev @aziya-hyzmatdash.com UAE FAMCO (Al-Futtaim Auto & Machinery Co. LLC) + 971 4 213 5100 famco@alfuttaim.ae UZBEKISTAN C&H International + 998 711 475 003 hojinhan88@gmail.com YEMEN Elaghil Trading Co + 967 1 207 470 elaghil@y.net.ye
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News Analysis
Dangerous play
Qatar’s bid is currently being tackled be football officials. Whether it will be issued a red card or play waved on, CMME looks at the job in hand
T
he Brazil FIFA World Cup concludes this month with Qatar facing probing questions regarding the manner in which it won the right to host the event in the first place. CMME looks at how close the peninsula state is to being ready to hosting the tournament in 2022. Qatari officials recently announced they have cut down the number of stadiums for the FIFA World Cup 2022 by a third. Now, eight stadiums will now be constructed – instead of the originally-planned 12 – to host the world’s most-watched football event. While this decision has fuelled global critics who question Qatar’s capability to deliver its promises, Ruari Maybank, director at Atkins Qatar, is highly optimistic about the country hosting a world-class event in 2022. “There are parallels that can be drawn from the challenges faced by London in the run-up to 2012, and how those can be used to target specific challenges in Qatar’s preparation for 2022,” says Maybank, who has previously worked with the government of UK on preparation and procurement processes for the London Olympic Games 2012. “London 2012 was delivered, from bid to staging, in roughly seven years, and this timeframe is similar to what Qatar has in the run up to the event,” says Maybank. “The model for hosting the World Cup in Qatar is, in many ways, similar to the organisation of the Olympics. “All stadiums and facilities related to Qatar 2022 are centered on a city rather than being
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spread around a large country, which is the model traditionally followed for World Cups. It wouldn’t be wrong, therefore, to expect the same logistical challenges from this event as we might have faced in preparation for London 2012.” The ‘logistical challenges’ Maybank speaks of are many – for one, the Qatari market has to contend with economic factors, such as rapid population growth, reported material shortages and the threat of consequent price rises. “The projects in the current market scenario are definitely driven by the government sector, but this could change in the years to come,” says Raj Achan, business development manager for Hilson Moran UAE. “There is huge potential for growth in Qatar, and it is an exciting time for new or foreign companies wishing to enter and compete in its construction market. I see scope for PPPs to be formed in the country.” Irrespective of how it is driven, the scale of the delivery remains a challenge for the smallest country – in both, size and population – to have ever hosted a FIFA World Cup tournament. Maybank draws from his experience with London 2012 to illustrate the enormity of the task Qatar has undertaken. “A challenge for Qatar will be to create, establish and maintain an infrastructural network that has the capacity to facilitate the event smoothly. London, on the other hand, already had established systems for transport, buildings, communication integration and
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News Analysis
Friendly neighbours
so on, some of which even dated back to before the Victorian era. “Qatar has to build its infrastructure, between roads, stadiums, airports and city centres for the first time; London only had to update its networks and ensure they functioned as per the requirement. Building this infrastructure in the run up to the World Cup 2022 presents an opportunity to get the infrastructure and operational systems right first time.” Brazil’s preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2014 serve as a harsh reminder of the stringent discipline Qatar will have to employ. In November 2013, a collapsed crane claimed the lives of two workers on the construction site of the Itaquerão Stadium, which is due to host the opening ceremony in Sao Paulo this July. Unfortunately, this was only one of many setbacks faced by constructors of the stadium, who had by then, already dealt with time delays and increased costs since they began operations on-site in 2011. While funding may not be such as issue for Qatar, time certainly is – the testing of stadiums, roads, rail networks and all other major infrastructural developments can commence only after construction has been completed. Maybank advocates the need for Qatar to set aside an ample duration to be able to review and, if needed, repair its ongoing and future infrastructure projects on completion. “A tenet for us while preparing for London 2012 was to
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complete all work a year in advance to have sufficient testing time for the facilities. “The same is found to be the case in Qatar. To establish its infrastructure for the first time will be a challenge for the country’s authorities, but it is pleasing to see the effort taken by organisations such as Qatar Rail which is working to ensure it can test its services well before the event commences.” Achan says the key for consultants is to have an understanding of the Qatari culture and the way of operation. He continues: “Smooth operations require that the client has excellent relations in the contractors and consultants it works with. “Construction processes in Qatar may sometimes take longer when compared with, say, the UAE, but that is largely due to the fact that the Emirati market is more evolved than most its GCC counterparts are. In terms of legislation, the UAE market is probably 10 years ahead. Having said that, Qatar is definitely making the required amendments to ensure its Vision 2030 is optimally achieved, and the country is keen on keeping pace with the developments taking place in the rest of the Middle East region.” Despite the many challenges, Maybank remains positive that Qatar is more than up to the task of delivering what is needed. “To host the World Cup here will be an achievement to be proud of for Qatar. As an innovative country that has the intelligent manpower required to supplement such an event, I am confident Qatar will be a great host.”
While the oil- and gas-rich Qatar is capable of delivering the requirements internally, the country will also be relying on developments in neighbouring states to allow for the smooth inflows of labour, material and other resources. In the lead up to 2022, Dubai will have hosted the World Expo in 2020, and Etihad Rail – a network unifying all six GCC nations – is due to be operational in 2018. “It is a remarkable facet of the GCC that events here build upon both the local culture of their hosts and incorporate the strengths of the region,” says Maybank. “This is a good sign for the World Cup 2022, as it ensures services such as transport, infrastructure and material handling are collaborated for better results. The question of pan-GCC cooperation assumes more importance given Qatar’s need to fix the shortages that currently puncture its supply market. Qatar’s cement industry, for instance, will have to ramp up its capacities to meet the future estimated demand in the country. A report titled ‘GCC Cement Sector Quarterly – 3Q2013’ by Global Investment House, says estimates of cement demand for 2013 provided by government authorities (3.5-4 million tonnes per annum) are considerably lower than the market-estimated demand of 5.5 million tonnes per annum during 2013–2015. Understandably, this figure is expected to further increase as large-scale projects in preparation for the World Cup 2022 move along, highlighting the need for appropriate procurement channels to facilitate the inflow and movement of construction materials across the country, presently served predominantly by its road network. “The Qatari authorities will have to contend with issues such as how to move around material like cement and aggregates across the country through its road network, and to ensure a skilled workforce is created in the right numbers,” says Maybank. He continues: “It needs an appropriate prioritisation of works to meet the needs of the event and the economy. This requires the establishment of a solid management system which allows authorities to collaborate and optimise their decision-making powers at the right level and time in a way that does not hinder event preparation.”
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LATER... A DIFFICULT TASK LIES AHEAD
Heavy Hitters
Courage under Fire IC Global’s Sadik Zain explains why an insurgency currently underway in the north will not deter the equipment provider’s ambitious plans for Iraq
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“I can’t tell you It
A
lot has changed in Iraq since cMMe first spoke to Zain sadik, director of development for the national group’s equipment arm and the man who signed off a huge order for 100 liugong machines in april. then sadik found himself the centre of attention at an event held to mark the opening of the gcIc training centre in Jebel ali. now we speak with the world watching in dismay as the north of the country is thrown back into a conflict with a group of fighters calling themselves the Islamic state of Iraq and syria (IsIs). global news channels are reporting that they are spreading south towards the heart of Iraq and baghdad the evening he returns a phone call. “I can’t tell you it isn’t affecting us, because it is,” he says over a surprisingly clear phone line. “for example, we were in the process of recruiting a group of foreign sales people and engineers – in light of current events we’ve had to let them go back to dubai and china. It looks like the situation is hopefully under control. our plans have slowdown and we’re watching events but other than that everything is looking good.” a pause on his side is deliberate before he drops a classic one-liner. “It’s a bad time, but I was thinking you should come in - see different companies, see how the market is... but I guess that might have to wait a few months!” Ic global or to give it its full title i Cube Global Corp describes itself as an international supplier to governments in countries as diverse as russia, ukraine, south africa, Jordan, sudan and of course Iraq. It is part of the national group conglomerate based in baghdad and a 35% shareholder in the national Islamic bank. the emergence of the country after the second gulf war has allowed the parent group to add to a long list of other interests include contracting (its $800 million of on-going contracts makes it the largest construction company in Iraq), transportation, real estate,
Isn’t affectIng us, because It Is. our plans have slowdown and we’re watchIng events but other than that everythIng Is lookIng good.”
among many others. the backing of the national group gives Ic global considerable financial clout in the Iraqi market and a ready-made customer for its equipment. during his first meeting with cMMe in april, sadik says his company, which includes Zoomlion for cranes and concrete, liebherr and Iveco trucks among its ranks, has been on a spending spree that will see it emerge as a dominant player across the country. first there’s an apology from cMMe as to why the business card passed to him has seen better and less crumpled days. “It’s no problem, it’s not about form, it’s about function right? form is always good but it is not essential!” pragmatism is clearly a major pluspoint in Iraq. he continues: “we have a few other businesses, such as equipment testing, but right now this is our major focus and we’re investing heavily. the team put about 500 hours into our business plan and we know there is a lot of business out there. there’s a dealer in the south that is probably
AN INDUSTRY RETREATS FROM THE NORTH Thousands of workers employed by construction companies in Iraq were left stranded or missing following the wave of attacks conducted by the ISIL group.
to cross fighting between government troops and Islamist militants who had grabbed territory around Samarra in their drive towards the south of the country.
According to the South China Morning Post, more than 1200 Chinese workers were evacuated to Baghdad after the power plant they were helping construct on was abandoned.
A report by the Nikkei Asian Review newspaper said that Japanese companies executing large-scale construction projects in Iraq are reassessing their business plans in the wake of escalating violence and increased instability in the country.
Bus convoys sent to extract the workers had
Meanwhile the Indian media reported that 39 Indian workers were kidnapped in Mosul by an as yet unknown group of captors. The Indian government said that workers were “unharmed” and it was “fully engaged” and “every possible effort” was being made to ensure their release. As efforts were on to rescue all the Indians from the troubled areas in Iraq, Amnesty International India claimed that fresh
evidence has emerged about hundreds of Indians stranded in Najaf province of crisis-hit Iraq, as CMME went to press. The human rights watchdog claimed it had spoken over the phone with some Indian workers working for an infrastructure and construction company who said they were in danger as their employers had “refused to return their passports”, thus rendering them unable to leave the Gulf country.
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Heavy Hitters
selling 500 wheel loaders per year – and he’s not even covering 10% of the market. he’s just covering the private sector and small businesses.” he describes ic global’s major customers in the market as governmental and large contractors “We’ve not only bought a 100 machines from liugong, but another 100 from iveco and we’re finalising some orders with liebherr too. i wouldn’t say there is a little bit of demand out there but a lot. This is just the beginning of what we’re doing. We want to be a full turnkey before and after construction equipment contractor solution provider. We took a $1.5 million order the other day and that was a small order – so an order of 100 is a start but compared to our projections it is nowhere near where we can be.” The heavy equipment industry has been maintaining a watchful eye on iraq for a number of years with many predicting it could become the most important market in the region for the next decade – if it remains stable. The general election at the end of spring was meant to be a major watershed in this direction with many hoping it would clear the path for a ramping up in government spending for much needed housing and infrastructure investment. by 2017, 6 million barrels per day are expected to be produced by its oil fields and it would be logical to assume that much of the revenue could be poured into projects. unfortunately little of what is happening is logical in iraq for the time being. sadik sees an opportunity. competitors in the market have grown reluctant at holding large inventories of stock, creating an
Sadik says his company, which includes Zoomlion for cranes and concrete, Liebherr and Iveco trucks among its ranks, is primed to become a dominant player.
“The siTes are noT close To The acTion
buT iT is beTTer To be safe – 90% of our business in The souTh and baghdad.”
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opportunity for a company willing and financially able to step into the gaps of demand that litter iraqi construction. at its most fundamental ic global wants to be able to provide stability to contractors, he says. sadik notes his customers are often dealing with a series of rapidly evolving situations as they attempt to get their work finished. flexibility for contractors who are often chasing payments is understandably essential – 24 months financing is available, he iterates. “one of the problems in iraq is planning,” explains sadik. “The iraqi market only started in 2003 – literally. other countries have been developing experience over a long time, they plan months in advance, but in iraq the situation is very different. right now we are taking on risk, but the situation is similar to when there is a recession. no one is spending right now – in fact they are liquidising their assets – but we anticipate that they will want to purchase immediately (when the government releases its $140 billion budget). When reminded of these words two months later, sadik remains confident. The region’s affected by the isis onslaught represents an important if not major number of machines. “We’ve taken a lot back into warehouses in baghdad. The sites are not close to the action but it is better to be safe – 90% of our business is in the south and baghdad,” he says. “There won’t be sudden advances.” before hanging up he raises a point that rams home both the good and bad of the market. “You know the volatility gives us an edge. if this was like dubai or Qatar - and one day i hope it will be – you would have a lot more competition. There are some competitors from dubai that were going to come into this market, and i’m sure they will think twice now. it gives us an edge to get even more market share. The budget is big, the gdP is huge, the only problem is that some people can’t stand each other!”
At the 2014 Construction Machinery Show we sold 70 units and 100 more units are under discussion. We have delivered a positive message to our existing clients, our competitors, and grabbed new clients. I think gaining such an appreciation from all members in the construction equipment sector is a great honour and will encourage us to work very hard to keep the same level of style, image, and standards.”
This year the CM Show team delivered an exhibition Saudi deserves. For years, we have seen a vision in this Show and this year the vision was achieved. We wanted quality traffic and we saw equipment and company owners; and we were able to offer some promotions to entice sales. I saw an increase in our sales immediately. Our principles, Doosan and Everdigm, really enjoyed themselves. We anticipate the upcoming years to be even better.”
The Construction Machinery Show was perfect from an awareness point of view. We explained Roots Group Arabia’s capability of covering the construction industry with all of its needs and requirements. The attendance was good especially during weekdays and towards the end of the exhibition. See you next year.”
Al-Qahtani & Sons Khaled El Shatoury, Managing Director
Saudi Diesel Equipment Ahmed Alkooheji, Marketing Manager
Roots Group Arabia Abdulaziz Felemban, Brand Manager
Co-located with
Raz Islam Publishing Director raz.islam@cpimediagroup.com Mobile: +971 50 451 8213
Michael Stansfield Commercial Director michael.stansfield@cpimediagroup.com Mobile: +971 55 150 3849
Special Report
After SCHOOL LeArning LiuGong VP and board director of GCIC, Yu Yajun tells CMME why now was the time to open a new training centre at its sales and aftermarket hub in Dubai
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W
hen LiuGong opened its parts and distribution centre in Jebel Ali three years ago, it promised that it would be able to provide support to customers in the region far beyond that typically expected by the peers of the Chinese manufacturer. Three years later, it remains the standard by which its rivals are measured when people ask whether Chinese companies are willing to deliver more than a good price to customers. May saw the facility reach another aftermarket landmark with the unveiling of the LiuGong Middle East Cummins Training Center, a school for those servicing and using engines from GCIC, the joint-venture between LiuGong and US engine powerhouse Cummins. “According to the agreement, LiuGong dealers can provide after-sales service of Cummins engines to end-users through the LiuGong channel directly. With the foundation of the LiuGong Middle East Cummins Training Center, we have reached another milestone,” explains LiuGong VP and
board director of GCIC Yu Yajun. “LiuGong always commits to partnering with world class component manufacturers like Cummins but the joint-venture has allowed the relationship to grow strong.” Yajun says the centre’s ability to train LiuGong dealers and their technicians, engineers and service managers not only ensures professional and effective after-sales service, it is also a core element in the LiuGong strategy to strengthen its position and development in the Middle East and North Africa region. “Customer support is very importance us,” he emphasises via his translator. “The major purpose of the centre is to enhance our dealers and LiuGong Middle East’s staff. The second step will see us expand the service for customers. Right now the capacity of the facility is not enough to service everybody.” He adds that the company is also considering expanding the training capabilities beyond the engines and other partners to ZF and its transmissions, for instance. “(For now) this is really about Cummings and the really good relationship with LiuGong. They authorised us to do the customer service through LiuGong dealers. But in accordance with LiuGong’s expansion in the region and our relationship with ZF we do plan to open a similar centre.” When pressed on LiuGong’s strategy for growth, he turns to what he considers the major reasons for the company’s progress to date. “LiuGong is much more familiar with local demand,” he says. “We have closely approached the market and our reliability has impressed the customer. More importantly, we really depend on our dealers and our cooperation has helped support the local customer. Finally by building the warehouse and the training centre we can provide support and build a capability here.” The agreement between LiuGong and Cummins formalised a long-standing and fruitful partnership between the two companies at the turn of the decade. When the joint-venture broke ground on Guangxi Cummins Industrial Power Co’s (GCIC) 200,000sqm
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Special Report
and 50,000 units per year engine plant in 2011, it would have been almost impossible to imagine the sudden pause in the Chinese market that has seen previously strong companies struggle. The dip has forced many to concentrate on the global market and it was perhaps unsurprising that GCIC used Bauma in 2013 to debut its first engine, the L9.3, an engine especially designed for LiuGong’s wheel loaders. While he explains that the engines are already in the Middle East market, he adds that another product, the QSB7 is also forthcoming for LiuGong’s hydraulic excavators. “We have a very strong base to develop our products; we have been selling globally for many years and are a strong competitor to all the global brands,” he says. “We all now know what our product level is, and because of (our experience in export markets) we can confidently say that our product quality is very similar to world class manufacturers. Dealers say so and we think so.” Midway during his answer, he pauses a moment can calls back the attention of his interpreter. The translation may surprise many. “As we can compete with other brands and have similar quality, we can have a similar price.” For LiuGong the Middle East and Africa rank alongside Latin America and Russia as the major markets for exports. All of which he believes still hold huge potential for the company. “These three markets are important to us,” he explains. LiuGong has machines up its sleeve that could
“WE ALL noW knoW WhAT ouR pRoDuCT LEvEL
IS, AnD BECAuSE oF ouR ExpERIEnCE WE CAn ConFIDEnTLy SAy ThAT ouR pRoDuCT QuALITy IS vERy SIMILAR To WoRLD CLASS MAnuFACTuRERS. DEALERS SAy So AnD WE ThInk So.”
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become popular choices in those markets as well as at home. The wheel loader range will move onto the h-series and the excavator range will also be revamped with the upcoming E-series. Tier-2 versions will be available. “That depends of local demand.” he explains that the company understands that to do that it must now raise the profile of its brand in markets such as the Middle East and Africa. “That’s why our new motto is a tough world, tough equipment,” he laughs as it is repeated in English. The attention of the business media in the week we meet was focused on the potential flotation of the Chinese Ebay, Alibaba, on the new york Stock Exchange. The importance of the move is not lost on yujan. “It’s big news. As we understand the Ipo will be $100 billion.” The subject of the company that is more successful than Amazon in terms of sales clearly has him enthused as he intercepts the interpreter to add more insight. “on the 11 november last year, sales turnover was 30 billion RMB ($5 billion) in one day,” he recalls. Surely that’s almost as much as LiuGong? he laughs out loud when that question is translated to him; and clearly while the domestic market remains flat, it is an exciting time for Chinese companies prepared to make their mark outside of the once booming market. “The Chinese market has been ‘adjusted’ by government spending to enhance the economy,” he muses. “however it is still the supermarket of the world. 30% of Chinese products are now used in exports but 70% is still for the domestic market.” Domestic shows held in China like BICES unveil a layer of smaller Chinese manufacturer that is often unseen in other regions. At the these events, LiuGong is one of the dominant exhibitors alongside other major names and rivals such as Sany, xCMG and Shantui at these event but yujan suggests it is possible that smaller manufacturers could be squeezed out. “It is possible, given time,” he notes.
The closer you look, the better we get.
HEAD OFFICE P.O. Box: 2841, Al Khobar - 31952, Saudi Arabia. Tel: +966 13 8576769, Fax: +966 13 857 4681 Email: marketing@saudidiesel.co.sa
BRANCHES Riyadh Tel: +966 1 231 1931 / Fax: +966 1 231 1031 Jeddah Tel: +966 12 659 8500 / Fax: +966 12 659 8600 Madina Tel: +966 14 869 7313 / Fax: +966 14 869 7310
www.saudidiesel.com.sa
Site Visit
ViVa la FestiVal!
With groundwork construction of Doha Festival City have recently started, Gavin Davids visited the site to get an idea of what’s in store for one of Qatar’s most ambitious retail projects
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“To our knoWleDGe, This is The firsT TiMe
ThAT Any MAll – ThrouGhouT The MiDDle eAsT – hAs coMbineD, To such A lArGe exTenT, boTh inTernAl AnD exTernAl enTerTAinMenT”
A
s a city, Doha isn’t the most glamorous of places, especially to a first-time visitor. Traffic can often appear chaotic and city planning can described as ‘haphazard’. While this may seem uncharitable, and to be fair, downtown Doha does boast some stunning architecture and boulevards, the majority of the city’s problems have come from the surge in growth that Qatar has experienced since the turn of the century. As a result developers have begun expanding outwards, building their projects in Doha’s suburbs, a strategy that has allowed them to not only build bigger, but also build smarter. Given the freedom to grow, there have been a spate of ambitious retail projects, with the Villaggio Mall one of the most
prominent examples of the trend. now, however, a mall is being built that will eclipse all others in Qatar. indeed, the Doha festival city project will eclipse most malls in the Middle east, as kareem M shamma, ceo of bawabat Al shamal real estate company (bAsrec), says during a visit to the project’s site offices outside the city. “We’re at 250,000sqm of Gross leasable Area and that’s by far the largest in Qatar. i think the only other larger mall is Dubai Mall at the moment. i say at the moment because you never know who is planning what in the Gcc,” shamma says, with a slight laugh. laugh he might, but the fact remains that Doha is a city that harbours ambitions to rival Dubai as the tourist capital of the Gcc. To achieve that, it has to
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Site Visit
offer tourists a chance to see something that they won’t get in the UAE city. This is why the Doha Festival City is so important. If being the flagship development for BASREC wasn’t pressure enough, the project will be the standard by which all malls in Qatar will be judged, and proof positive that Doha can cut it as a viable tourist destination. “I think the sheer size of it is going to be a category killer,” Shamma asserts. “It’s going to dwarf all the other malls. That’s the first thing, its size. Secondly, I always call this the first international mall in Doha, because of the experience and partnership that comes from the UAE, in the form of Al Futtaim. They’ve done Dubai Festival City and Cairo Festival City (amongst others), so in that sense, they’ve opened international malls and I think it’ll be the first of its kind in Doha. The others have been locally conceived and built and operated type malls. We’ve raised the bar with the international standards now.” This embrace of international standards is something that Shamma believes will service the mall well in the future, with careful consideration given to all areas of the customer experience, right from the approach to the mall, to the flow of shoppers around the mall, to the entertainment packages on offer. “How we’re differentiating ourselves is with the offering itself. We’re anchoring the mall at the north end, obviously, with IKEA, which has proved to be very popular. That would then be an integral part of the north end of the mall. There’ll be direct access from within the mall to IKEA and the hypermarket,” he explains. “Internally, there are things like a snow play box.” Stretching out across 433,000sqm, the Doha Festival City project will have space for more than 550 international brands, with many making their debut in Qatar. In addition, there are approximately 8,500 car parking spaces being incorporated into the construction, with two multi-storey parking lots being built, along with underground parking under the whole mall and over-ground parking near IKEA. Construction completion is expected by the third or fourth quarter of 2016, BASREC have consistently said, despite the lengthy delays that have hit the project.
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Although construction on the project was supposed to commence last year, decisions made by Ashghal, Qatar’s public works authority, meant that work was delayed by a considerable amount of time. However, rather than looking at the delays as a negative, Kareem Shamma and his team of consultants, contractors and engineers decided to take advantage of the delay and improve the design of the mall. “The government said that it was upgrading Shamal Road, including the big clover-leaf interchange (near the development plot). So they said that we had to include that in our traffic impact study,” Shamma recollects. I said, ‘okay, that’s going to delay us a little bit, but if we have to, we have to.’ But the design (of the interchange project) wasn’t ready, so we waited and eventually got details. Then they said that the security forces camp project, also near here, needed new access roads, so we had to include that in our studies. It eventually cost us a year’s delay,” he explains. “The double edged sword is that the upgrade of the clover-leaf interchange offers us the opportunity to include ramps into and out of the project and hook up to the road systems. So actually, it’s made life easier, in terms of getting cars in and out quickly and easily onto the highway, without messing about with smaller access roads and so on. That’s actually a good thing, despite being viewed as a hindrance.” Two of the companies currently involved in the project
Doha Festival City appointed Gulf Contracting Company and Alec Qatar joint venture as the contractor for construction of the development’s mall worth $1.6bn (QAR6bn). “It is an honour to be awarded as the contractor to lead the construction of a shopping mall that is set to be one of the largest and most prominent in the Middle East,” says Darrell Bergesen, board member of GCC/
ALEC Qatar JV. “We are currently focused on achieving a quick and effective mobilisation for the foundation works up to and including ground floor slabs, which will pave the way for the main contract works, to ensure timely delivery of the shopping mall,” he adds. Scheduled for opening in Q3 2016, the contract was awarded after a Traffic Impact Study was conducted and the project’s master plan was approved.
Site Visit
are ALEC Qatar and Gulf Contracting Company, who are currently involved in the foundation construction for the mall. Work was just about to begin when Shamma spoke, with final preparations underway. At the time of print, construction is well underway. “They’re mobilising at the moment, they’re currently doing some basic dewatering, which was subject to getting the requisite permits and they’re now gearing up with site offices and site equipment. You should see, within one or two weeks, actual construction on the site,” he says at the time. “Typically, with this sort of construction, it takes a while to get out of the ground. Fortunately, we anticipated this and have already completed our bulk excavation. We awarded a separate contract before this one (the substructure construction contract) under a separate, temporary permit, and we completed the bulk excavation of the site. Most of the site is down to its basic levels,” Shamma explains. “Now the substructure contractor will do detailed excavation, specifically the area of his foundation. It’s in rock, so that could take a bit of time. We’ve also got some groundwater, which is another challenge, but that’s typical of any groundwork construction. Once we get out of the ground, I don’t anticipate that there’ll be anything too challenging, because in the end, even though it’s a beautifully designed structure, it’s still a two storey building with a basement. It’s very functional and we’re not pioneers or on the cutting edge of shopping malls, we’re doing something that works best for the retailer and the customer,” he points out. With the substructure package well underway,
thoughts are turning towards the next stage of the project, bringing forward elements of the work to finish things on schedule. “We’re negotiating a fast-track procurement approach to appoint the superstructure and contractor for the mall, to basically finish the job as soon as possible,” he explains. “Once we get the second part of the development consent, it’s about taking the initiative from bASrEC and looking to secure a contract to deliver the mall.” “The target for the development just now is to achieve a trading date within the third quarter of 2016. We’re trying to secure a contract in a more buoyant market, so the quicker we can do that, the better we can get a jumpstart on the other major infrastructure works that will be happening. We’ll still find it a little bit tough, but the benefits are that there isn’t anything of this scale and prestige in the retail sector, so I’m sure the supply chain will be very keen to do business,” Connor adds. This future planning becomes even more interesting when the sheer logistical challenge of the project is considered. With Shamma revealing that 10,000 workers are expected to be on-site at the peak of construction, getting a grip on logistical issues is crucial to the project’s success. “We work with our contractors to iron out these logistical issues,” Shamma says. “It’ll be a challenge to bring in a number of people into and out of the site, where they’ll be accommodated and all, but our guys are very good on health and safety and environment. We often go to contractor camps and check on conditions there, even the remote camps. The well-being of the people onsite is essential and you get good results out of it at the end, with (increased) productivity and efficiency. Gone are the days of poor conditions on site, dangerous conditions and so forth. The more the construction community in Qatar can work on that and move towards more awareness of hSE, the better.”
“ONCE WE GET OuT OF ThE GrOuNd, I dON’T
ANTICIpATE ThAT ThErE’LL bE ANYThING TOO ChALLENGING, bECAuSE IN ThE ENd IT’S STILL A TWO STOrEY buILdING WITh A bASEMENT” July 2014
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Launch Overview
On everybOdy’s wishlist
Bobcat has launched its new successor to the S130 skid steer loader, arguably the top selling machine in the Middle East. CMME International Editor Stian Overdahl visited the Bobcat dealer conference in Prague, for a first look at the new SSL – the S450 32
COnstrUCtiOn
Middle eAst
July 2014
A
lot of machinery manufacturers will tell you till they’re blue in the face how important the Middle East market from their global sales, but when Bobcat says it, you know they mean it. That’s because the markets here are responsible for a solid chunk of their total sales: in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region (EMEA) the Middle East makes up around 30% of the total sales, a high percentage compared to many other brands. Notable too is that the S130, the smallest skid steer loader in the SSL range, makes up around 70% of the sales here, making it likely that the S130 is the most commonly purchased piece of compact equipment in the Middle East region. No doubt there’s a combination of factors at play here, including strong dealer representation, a capable team led by Middle East and Africa regional director Gaby Rhayem, and of course the quality of product. And there’s something about the Bobcat that lends itself to the Middle East construction site: durable, versatile, and incredibly useful – it’s the machine that can speed up almost any process on a site, whether by being used to carry out a job process, as a support machine, or simply moving around material on-site. It’s simple, do-it-all nature seems to be a good fit with the demands of construction sites in the Gulf. Bobcat has launched new versions of its full
Key facts:
1000
hours: service interval on filters
range of skid steer and tracked loaders, and the S130 is one of the last machines to be relaunched. This May, a contingent of dealers from the Middle East headed to a dealer conference in Prague, Czech Republic, near the Dobríš production facilties, for a first look at the new machine. It’s a crucial launch for the brand and for dealers, given the unit’s significance to the Middle East markets. But more than that, machine buyers tend to be change-averse, meaning that if a popular machine is launched as a new incarnation, it’s up to the manufacturer to convince buyers that all change has been for the better. And what do we see in the new S450? From the operator’s point of view, there’s been some major improvements in the cabin environment, including increased visibility into the loading area. The internal area of the cab has been increased by 10% compared to the S130 model, and the operator is positioned 5cm forward meaning he can see more of the bucket. The door is almost double the size, adding
“ThE Show wAS SToLEN By ThE vARIETy oF
ATTAChMENTS DEMoNSTRATED oN ThE LoADER RANGE, wITh ThE ATTAChMENTS Now NuMBERING 48 SEPARATE ‘FAMILIES’ AND STILL GRowING.”
30
%
improved visibility from cabin
48
number of attachment families for Bobcat July 2014
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Launch Overview
up to what Bobcat claims is an all-round visibility increase of 30%. Cabin access is also aided by the threshold of the cab door having been lowered, and there is much-improved rear visibility.
MOre gOOd news fOr OperatOrs A further piece of good news for operators is a new cab pressurisation system, with a one-piece seal that goes all the way around the door, increasing pressurisation to minimise the dirt and dust that might enter the cab. Air conditioning is also available as a further option – the first time it’s been done on the smallest loader in Bobcat’s range. “We are the only manufacturer that is able to offer air conditioning on a machine of this size – none of our competitors can do this,” noted Rhayem with satisfaction during a machine walk-around. It’s a sign of the power available from the S450’s hydraulic system. He continued: “How the markets in the Middle East will respond to air conditioning as an option remains to be seen – the price of being an innovator is that you have to convince customers to adopt a technology that today is new, but that one day may be the industry standard.” And while legislated emission targets in Europe will require new engines for those markets, in the Middle East the S450 will continue to be powered by the familiar Kubota engine, generating 36.4 kW (48.8 HP) of power at 2,800 rpm. With buyers spending extra money on purchasing a new machine, while they will get a better performing piece of equipment, they’re likely to want to make some of this money back through lower service costs. Bobcat has obliged them on this front by
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rationalising the hydraulic system, decreasing the number of hydraulic connections, and designing the system to allow the use of straight fittings instead of adjustable fittings (45° or 90°). These changes improve overall efficiency and also eliminate routing variation as well as reducing potential rubbing and leak points. A number of features from the larger models in the range have been integrated into the S450, and the oil cooler and radiator are now a combination unit that provides a cleaner cooling environment less likely to trap debris and to aid routine cleaning. There’s also more intensive fluid filtering to maintain the health of the hydraulic system,
with the hydraulic drive loop case drain oil now filtered at a 10 micron level before reaching any critical components in the system, which provides a higher level of protection than the 90 micron filtration of the older series loaders. Further reducing service costs, filter replacement intervals have doubled to 1,000 hours, and the main hydraulic filter is now a long life (cartridge type) filter. The tail of the loader has been redesigned, and refuelling of the loader in a transport position is now easier with the tailgate door opening to the left. Access for servicing is also improved, and the hydraulic sight gauge is now mounted under the rear screen, visible during routine checks. Another change likely to pay off in the Middle East is the positioning of the fuses for individual circuits in a box near the battery, while battery access is increased and battery protection from debris and heat is improved with the use of a dedicated cover. At the dealer conference, Bobcat also unveiled its new advertising campaign for its compact equipment, looking to impress upon users the superhero-like aspects of the machines. As the brand celebrates having sold 1 million loaders, a huge milestone by the construction machinery industry’s standards, it seems that the company is confident about business going forward, and the strength of the model relaunch should inspire confidence from its customers.
A string to your bow As a part of CMME’s introduction to the S450, a demonstration took place at the Bobcat factory at Dobríš of the brand’s full line, including tracked loaders, mini-excavators, telescopic handlers and
even utility vehicles. But the show was stolen by the variety of attachments demonstrated on the loader range, with the attachments now numbering 48 separate ‘families’ (and still growing). As has been examined in depth previously, the uptake of attachments in the Middle East lags behind Europe, surely to our detriment. The team of attachment product managers who recently visited Qatar, paying a visit to a contractor who had a large landscaping busines, were stunned to learn that the contractor had no idea of the tree transplanter attachment, which can dig out a tree and its roots in a few seconds for transplanting, rather than the time consuming process of digging by hand. The demand for attachment naturally fits to the job requirements, so the main requirements in the Middle East may be mainly for construction and utilities attachments, rather than agriculture (a common use in Europe). The possible application of wheel saws for fast digging of utility trenches, breaker attachments, concrete mixers as well as road construction attachments were all demonstrated. But particularly impressive was the use of a grader attachment, demonstrated on the larger T870 tracked loader. The grader is controlled automatically, with the option of using a laser leveller, total station or GPS, and can be used for grading and finishing in smaller areas where the use of a full-sized machine may be difficult, or the cost prohibitive. With the full catalogue for attachments a hefty book, it’s clear that plant managers need to be creative and proactive when it comes to considering how attachments can save them time and money on the job site, and as well, the importance of support and educational efforts in the Middle East from the manufacturer.
Ramping up in Qatar Earlier this year Bobcat announced the appointment of a new exclusive distributor in Qatar, with the wellknown Jaidah Heavy Equipment division, part of Jaidah Group, now responsibe for the brand in the growing construction market. With the new distributor, Bobcat has been busy, with a large contingent of product managers visiting Qatar to provide support and training for Jaidah’s sales and service
outfit. It’s perhaps no surprise that there is a solid effort to back Jaidah’s position, since the Qatari market is seeing steady growth as construction activity ramps up. And Bobcat’s Middle East and Africa regional director Gaby Rhayem says that the brand has been rewarded for its efforts, winning an important sales contract with a major contractor and seeing an immediate lift in market share in the island state.
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Oman’s 4th International Exhibition for Infrastructure and Industrial Projects 20 - 22 October 2014
Oman International Exhibition Centre Sultanate of Oman
Power packed Networking Opportunity with Government Offcials and Key Decision Makers
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Raw power EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW. page 49
SANY SECOND?
Who reigns over the Chinese company?
page 43
page 48
LIUGONG LEADS?
Where does the wheel loader specialist rank in China?
page 56 STREETS AHEAD
How to go high but not wide when you’re lifting on a busy city street.
TIME TO PLAN AHEAD
Construction Machinery ME’s guide to ensuring that you get your maintenance schedules right.
page 52 BIG HOLD UP
How can we get safer with MAPs in the region?
page 38 CAT ON ROLLERS
Cat’s new wheeled excavator proves that it doesn’t need to keep everything on track.
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Raw Power
CaT rolls-ouT new wheel exCavaTors Why get them? Greater visibility More of the saMe
T
SpecificationS m315D2 • engine cat c4.4 • net power, hp (kW) iSo 14396: 139 (102) • operating weight: 33,300kg • max. dig depth: 750mm • max. bucket capacity: 0.76m3 • max. speed: 37km/h
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he German-designed Cat M300D Series Wheel Excavator models are recognised for their reliable performance, long-term durability, versatility, fuel efficiency, and low operating costs. The new M315D2 and M317D2, with operating weights of 15 and 17mt (with a heavy counterweight), build on these strengths with design refinements that include added operator comfort, improved visibility, production-enhancing features (such as the SmartBoom), and time-saving serviceability features. New for the M315D2 and M317D2 is an operator’s station that adds increased comfort and visibility, while maintaining the same sound levels, ample size, and ergonomic layout of controls. Two available seats, all fully adjustable and with lumbar support and weight compensation, add to operator comfort, as does the automatic climate control and filtered-air ventilation. A large easy-to-read colour LCD monitor keeps the operator informed of machine condition (in the local language), and the monitor’s easy-to-navigate menus include an optional tool-select feature that allows pre-setting parameters for up to ten hydraulic attachments, speeding tool changes. Joystick steering, available for the M315D2, allows the operator to keep both hands on the control levers when simultaneously engaging implements and positioning the machine. The new models provide enhanced visibility with a standard rearview camera (displayed on the
monitor), a new windshield, and a larger skylight that allows convenient upward visibility in such applications as truck loading. Adding to overall visibility are halogen working lights, a rain protector, and wipers that cover the entire windshield, the upper section of which can be easily released and stored overhead. Handrails and anti-skid steps ensure safe, convenient cab ingress/egress. The fundamental versatility of Cat Wheeled Excavators—whether the machines are employed in road-construction, sewer-and-water, or buildingconstruction applications—contributes significantly to customer success. Versatility comes from a choice of two boom and four stick options. The one-piece boom allows for substantial reach and digging depth and is well-suited for many excavating and truck-loading applications. The variable adjustable (VA) Boom is designed for use when the machine frequently works in tight quarters or lifts heavy loads; added benefits of the VA Boom include improved right-side visibility and enhanced machine balance during travel. The SmartBoom option for the new models reduces stress on linkage components in applications such as rock scrapping, hammer work, and truck loading. The M315D2 and M317D2, with top speeds of 37 and 34 kph (21 and 23 mph), respectively, reduce the time and cost associated with moving from site to site, as well as with moving material within the site. Available Ride Control (M315D2) uses accumulators to dampen machine bouncing during travel.
A ChiCAgo breAker in the himAlAyAs Why get it? Reliable Quiet opeRation A rig-mounted hydraulic breaker from international construction equipment manufacturer Chicago Pneumatic is playing a vital role in an ambitious trenching project to lay telecoms cables in India’s Himachal Pradesh state, which is based in the country’s mountainous Himalayan region. Since
sCheuerle ConneCts With stb side girder Why get it? Flexible VeRsatile Flexible and hydraulically extendable, the latest version of the well-known Scheuerle STB side girder deck series has been designed with a modern operating concept along with maximum variability. Constructed with a very compact load application in compliance with the customer´s request, the versatile giant is a striking example of the innovation that is integrated in all new products at Scheurle. In particular, the ratio of payload to tare weight as well as the versatile combination possibilities of the STB 550 stand out.
choosing a reliable and efficient light RX8 breaker from Chicago Pneumatic government A-class state contractor M/S Ravi Kumar S/O Deshraj has increased productivity by approximately 20-25% and is on course to complete the project within the specified timeframe. At the start of this year Ravi Kumar S/O Deshraj, based in the Hamlet town of Bilaspur, was commissioned by one of India’s leading telecommunications providers to begin a trenching project to lay telecom cable wires across the whole of Himachal Pradesh state. Due to the substantial number of inhabitants in the area explosive blasting was ruled out, and the potential for traffic disruption resulting from the narrowness of the roads meant that it wasn’t possible to deploy a large 20t excavator. As a result, the contractor had to use a smaller 8t excavator, with an appropriately-sized powerful hydraulic breaker, in order to remove the rocks that would be frequently encountered when making the trenches to lay the cable wires at the sides of roads. Ensuring the project finished on time was a key factor in the decision by Ravi Kumar S/O Deshraj to choose a small hydraulic breaker from Chicago Pneumatic, which owner Ravi Kumar highlighted: “Previously I had experienced issues relating to breakdowns and low productivity with the hydraulic breakers at my disposal. Therefore my aspiration to find a powerful small breaker with higher reliability
and productivity became more intense when we were allotted this time sensitive project. My search ended when Chicago Pneumatic provided me with a visual demonstration of their small hydraulic breaker range. I was particularly impressed with the RX8 breaker and immediately placed an order so that I could deploy one as part of this project. After seeing the performance of the RX8 I am very confident that we will finish the job within the stipulated time frame and as a result improve our profitability owing to less breakdowns and increased productivity.” With a service weight of 370kg and an impact rate between 530 and 1000 bpm (blows per minute), the RX8 is a robust and durable light hydraulic breaker. The recoil absorbing concept and polyurethane insulated breaker box system is one of the quietest breakers on the market. Other innovative features include hybrid technology for higher impact energy, an internal control valve for higher efficiency and a power booster for higher performance. Finally, a central lubrication port makes it easy to maintain.
“The sophisticated design of the STB 550 allows a wide range of operating options. With this side girder deck, we have once again set new standards in the industry,” according to Bernd Schwengsbier, managing director of TII Sales, the sales arm of the TII Group to which the Scheurle, Nicolas and Kamag belong. “The ratio of payload to tare weight has been optimised and, as a result, the STB 550 is far more variable than similar products on the market.” For the TII Group together with Collett Transport, the new side girder deck is an occasion to celebrate with international guests: after the spectacular unveiling, presentation and handover of the new Scheurle. side girder deck, the guests have been invited to an exclusive evening event complete with gala dinner. The TII Group will present further innovations to the group of international guests such as the
Scheurle. SPMT with its newly-developed widening solutions.The STB 550 allows a transport company to cost-effectively handle a very wide range of load cases. In combination with the longitudinal main beam, the load is positioned on the top boom by means of brackets. Alternatively, the load can be picked up through the use of an additional set of load slings with cross beams. However, the cargo can also be coupled directly with the supporting tip without the main beams. Furthermore, the side girder deck is capable of picking up the load without the help of a crane due to the additional support bogies. With a span ranging from 29,200mm up to 34,200mm, the deck provides flexible application possibilities – adapted to suit the required number of axle lines on the trailer combination as well as the size of the load.
speCifiCAtions: • service weight: 375kg • Carrier unit class: 5.2-12t • operating pressure: 120-150 bar • oil flow: 60-90l/min • number of blows: 530-1150 per minute • Working tool dia: 80mm
speCifiCAtions: • span minimum 29,200mm • span maximum: 34,200mm • loading width minimum: 3,450mm • loading width maximum: 7,400mm • Vertical lift: 1,650lmm
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Raw Power
CAT InTRoDUCeS neW DIeSeL RenTAL PoWeR MoDULeS WHY GeT THeM? Improved fuel economy power densIty Caterpillar has introduced its new XQC1600 and Cat XQC1200 diesel power modules. Available through Cat Rental Power dealers and designated international power project (IPP) providers for shortand long-term power demands, these generator sets combine world-class durability and reliability with industry-leading fuel economy and power density. “The XQC1600 and XQC1200 power modules utilize proven Cat engine platforms redesigned to provide improved fuel economy,” said Brian Kruse, general manager for Caterpillar Rental Power. “These new modules extend the Caterpillar line of rental power options with a more focused approach that offers improved efficiency and reduced owning and operating costs.” The XQC1600 is equipped with an updated Cat 3516C-HD diesel engine, while the XQC1200 features the redesigned Cat 3512C-HD diesel engine. Both engines feature core components engineered for reconditioning and reuse at overhaul, which reduces total cost of ownership. With thousands of applications worldwide and millions of operating hours, these engines offer proven performance, long life, and maximum uptime while extending Caterpillar’s market-leading advantage in fuel economy. Both the XQC1600 and XQC1200 incorporate a variable frequency drive and high-efficiency fans requiring up to 80 percent less power than traditional direct drive cooling fans. At 100 percent load, the decreased parasitics combined with engine enhancements deliver up to a 9 percent improvement in fuel economy compared to competitive offerings. Additionally, both models provide increased power output, while new exhaust stacks reduce spacing requirements for sites with multiple units, producing an increase in on-site power density over previous models. The XQC1600 and XQC1200 are equipped with an enhanced control system that is designed to reduce installation and startup time. SPeCIfICATIonS: CAT XQC1600 • Power: 1,515kW • frequency at 50 Hz: 1,705kW CAT XQC1200 • Power at 50Hz: 1,150kW • Power at 60Hz: 1,260kW
LIUGonG DeMoS RAnGe AT RUSSIA’S CTT LiuGong showcased 16 tough machines at CTT 2014 at the Crucos exhibition Center in Moscow, Russia, including wheel loaders, an excavator, rollers, backhoe loaders, skid steer loaders, forklifts, a bulldozer and a trailer pump. LiuGong displayed wheel loaders at the exhibition this year. The 888 is equipped with a Cummins engine and a Zf fully automatic transmission, which offers superior power for the customers. It has a standard bucket size of 4.5m³ and the bucket breakout force can reach 260kn. The 856 wheel loader gives customers the most control over the machine. It has a comfortable and safe cabin with lots of space and a wide range of view. With powerful air conditioner and heater, adjustable seat and steering column, the 856 wheel loader can be easily operated in tough and extreme conditions. The ZL50Cn has been LiuGong’s bestselling wheel loader since it was released. The 835 and the 836 are also being showed at CTT with operating weights of 10,600kg and 10,300kg respectively. The 925D excavator was the only excavator showed at CTT. It has a Cummins engine which meets eU Stage II and ePA Tier II emissions standard. It has a standard bucket capacity of 1.2m³ and a maximum digging depth of 7,015mm. The 925D is built for low fuel consumption, high efficiency and reliability. It is easy to maintain and easy to operate. The 418 motor grader, powered by a Cummins engine and a Zf transmission, is used primarily for highway construction and road maintenance. Its blade width is 3,960mm and the draw bar pull can reach 86kn. It has a large flywheel output which allows for high power reserve with low noise, low pollution and high overload capacity. equipped with a Cummins engine, LiuGong 614H roller delivers powerful performance and reliability and lower fuel consumption. It is the ideal tool for road compaction. LiuGong is showing two 777A backhoe loaders at this year’s CTT, one features a Weichai engine and
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the other features a Perkins, which is compliant with ePA Tier III and eU Stage IIIA emission standards. Both have a top speed of 36 km/h and are the ideal tools for repairing and working on municipal public utilities. The 375B skid steer loader with a Perkins engine meets eU Stage IIIA emissions standards. featuring an entirely new structural steel cab and unique curved shape, the 375B has some of the most rugged, most powerful, most productive new features of any machine in its class, double-lever pilot control and a spacious low-noise, low-vibration cab, fully RoPS/foPS certified. The 365A, which is equipped with a Yanmar engine and meets eU Stage II emissions standard, is also widely used in highway maintenance, cargo clearance, municipal maintenance and landscaping, especially suitable for narrow space work sites like small construction sites and tunnels. LiuGong will showcase the B160 bulldozer at this year’s CTT, which is built for mining and construction projects. The B160 offers superior steering control, traction and ideal balance to operate efficiently and effectively. It has a maximum torque of 830nm with operating weight of 17,000kg. Two forklifts were also shown. The 2020H LPG features a nissan engine and Cascade 1070 fork to maximum performance and productivity. The 2030H has a Yanmar 498 engine which meets eU Stage IIIA emission standard. Both of these two machines are built for long, hardworking days in and around the shop and warehouse. The HBT 60 has a high efficiency cooling system, world-class components and V-shaped hydraulic seals, which contribute to its reliability. The computer-controlled power matching technology optimizes the matching of power and operating conditions leading to a 10% decline in fuel consumption. Low vibration and LCD monitoring add to the operators’ comfort and safety. Wireless remote control allows the operator to run the machine safely and conveniently from a distance.
+96522259555 -6060 rafiq.mikhail@kharafinational.com UAE&OMAN SANY UAE
Al-Qahtani Vehicle & Machinery Co. Tariq Al-Qahtani & Brothers
Ten Tips
ervice ortant for frequently uatseled ast. s n i t i g achines ially imp Keepin r these m are espec
s s fo e program e program aintenanc rer servic tu c fa u Because m n ma t, consider equipmen
maKe employees accountable once you’ve identified what preventive maintenance activities need to be performed and when they should be done, assign follow-through responsibility to a maintenance coordinator, operator, or other appropriate personnel. have these designated employees sign off on maintenance activities.
schedule maintenance tasks scheduled in advance are less likely to be postponed and then forgotten in the interest of meeting a deadline. the more you use a machine, the more abuse it takes, so plan accordingly.
Top 10 Guide to benefit the Kit failure to keep moving parts properly greased or lubricated can cause the build-up of dust and foreign matter which can solidify and prevent the heart of your machine from beating. if you’re unsure which tasks are beneficial to each piece of equipment, ask your equipment representative.
planning ahead
CMME produces a list to help you take control of your operation put out a contract some dealers offer preventive maintenance service visits for a flat yearly rate or for discounted parts and labor costs. if your provider doesn’t offer service agreements, propose a plan. not only do service contracts help ensure that maintenance is performed on your equipment, but they also help you budget for it.
plan ahead to accommodate slowdowns construction need not suffer in order to perform preventive maintenance. schedule tasks that require downtime during slowdown. typically, good machine maintenance requires four to eight hours per week, but this investment can prevent 36 to 48 hours of unexpected “corrective” maintenance.
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Al-Qahtani Vehicle & Machinery Co. Tariq Al-Qahtani & Brothers
Ten Tips let employees learn from servIcers When a technician is working on a machine, have appropriate personnel watch and ask questions. after a few visits with a service tech, your operator may be able to troubleshoot, fix simply problems, and know when to call for expert help. the technician can tell you which preventive maintenance procedures your operator may be competent to perform.
l
Buy spare parts Before they’re needed ask your dealer for a recommended spare parts list. you need not buy everything on the list, but when service technicians are in your plant, ask what they recommend that you keep in your plan. the most needed parts usually can be purchased inexpensively, minimising downtime when they’re needed.
It’s good to Be nee dy
When con sidering b udgetary preventive needs, rea maintena lise that nce may r breaks do failure to esult in m Wn, partic perform uch higher ularly du costs if eq ring a bu uipment sy produc tion time.
Keep manuals handy manuals are often misplaced, but it’s critical for operators to have access to them. the manuals contain valuable information such as load requirements, parts identification, operational instructions, safety guidelines, and housekeeping recommendations. most manuals have a maintenance section detailing what should be done and how often. this type of information is especially important to operators who were not around for the machinery manufacturer’s original training session.
KeepIng a record When you schedule a maintenance visit with a dealer, make sure that the service tech will record the inspection. document both service and what parts needed.
get management on-Board
failing to schedule preventive maintenance, overriding scheduled maintenance in order to meet production needs, and asking employees to keep maintenance costs down can send the wrong message, and ultimately cost an organisation more in terms of machine downtime and repair expenses.
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“Challenges are everywhere. To succeed, you have to be in the hands of the best partners.
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Best Of The Best
The besT of China
Chinese brands are fighting for market share in the region, and are finding their efforts rewarded with a number of major sales completed in the first half of 2014. CMME highlights the top brands from China, and their key product areas, with updated 2013 annual revenue from KHL Group’s Yellow Table, published in the April edition of International Construction SUPERSIZE ME! Zoomlion’s super-sized cranes are on the Abu Dhabi Airport Midfield Terminal Building (MTB). CSCEC says it is the largest travelling tower crane ever used in the Middle East.
Zoomlion China ranking: 1 Global rankinG: 7 (down 1 place) revenue: $6,103 million Source: kHl Group
Ranked by revenue as the largest construction machinery manufacturer in China, Zoomlion has an enviably large range of products, from tower cranes to concrete pumps to rotary drilling rigs. An early entrant into the GCC markets, its products can be found on many job sites: currently its super-sized tower cranes are being used to build the Abu Dhabi
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Airport Midfield Terminal Building (MTB). Operated on a rail-mounted gantry, the crane has a working radius of 80m and a maximum load moment is 1100 tonne metres, which China State Construction Energy Corp Middle East (CSCEC) says is the largest travelling tower crane ever used in the Middle East. Zoomlion’s overseas acquisitions include the Italian concrete pump manufacturer CIFA, and it has continued success in the Middle East markets, as well as advancing the company’s technical competence, so much so that it has claimed a world record for its 101m concrete pump truck, built over only seven axles, a feat possible through the use of lightweight carbon
fibre for the upper boom sections. More practically, it has sold several of its 63-metre pumps into the region, including in Oman and Dubai, and claims for itself the No.1 industry position for truck-mounted concrete pump products in the Middle East market, particularly in the medium- and high-metre truckmounted concrete pump field. It has also sold a large number of concrete mixers into the region. The brand has employed a multi-distributor strategy that sees it co-operating with some of the best known machinery sellers, such as Al Wasit, which sells its mobile crane products in the UAE, where its focus on affordable hydraulic truck cranes has made it a popular choice.
GOING FOR THE DEAL Sany has finally settled on going through the dealer channel in the Middle East following years of difficulty in serving the market.
Sany China ranking: 2 Global rankinG: 8 (down 3 places) revenue: $6,078 million source: kHl Group
Sany is a brand that certainly projects confidence and aggression when it comes to the global market, and has a long term plan to being among the largest manufacturers in the world. In the Middle East it has tried a number of different approaches with distribution, but now has a stable approach focused on country-wide dealers. It was quick to tailor its product offering to the demands of contractors in
the Gulf, including road building machinery – pavers, rollers and graders –, excavators, as well as a heavy presence in the market for smaller mobile cranes, growing into larger tonnage truck cranes and crawlers. Overseas acquisitions have added to the company’s reputation, notably Germany’s concrete pump master Putzmeister, and it has also has a JV agreement with lift specialist Palfinger. Earlier this year Sany received a PR boost when its excavators outperformed Japanese competitors in a test organised by a Chinese broker firm, CLSA. Six brand were tested, including Sany, Caterpillar, Hitachi, Doosan, as well as Komatsu and Kobelco, all with machines built in their factories in China. Caterpillar came out on top, but it was Sany
who was the strong performer relative to price. CLSA concluded that technology gaps between the best Chinese firms and their foreign rivals are now “almost non-existent”. It expects that Sany and a handful of other larger Chinese brands will lead a consolidation of the local industry, in which 60 firms will become perhaps six. Reporting on the result, The Economist predicted that: “Leading Chinese brands like Sany, Zoomlion and LiuGong, whose products also have the advantage of being cheap, will soon be invading building sites across the globe.” “Chinese companies […] have now cracked how to make top-quality construction equipment at attractive prices—and their foreign rivals should be worried.”
XCMG China ranking: 3 Global rankinG: 11 (nc) revenue: $4,646 million source: kHl Group
With one of the most diverse product ranges in the Chinese market, XCMG’s exports to the Middle East have been growing in recent years. Visitors to this year’s Project Qatar would have seen something of this variety, with a large display both indoors and out, in conjunction with XCMG’s local distributor Al Mana Al Hamad Automobile Group. Products included a 180 tonne all terrain crane (indoors), a motor grader, pneumatic asphalt roller, earth-moving machinery and an array of truck cranes. Road building has been a core area of performance for XCMG, with products including pavers, soil stabilisers and rollers. And its partnering with Germany’s Schwing Stetter is resulting in advanced technology being added to its concrete products: this year it produced its first consignment of concrete mixer trucks with X-Link intelligent terminal technology on-board. XCMG recently completed a sale of 15 medium-sized QUY55 crawler cranes to Egypt’s state owned petroleum company Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation, a good sign of confidence in the brand, given the stringent tendering processes in O&G, and as well since crawler cranes are a high tech and support-intensive product.
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Best Of The Best
Liugong China ranking: 4 Global rankinG: 20 (nc) revenue: $2,044 million Source: kHl Group
One brand that has been making all the right moves is LiuGong, with a track record that includes close cooperation with both Cummins and transmission specialist ZF. Its JV with Cummins in China has resulted in a factory that is capable of building 50,000 engines a year, while working with ZF has meant well-designed machine drive trains, including production of high quality axles for its signature wheel loader product. It recent times it has developed its high quality E-Series excavator range, which has found favour with fleet owners and operators for its focus on reliability and market entry point. Like the other majors, LiuGong acquired a European company – in this case the Polish company Dressta, best known for its bulldozers, and in the Middle East LiuGong has in
some markets rationalised its Dressta sales with its LiuGong distribution. Among the Chinese brands in the region, LiuGong has perhaps been among the most forthright about the challenges of supporting the machinery population across the large territories, but has also been proactive about establishing a solid after-market presence, with strong support for dealers. While claiming to be the first Chinese manufacturer to establish a spare parts warehouse in Dubai’s Jebel Ali Freezone, in April this year it opened an expanded training centre in the freezone, a result of its close relationship with Cummins, which means that as part of a service parts agreement signed in March, LiuGong dealers can provide after-sales service of Cummins engine to end users through the LiuGong channel. Notable was the attendance of Brad Sutton, director of Cummins Global Market, as well as Khaled El Shatoury, general manager of Abdel Hadi Abdullah Al-Qahtani & Sons, the KSA dealer for LiuGong.
A BIG START TO 2014 FOR SHANTUI Shantui has sold more than $25 milliion worth of equipment in the GCC in 2014, including 200 earthmoving units and 50 mixers in the UAE.
Shantui China ranking: 5 Global rankinG: 23 (up 2) revenue: $1,726 million Source: kHl Group
Shantui is one of the oldest construction machinery brands in China, and has traditionally been known for its bulldozer technology. Through licensing agreements with Komatsu and Caterpillar in the 1980s it began it exanding its product line into excavators, and has continuously added to its machinery portfolio. Cooperation with Komatsu was further advanced with the creation of a JV outfit in 1995. An
Lonking China ranking: 6 Global rankinG: 28 (down 2) revenue: $1,220 million Source: kHl Group
Lonking has a distributor agreement with German Gulf Enterprises for distribution of wheel loaders, excavators and road rollers in the territories of UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain, and the distributor regularly exhibits the machines at the regional trade shows. While in KSA it has continued to grow its market share, regularly exhibiting at machinery shows there too. Popular products there are the five tonne wheel loaders LG853DN (single rocker) and LG853DH (double rocker), updates on the previous D Series loaders. The machines are built with longer wheel bases for extra stability, higher dump heights, and improved energy performance.
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D-SERIES UPDATES LAUNCHED Longking continues to impress in Saudi Arabia and has released updates to its D-series loaders including the single and double rockers.
early entrant into the Gulf markets, it builds machines destined for the Middle East to a ‘desert spec’, with the appropriate filtration systems to deal with the heat and dust present here. In 2012 it signed a new multicountry distribution agreement with Juma Al Majid Group of Companies, including GENAVCO in the UAE. Earlier this year it announced a $25 million deal of more than 200 pieces of earthmoving machinery, significant for the development of Shantui’s diversified products, such as excavators and loaders. This was followed by a further announcement of a sale of 50 concrete mixer trucks, worth $3.2m, with a major ready mix company in the UAE.
XGMA
MAKING IN-ROADS
China ranking: 7 Global rankinG: 29 (down 3) revenue: $1,140 million Source: kHl Group
XGMA has made strong in-roads into markets in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Last year it launched a refreshed loader range, its new H series.
With a range of robust wheel loaders in the ‘bread-and-butter’ weight classes of 3-8 tonnes, XGMA has made strong inroads into markets in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE. With a developed sales network in KSA, last year it launched a refreshed loader range, its new H series. Features include a new cab design, enlarged engine access for technicians, and improved power
performance and responsiveness. One area where the manufacturer has focused its R&D spend is dual fuel sources, using LNG to power loaders from 2010, and in 2013 it launched its first LNG excavator. Data from field testing in China shows significant cost reductions over traditional diesel engines, though of course cost savings are relative to the price of diesel. However LNG can also have transportation advantages over diesel when working on remote sites. Other XGMA products popular in the region include its counterbalance forklift truck, single drum vibratory roller and motor graders.
THE BEST OF THE REST – SDLG SDLG is a Chinese subsidiary of global powerhouse Volvo, which acquired a majority shareholding in the brand back in 2006. More recently SDLG has become a part of Volvo CE’s global business strategy, targetting markets such as the Middle East with a product that is attractively priced, but with strong dealer and aftermarket support. Given that background, it’s perhaps unsurprising that the SDLG business in UAE, Oman and KSA is represented by a subsidary of Volvo CE dealers FAMCO, who last year opened Pacific Machinery to sell the SDLG product, as well as another Volvo sub-brand, Eicher Trucks. Thus it’s no stretch to suggest that buyers
of SDLG machinery can know that their fleet will be wellsupported, and SDLG itself says that the company is modelling its aftermarket support on the methods of companies like Walmart and Amazon, including allowing them to purchase spare parts either directly or through the internet. For customers who want to perform the service work themselves, SDLG will provide detailed information when it ships spare parts. In terms of the products itself, SDLG puts in a strong showing in the traditional earth-moving segments of wheel loaders, from three tonnes up to 15, and excavators, while rollers, graders and backhoe loaders are also available.
THE BEST OF THE REST – SinOBOOM With the aerial work platform (AWP) market dominated by larger rental company buyers, manufacturer Sinoboom has a good opportunity to make headway into the Middle East market if it can convince them of the long-term TCO affordability of its product. One of the newest Chinese equipment manufacturers, Sinoboom has aggressively targetted overseas markets, hoping to become one of the larger sellers of AWPs in the
world. While it is early days still for the brand in the Gulf, last year it signed a crucial KSA exclusive distribution dealer with wellknown company Jufalli, building on a soft-cooperation since the previous year. Key market areas for Sinoboom are in the 10m to 38m height, both for telescopic boom lifts and scissor lists, while its complete portfolio includes articulated booms, spider lifts, and its tallest machine is a 43.6m boom lift.
Al-Qahtani Vehicle & Machinery Co.
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Safety
AheAd for heights
Half of all injuries on worksites in the UAE occur at height. It is a staggering statistic and one that tragically when it is examined more closely suggests that the majority of those accidents could be avoided
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M
obile powered access platforms are often the kit of choice when it comes to getting to height on second phase or fit-out stages of construction projects as well as frequently being deployed by FM companies and building services operators later on down the line. Despite their seemingly relatively simple design – compared to a tower crane, for instance – a panel hosted by CMME revealed that workers are often being let down by a lack of training and a misunderstanding of how to use the equipment properly. Mark Robinson, IPAF’s chairman, UAE Country Council says that we need to go back to basics when it comes to the machines used to get access to height. “We need to make sure that we have the right selection of equipment for the users operating that equipment,” he begins. “Now that can start with educating the managers on the correction selection. They need the training so they understand what the operators are going to do on site. They need to be able to identify whether the operators are competent at working at height. Are they scared of working at height? “Then we need to start looking at the ground on which they will be set-up on. There’s a myriad of hurdles we need to go through. The machines are very safe but if they are not used properly then they can be very dangerous. But through the right training, supervision and continuous education. We don’t want to just forget about the operators after we’ve done a one- or two-day course with them. We need to follow-up with talks on site.” One of the major challenges is ensuring that what is learned in a control environment is then continued to be applied when back on-site. According to Robinson, this is why it is essential that managers as well as operators receive the right level of training. “We need to train the managers because when we
train the operators and start sending them back to the sites they are working on, (untrained) managers can start thinking well they’ve been trained on a 3B which is 10m mobile boom so they can be put on-site in a 50m boom. Quite frankly they will not have any idea of how to operate that machine safely.” Robinson adds that further training does not necessarily need to be given by a return to the schoolroom: “Again it is back down to the basics from the rental companies – and there’s quite a few certified rental companies in the UAE – providing familiarisation on site.” Before the units arrive on-site it is the job of a third party to ensure the units are fit for purpose in the UAE. Once on-site it will also be the task of a supervisor or logistics manager to ensure that the equipment is in the condition required for the work ahead before passing over to the final link in the chain, the operator. Robinson says he has learned that many companies conducting daily checks of their equipment are failing to do it properly. “What we find is that daily checks are often too generic,” he states. “We need to make sure that the people checking them are using the right check sheet for the right machine. Emergency descent checking is one of the things that I believe is being failed on. That is something that I have seen over the years that people are not checking properly. It is another key component of the training we need: managers and operators should be able to ensure there is a person on the ground should there be a problem at height.” Matt Cox is a risk specialist and he says that it is critical that the right equipment is used for the right task. “Typically the first criteria is selecting the right equipment but until people are educated sufficiently on what they need for a given task, you forever run the risk of accidents.”
“ThE FIRST CRITERIA IS ThE RIGhT EQUIPMENT
BUT UNTIl PEOPlE ARE EDUCATED SUFFICIENTly ON WhAT ThEy NEED FOR A GIvEN TASk, yOU FOREvER RUN ThE RISk OF ACCIDENTS.” July 2014
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Safety
Accidents on sites can cause pauses in work and in the case of fatal injuries long delays, so it is crucial that they are minimised. In his lists of potential accidents Cox includes overloading, not using the equipment properly, overreaching the machine and adds that the consequences can often go beyond the obvious risks of injury. “You’ve got recruitment, re-training and medical costs, etc. But it is the unknown and hidden costs to any respectable company that they need to be looking at. These are things like prosecutions from authorities, penalty notices, delays to projects – all of these are critical. If you look at Dubai, it has boomed massively over the last few years but if a project is delayed due to a fatality, it can cost hundreds of thousands of dirhams.” Despite construction sites being fraught with danger, Cox argues that risks are often higher once the building is in operation. He sends a warning to facility management companies. “You have lots people that are multi-skilled, but they don’t have the robust training from a licensed, registered training such as IPAF. They get the twohour familiarization from a rental company but they are not really competent operators.” According to Cox there are different levels of responsibility when it comes to minimising accidents in the working environment. “The individual is clearly responsible for his own actions, but they shouldn’t be doing things they are not trained to do. The employer has a responsibility to provide a safe working environment. The levels of responsibility go right through to ensure there is the right regulation in place so we are sure the equipment is being used safely in the workplace.” Jason Woods of IPAF has worked closely with the team at the ministry of labour led by Dr Ali Salem and he says that work behind the scenes has been successful but there is still some way to go before the two organisations can be sure that mobile access platforms are being used safely on sites. “We still have a milestone to get over in the sense of education and making sure the end-users understand that training is available. There are still a lot of levels that we have to target. The ministry of labour has put a lot of effort behind the scenes in promoting best practice. They believe that – because
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IPAF has been so successful worldwide – this is the route they would like to go through.” IPAF provides training for both companies and inspectors, it also provides certification for companies like rental firms wishing to be able to employ their own training staff. “We’ve gone down to the ministry of labour inspectors to give them workshops so they can get a feel for what should be expected when they do site visits. They like that every course we run is very thorough. Every training centre we run has a strict criteria for gaining certification.” Rental companies are a critical link with this type of equipment, often recommending whether or not a vertical lift or a boom should be used. The ideal scenario to Woods is that all people involved in the discussion are able to have an informed opinion. Fortunately, he says that he is seeing a real change in the way that safety at height and the equipment that is used to get there is viewed. “The rental companies were among the first members of IPAF within the UAE but we are now being approached by end-users to become members. There are a lot of changes coming on. Pushed from the ministry to start with but the end-users are moving towards more training.”
WHO IS IPAF? The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) promotes the safe and effective use of powered access worldwide. Set up in 1983, IPAF is a not-for-profit members’ organisation that represents the interests of manufacturers, distributors, users, rental and training companies. It serves as a forum for all active in the world of powered access. IPAF has played a key role in promoting many of the design, safety and testing procedures that are now established in the powered
access industry. The IPAF training programme for platform operators is certified by TÜV as conforming to ISO 18878. More than 100,000 operators are trained each year through a worldwide network of over 600 training centres. Training in the US is managed by IPAF’s North American subsidiary, AWPT Inc. Training generally lasts one to two days and is a mixture of theory and practice. Those who successfully complete IPAF training
are awarded the PAL Card (Powered Access Licence), the most widely held and recognised proof of training for platform operators. The PAL Card is valid for five years and shows the machine categories that the operator has been trained in. It also features the holder’s photo and signature, and can be verified by calling IPAF. Membership of IPAF is open to users of platforms, manufacturers, distributors, rental and training companies. Members come from
more than 45 countries, mainly in Europe and the Americas, but also in the Middle East, the Far East and the Pacific. Members enjoy benefits including: • Access to a wealth of valuable, practical information on legal, technical and commercial aspects of platform use. • The chance to influence the growing body of legislation and regulations that governs platform use. • Free services such as a specialist advisory service, an insurance management system and a business information service.
Last Word
Spotted!
SPIERINGS SK599-AT5 MOBILE TOWER CRANE Where: Spotted on the road in the Germany capital Berlin
T
he Dutch crane manufacturing firm Spierings was the first to introduce the mobile tower crane concept to the market in the 1980s, and its cranes continue to be popular today with numerous rental companies in Europe. Effectively a tower crane on wheels, while there’s a lot of technical knowhow invested in the mobile crane, operationally the mobile tower crane is a simple concept. With the boom raised and the jib extended, significant loads can be lifted (max lift of 9000kg for the SK599-AT5), and then trolleyed along the jib and placed on a roof-top. This is especially effective in an urban setting where buildings range from three to eight storeys: compared with a standard mobile crane, it’s easy to see the advantage when loads need to be placed to the rear of the building. While
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the trolleying of the mobile tower crane allows the object to be placed within a wide radius (50m for the SK599-AT5), using the angled boom of an all terrain or truck crane would be a problem due to the leading edge of the building: the solution can only be to use a much larger capacity crane than is required for the load, with a longer boom, positioned further away from the building. These photos from a busy street in central Berlin show that while one vehicle lane and part of the footpath have been closed by the footprint of the crane, one lane remains open for road traffic. Looking at the job-site pictured, with its combination of high buildings, dense trees and the busy and narrow street, it’s hard to imagine how the job could have been carried out using anything but a mobile tower crane!
Al-Qahtani Vehicle & Machinery Co. Tariq Al-Qahtani & Brothers