Dossier-Jan-Mar-12

EDITORIAL

POSITIVE SIGNS

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Senior Manager - Dossier Business Unit Shivkumar Gaitonde Senior Media Executive Girija Shankar Mohanty Senior Art Director Sandesh S. Rangnekar Senior Designer Shameer Moideen Translator Mustafa Kamal Production Manager Govindraj Ramesh Senior Photographer Rajesh Burman Corporate Chief Executive Sandeep Sehgal Executive Vice President Alpana Roy Vice President Ravi Raman Senior Business Support Executive Radha Kumar Business Support Executive Zuwaina Said Al-Rashdi Published by United Press & Publishing LLC PO Box 3305, Ruwi, Postal Code - 112 Muscat, Sultanate of Oman Tel (968) 24700896 Fax (968) 24707939 Email: akshay@umsoman.com All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. The publisher does not accept responsibility for any loss occasioned to any person or organisation acting or refraining as a result of material in this publication. OER accepts no responsibility for all advertising contents.

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DOSSIER Jan - Mar 2012

hen you speak to any corporate captain in the construction and allied industries about the year gone by, the standard reply is ‘It was a challenging year for the industry but we are expecting 2012 to be a year of turnaround’. Despite registering a decent GDP growth rate in 2011 by the Sultanate, the construction industry here has been under tremendous pressure with slowdown of the pace of projects and intense market competition. However, 2012 is expected to be a year of recovery with a slew of infrastructure projects being either announced or kicked-off.

While presenting the State’s General Budget for 2012, the Minister of Finance announced that the Government intends to spend RO1.4 billion on the development projects during the year. Overall during the Eighth Five Year Development Plan (2011-2015), RO13.693 billion is going to be spent on development projects. The figure could even be higher than the estimated spend in 2012. One billion rial is going to be spent on Al Batinah expressway alone. On the social welfare front, 2500 housing units will be built at a cost of RO120 million. Another RO238 million will be spent on building five hospitals. The construction of 29 schools at a cost of RO60million and infrastructure in three industrial estates with an investment of RO100 million are other good opportunities for the construction contractors and material companies.

The power and water desalination is another huge opportunity for the sector.

Over RO390 million has been earmarked for the expansion of electricity and water sector in 2012. Atleast two new power plants in Salalah and Duqm are in the pipeline and four power plants are already in different stages of construction. With upcoming Sohar Free Zone and talks of an over RO750 million solar power project, the smile could be back on the face of head honchos in the construction sector as the new year progresses ahead.

Enjoy reading the issue!

Akshay Bhatnagar Group Managing Editor

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Cautious Optimism Despite setbacks witnessed last year, Oman’s construction industry holds promise in 2012

Editorial �����������������������������������������������������������������2 News ���������������������������������������������������������������������6 Contracting ���������������������������������������������������������22 Formwork �����������������������������������������������������������40 Metals & Mining �������������������������������������������������46 Cables & Wiring �������������������������������������������������52 PROFILE: Bespoke Design �������������������������������������������������34 Sharikah Fanniyah Omaniyah (Muscat) �����42 INTERVIEW:

THE SCIENCE OF PAINTS What goes into the formulation of paints and why are manufacturers shifting towards alternative paints

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DOSSIER Jan - Mar 2012

Sheila Jamal, Al Madina Development &

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Supply LLC ���������������������������������������������������������36

NEWS

HSE at the fore

Mazoon Electricity, the licensed electricity distributor and supplier for Dakhiliyah, Sharqiya and South Al Batinah Governorates, recently participated in the Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) Open Day Program organized by one of its contractors, Al Falahy Company. Hosted at Al Etifaq Cultural Club in Wilayat Ibra, the event aimed to reinforce occupational HSE practices and regulations to staff through a series of educational presentations and discussions.

“HSE policies and procedures are a cornerstone of our operations.

As a responsible organization, it is our duty to not only implement health and safety principles within our projects to better serve our employees, customers and contractors, but to lead by example. We pride ourselves on the ability to work hand in hand with our partners to reach a common goal of improving established safety standards and preventing fatalities, injuries and ill health to those at work and those effected by our activities,” said Eng. Abdullah bin Said Al Badri, Mazoon Electricity General Manager. Since the commencement of its operations in 2005, Mazoon Electricity has maintained a polished HSE track-record by continuously conducting awareness programs and forums on electrical hazards for non-technical staff as well as the general public. Governed by its customer centric approach, the company also seeks to provide new and innovative means to educate families within its districts on the risks associated with unsafe electrical distribution systems and devises at home.

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DOSSIER Jan - Mar 2012

UTICO to manage utility projects worth US$4 billion across GCC UTICO Middle East, one of the largest independent utilities management companies in the GCC, confirmed that it has won orders valued at over US$4 billion to manage utilities projects across the GCC. Richard Menezes, UTICO’s Executive Vice Chairman and Managing Director, pointed out that the company was working with GCC governments and other related authorities on the implementation of several projects that will eventually lead to lower consumer tariffs and better utilities systems in those countries.

“The continuous campaign by the Gulf states to improve and develop infrastructure is fuelling the demand for water and power across the region,” said Menezes.

“While traditionally the utilities sector was managed by the public sector in the Middle East, the increasing demand for providing these essential services is signalling the entry of private sector players in the projects.”

A Ghantoot Group company, UTICO will also meet the demand for its services by investing in new

regional offices, plants, service centres, training facilities and other infrastructure. Its clientele includes government bodies, private entities as well as oil and gas companies and several leading business houses across the Middle East.

The company was recently in the news for being the first organisation in the MENA region to achieve the ISO 50001 energy management certification. The certification was in recognition of UTICO’s environment protection policies and energy management systems and joins a slew of certifications achieved by the company in recent times.

Established in 1992, UTICO has played a key role in developing the region’s utilities with specialization in water, waste, steam, power and related services for clientele requiring reliable and low-cost utilities. The company also offers full consultancy from concept to design and implementation, conducting feasibility studies, aiding in policy formulation for regulatory authorities and large industrial parks, conservation and efficiency building, investment and development.

T +968 24811532 - F +968 24812086

NEWS

Qatar spending on power, water rises

Bahwan Building Materials awarded certification Bahwan Building Materials, the flagship company of Suhail Bahwan Group Holding was awarded the ISO 9001:2008 certification by Bureau Veritas, Oman following a rigorous review process of the division’s quality management system. Amal Suhail Bahwan, Director, Bahwan Building Materials received the award from Faisal Malik, Manager, SCS (System Certification Services), Bureau Veritas, Oman.

Malik mentioned that the building materials division is a leading player in its sector and achievement of the quality standard was a natural fall out of the sound processes that are operating in the company. Addressing the gathering, which consisted of various principals and clients

of the company, Sourav Sen, General Manager, Bahwan Building Materials said the company will continue to be proactive, responsive and disciplined in its operations.

He also said that the company has expanded its retail showrooms to 12 across Oman with recent additions at Sinaw, Ibri and Mobella. Other showrooms have been renovated to improve customer experience and central warehousing facilities have also been modernised for better handling and delivery. With an increase of the product range starting from brick and mortar materials, to sophisticated electrical systems, Bahwan Building Materials is progressing towards material solutioning both for projects and individual house building.

According to recent forecasts, Qatar is estimated to spend more than US$20bn on power generation and water desalination over the next 10 years. A report by Beltone Financial stated, “The hosting of the FIFA 2022 World Cup means that significant investments in infrastructure (transportation networks, roads, hotels, airport and other facilities) will be needed.”

While the country boasts one of the highest per capita consumption rates of electricity in the world, Beltone Financial said it believes that demand will continue to grow.

It went on to say, “Going forward, expectations are that electricity demand will continue to grow by at least 10 per cent per annum for the next five to seven years and, subsequently, at around 4 per cent per annum until 2030.” With the completion of the Ras Girtas plant in April 2011, Qatar’s electricity capacity now stands at 8,756MW. The report said water demand is forecast to continue growing at 11 percent annually for the next five to seven years. Qatar’s total water desalination capacity now stands at 327 million imperial gallons per day, according to the same report and desalinated water represents the GCC’s main source of water, given the scarce water resources in the peninsula.

Khimji’s AC Division rewards dealers in Paris KR Air-conditioning Division invited its top 20 dealers to Paris to felicitate them for their year on year commitment to General AC sales support and also apprise them of the latest product developments. The Award function was organized from November 29 to December 4, 2011 on 8

DOSSIER Jan - Mar 2012

a River Seine boat Cruise, followed by two days of sightseeing across Paris. “General” has been represented in Oman by Khimji Ramdas (KR) for more than 30 years. The range of operation now covers Centralized Chilled Water Units & Commercial Refrigeration too.

NEWS

Over 75% apartment sales at Almeria

The Wave, Muscat has announced that over 75 per cent of its latest residential offering, Almeria East, has been sold since its first debut in October 2011. The 92 apartments spread over three boutique buildings have been met with great enthusiasm due to their unique characteristics and ideal location within the 6km mixed-use development that overlooks the pristine Gulf of Oman.

Investors across Oman and the GCC region have been attracted by the strong yields on residential

properties at The Wave, Muscat as well as the advanced delivery of the lifestyle amenities such as the beach parks, the golf course, marina and retail precinct. Michael Lenarduzzi, CEO of The Wave, Muscat said, “The Omani Government’s commitment to infrastructure spending on roads, water projects, port facilities and airports underpins the confidence in the economy and population growth - all major drivers of the property market. The budget allocation for tourist projects signifies the importance to continue investing

DP World receives recognition DP World, UAE Region has been globally recognised by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) as providing outstanding training and development opportunities for DP. The ACCA Platinum Approved Employer certificate was presented to Mohammed Al Muallem, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, DP World, UAE Region,

by Stuart Dunlop, Head of Middle East, Association of Chartered Certified.

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The certificate is awarded to leading organisations that offer outstanding development opportunities for young accountants and demonstrate superior professional values, ethics and governance at the workplace.

DP World employees undergoing the ACCA Trainee Development programme, which results in a best in class, relevant, professional qualification, are able to rapidly progress to achieve membership of the internationally-recognised Association.

in the non-oil sector to achieve sustainability and His Majesty’s Vision 2020.” Lenarduzzi went on to say that the success of the launch indicates that confidence has returned to Oman’s property market.

Combining modern convenience with luxurious comfort, Almeria East Apartments were recently showcased at The Home Show 2011.

The spacious one, two and three bedroom apartments are situated in the heart of The Wave, Muscat’s lively shopping, dining, leisure and entertainment hub.

GCC ports to upgrade

Across the GCC, countries are gearing up to expand and develop their ports over the next five years in order to meet growing business in the region. Nearly US$15 billion will be spent on these developments and expansion projects. As many as 35 major ports are undergoing expansion to handle a bigger capacity following an estimated eight per cent growth to nearly 25 million TEUs in 2010.

COVER STORY

Cautious Optimism Despite setbacks witnessed last year, Oman’s construction industry holds promise in 2012

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Jan - Mar 2012 DOSSIER

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COVER STORY

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011 was a year of many changes and setbacks.

The early half of the year, in particular, and then the prevailing global economic conditions did not do much to help abate the situation. Despite these challenges, Oman’s construction sector continues to gather pace backed by a fairly strong economic growth and smooth execution of large-scale projects.

One of the drivers behind the expansion of the construction industry has been government spending, which registered noteworthy increase in recent years and now with the newly announced budget for 2012, there holds even more promise. The Sultanate’s economic diversification has also played a significant role behind the development of construction projects in the Sultanate.

According to the 2012 budget, the housing sector allocation has been increased from RO 266mn in 2011

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to RO 323mn in 2012 – a significant increase of 21.5 per cent in 2012 budget. This includes the government allocation of RO 120mn for the constructing of 2,500 housing units for people with limited income.

Likewise, in the civil engineering fields, the expenditure increased significantly by 16.67 per cent on yearly basis to RO 1.4bn mainly to cover development projects in various sectors.

While government spending on infrastructure is showing tremendous growth, cut-throat competition from foreign players puts pressure on revenues and margins. With a slowdown in construction activities in various parts of the Middle East, regional players have entered the more lucrative Oman market for getting a slice of the business. The influx of foreign giants was also aided by government’s strategy to encourage competition in an apparent move to optimise cost and bring in new practices.

A direct result of this, as many

operators in the business have affirmed, is cutting corners to get the job done. Not only in terms of building materials but also in some cases health and safety. As firms are tightening control over these issues, many are really pushing the envelope. Yet another setback has been the rise in the price of imported steel. Reports have indicated an increase of as much as 15 per cent and is expected to continue rising over the next six months, adding to the repertoire of challenges faced by construction firms.

The growth in construction sector is mostly fuelled by government infrastructure development, which constitutes a major chunk of total business. The ongoing multibillion rial-expansion of two major airports–Muscat and Salalah, development of four green field regional airports, a major sea port along with a planned city in Duqm and expansion of Salalah and Sohar ports, road projects in different parts of the country, a massive sewage network programme, development

COVER STORY

of industrial estates and free zones in several places are all aiding the growth of the industry. Each of airport projects involves at least three major packages – for levelling of land and basic civil work, runway and other traffic control facilities and terminal building. Barring few, almost all airport development contracts have already been awarded, which is helping even small contracting firms to get business through sub-contracts.

Projects have been classified under many categories such as roads, airports and ports in different areas in the country in addition to build new schools and hospitals and developing the logistics ground of the industrial areas. One of the key new projects in 2012 is the construction of Al Battinah expressway cost of RO 1bn.

Among the major projects, Duqm is going to witness massive investments in the coming years, for developing a well-planned township with separate areas for industries, tourism and residential buildings. The envisaged investment will be as high as $20 billion. The initial projects are making progress, as the dry dock has 16 DOSSIER Jan - Mar 2012

already started operation and the port has reached an advanced stage of completion. Also, the government has recently appointed a high-profile official to speed to the development through Duqm Special Economic Zone.

In this vein, some of the larger contractors have bagged some projects, for instance, Galfar Engineering and Contracting received an order from Muscat Municipality for “Design and Construction of Al Faroosiya Street Interchange” for a total sum of RO 12,290,412 (USD 31.71Million). The company also received an order from Directorate General of Projects & Maintenance at ROP for construction of “Border Post Complex at Al–Rub Al Khali “ in Al Dakhiliyah region for a total sum of RO 29,700,000 (USD 76.6 Million).

Carillion Alawi was recently selected to build the air traffic control tower for Muscat International Airport, as part of the plans to expand the airport. The contract has been estimated to be Rial Omani 57 million. (The other bidders for

the project were Consolidated Contractors Company (CCC) with Turkey’s TAV).

In terms of electricity and water, reports have indicated that as much as RO 390 million has been set aside for the development of this sector. The expansion will include construction of new power plants in Salalah, Duqm and that work is under way to complete the construction of four power plants in different governorates. It has been said that the first power plant in Salalah will be equipped to produce 450MW and the desalination plant will produce 15 million gallons of water. Commerical operations are expected to begin by the second quarter of 2012. The design and construction of water treatment plant in Wadi Daiqah to supply potable water to the wilayats in the Governorate of Muscat is also underway. A Swiss-German partnership (Terra Nex and Middle East Best Select) will be investing US$2 billion in solar plants and panel manufacturing in Oman. The solar arrays will be capable of generating 400 MW of electricity in Oman and is

COVER STORY

in line with Oman’s target to produce a tenth of its energy need from ‘green’ sources by 2020. housing and retail In a recent report published by Cluttons, leading real estate experts, it was said that the demand in the residential housing market would remain strong. Over the past year, tenants have begun laying a lot of emphasis on quality and ‘value for money’ and the report said that tenants will continue to look for well designed and built properties with features such as good quality fixtures and fittings, outdoor space, excellent maintenance and leisure facilities.

It is apparent that tenants are increasingly willing to compromise on the size and even location of a property rather than on its quality.

With regard to commercial property, the vast majority of office stock in Muscat is Grade B or C with a limited availability of Grade A space. This will change over the coming year as a number of large scale, Grade A office developments are due for completion in the near future. Four recently or

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soon to be completed developments alone will add approximately 158,000 m² of Grade A office space to the market, according to Cluttons. The report went on to say that the demand for office space in the capital area will remain relatively steady over the next 12 months. The majority of demand will remain, however, on smaller spaces of up to 500 m²: flexibility in office space design to cater for smaller space occupiers will be vital.

High quality, professional property management will be vital in attracting and retaining tenants.

Muscat has approximately 300,000 m² of retail space in purpose-built retail centres. This figure does not include a large number of ground floor retail units and showrooms in mixed-use buildings as predominant in areas such as Ruwi, Ghubrah North and Al Khuwair. Over the next 18 months, developments under construction will deliver an additional 100,000 m² of good-quality, retail mall space.

Cluttons predicted a continued demand for smaller retail space, in particular from the food and beverage sector - where potential retail tenants

are searching for space within successful shopping destinations attracted by proven footfall and/or in prominent locations with ample car parking provision.

Cluttons predicts continued growth of the industrial and logistics sector, with the on-going development of shipping ports, free-trade and industrial zones in Salalah and Sohar. With greater certainty on the development of the new industrial city at Duqm, increased clarity from the government as to plans for the development of the industrial and logistics sectors, and continued investment in transport and power infrastructure will help to drive forward the development of the industrial and logistics sector.

Spotlight: Tilal Complex One of the most prominent projects currently underway is the Tilal Complex spearheaded by Al Madina Real Estate Company. The proposed Mixed Used Development comprises a Shopping Mall, Offices, Serviced Apartments, Residential Apartments along with a Five

COVER STORY

Star Hotel and condominium.

According to Al Madina Real Estate, the project components integrate very well to facilitate families and tourists for leisure and shopping in addition to a high quality business work environment. Designed by a leading Australian architect firm, the development balances traditional Omani architecture with contemporary architectural styles.

The project is planned on a land of 77,000 square meters, located in a prime location at plot number 882, Al Khuwair. The location connects two major highways on a proposed intersection and has three stages, namely, Stage I: Shopping Mall, Offices, Residential Apartments, Serviced Apartments; Stage II: Five Star Hotel; and Stage III: Residential Condominium.

Muscat Grand Mall: Built on two levels with a floor area each of 31,000 square metres, Muscat Grand Mall houses world class shopping facilities with food courts, 20 DOSSIER Jan - Mar 2012

restaurants and recreational areas.

Tilal Offices: 40,000 square meters of four office buildings situated over five levels on top of the shopping mall are equipped with high-tech facilities and infrastructure to correspond with the ever changing IT and office communication technologies. One of the office buildings will be offering ‘Serviced Offices Facilities’ with an International Operator to provide world-class services for mobile business people and transcontinental entities from Oman and the GCC who love luxury.

Tilal Residence: 180 units housing one bedroom, two bedroom and three bedrooms in a luxurious ultramodern apartment with a sea view situated on five different levels on top of the mall.

Serviced Apartments: 110 units situated on top of the shopping mall, with food courts and an entertainment area with ultramodern facilities providing a world-class experience for visiting families and

tourists. Strategically located with a blend of services allowing business people peace of mind while families spend quality, leisure and relaxation time.

Health Club: Tilal Complex offers recreational facilities like health club designed to suit the elite standards and its modern equipment meet the demands of today’s lifestyles for high-class health services. One of the biggest health clubs in Oman, its 1,000 square meters cater to males and females in separate facilities such as gyms with the amenities as Jacuzzi, steam bath and temperaturecontrolled swimming pool.

The ground floor area of approximately 31,000 square meters provides department stores, grocery stores, retail shops, Arabian courts, etc. and covered car parks on two levels. The upper floor area of approximately 31,000 square meters provides department stores, retail shops, food courts, cafés, restaurants, Arabian courts, and entertainment.

PERI develops and produces formwork and scaffolding systems, which rationalize working procedures and increase safety levels during every phase of construction.

With its own technical design office using the latest CAD equipment and tailor-made engineering and site supervision support, PERI develops project specific solutions for each customer requirement.

Furthermore, our large stockyard capacity meets sale and rental demands and enables us to meet our customers’ needs timely and efficiently.

Sohar University Project, Muscat LICO – The lightweight column formwork for crane-independent forming Contractor Al Adrak Trading and Contracting L.L.C.

The Wave Project, Muscat SKYDECK – The aluminium panel slab formwork for slab thicknesses up to 95 cm Contractor Al Turki Enterprise L.L.C.

Our professionalism and know-how in the formwork and construction industry for commercial, industrial or infrastructure projects, makes us a strong and reliable partner of choice in the local, regional and international market.

Wadi Adai – Al Amerat Road, Muscat TRIO – The wall panel with few parts for fast forming Contractor Nagarjuna Construction Company

Wadi Adai – Bridge Piers, Muscat CB – The climbing system for all kinds of applications Contractor Nagarjuna Construction Company

OM PERI 11.285

PERI in Oman German Formwork, Scaffolding and Engineering for every Concrete Project PERI (L.L.C.) Representative Office in Oman Formwork Scaffolding Engineering Muscat, Sultanate of Oman Phone +968 (0)2.4 57 10 90 Fax +968 (0)2.4 57 10 50 perimct@perime.com www.perime.com

CONTRACTING

Soaring

Higher Teejan Trading & Contracting has made a strong entry in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi apart from strengthening its operations in areas such as oil & gas to move into the next phase of its success journey, says Fawzi Hamed Al Harrassy, Executive Director of Teejan Group of Companies. Excerpts of the conversation: What were the key achievements of 2011 and what are your expectations from 2012 for Teejan Trading & Contracting?

In 2011, we established ourselves in two different markets in the region. We established an office in Abu Dhabi and we have already secured some interesting projects there. We have also established an office in Jubayl, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). We already had an office for our group company Teejan Furnishing in KSA. Through Teejan Trading & Contracting, we have also entered into real estate development in KSA. We see a good potential for real estate development in KSA. Ofcourse, in Oman we are known as a good 22 DOSSIER  Jan - Mar 2012

and strong industrial contracting company and we want to take that experience to KSA and work in the Jubayl Industrial Zone to take advantage of the big projects that are coming up there. We have partnered with a like-minded company in KSA to make sure that we can access those projects and repeat our success story in a large market like KSA. We find partnership as the right model for us because if the partnership is well understood and structured, it leads to positive and mutually beneficial results for the partners.

The year 2011 was a challenging year in Oman. What has been your experience?

It was a mixed bag with its share of positives and negatives. In Oman,

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CONTRACTING

we focused on strengthening our knowledge, operations and management processes besides solidifying our relationship with relevant stakeholders say partners, employees and clients. Overall, we worked towards increasing our capabilities and achieved a high degree of success in it.

Having said that, it was not an easy year for anyone and we have also not been an exception. The projects have been the engine of growth in the market and in 2011, not many projects were awarded especially in our line of business in Oman. So it was quite challenging to maintain the fantastic growth momentum that we have generated in the last couple of years.

Thanks to our persistent efforts and our strong reputation in the market, Teejan Trading & Contracting managed to get some projects during the year. If we look at some of the key sectors, we are also known as one of the stronger player in the logistics sector.

We have built so many logistics’ centres. We are completing a job for the first wholesale fish market for Muscat Municipality along with the Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries Wealth. We have also recently bagged a contract with The Public Authority for Stores and Food Reserves. This job includes building of nine shades and warehouses in the wilayat of Al Kamil W’al Wafi, part of the Sharqiyah region.

On the manufacturing side, we have gained good experience on downstream of aluminium processing plants. We have been in this field and understand the business quite well that makes us the preferred choice for repeat business among our clients.

We are quite bullish on the power sector front. We understand that the demand growth in the power sector 24 DOSSIER Jan - Mar 2012

is pegged at 8 per cent year-on-year basis. That makes us look into this field very seriously. We are doing fire engineering work for a power plant in Salalah. We are going to make serious bids in the upcoming power plant projects in the country.

We have been doing works such as fire engineering in the oil & gas sector also. In 2011, we established ourselves quite strongly in the oil & gas. We had been serving this sector in the past also but now we are strategically positioning ourselves in this field to take advantage of the upcoming opportunities as the Sultanate is making serious efforts to expand the oil & gas reserves and production. We are not restricting ourselves to just civil work. We are looking at electromechanical and oil services’ capabilities as well to penetrate further in the sector.

We have been recently awarded the ISO 14001 for environment.

We have become one of the few companies in Oman to get such a coveted certification. In the contracting business, probably we are the first or the second one only to get ISO 14001 in the Sultanate.

This is a big achievement for us and with that we are gearing up ourselves for more oil & gas business.

Looking ahead, in 2012, we are also looking at getting more into infrastructure projects say ports and pipelines, etc. We have entered into partnerships with the right kind of companies internationally to make further inroads in the infrastructure sector.

What is your opinion about the large international companies working directly in local projects and their impact on the local business?

We do understand the nation’s commitment towards the international trade treaties and

agreements. We also understand the need to bring in foreign expertise in areas which have not been our strength so far. However, the protection and sustenance of local economy is also very important. We need to debate and further improve on our regulatory environment to ensure that international companies partner with Omani companies in the execution of projects in Oman. If the required human talent, services and products are available in Oman, the international companies should be encouraged, even mandated in certain cases, to make use of the locally available expertise.

Though this has already been happening, there is scope for further improvement in this regard.

Lastly, do you have the vision of making Teejan Trading & Contracting a pan-GCC player?

Absolutely! Oman has given us an opportunity to scale-up our business and build expertise in our areas of operations. Oman has been growing at a good pace and we are committed to be a part of the Sultanate’s march forward.

At the same time, we also believe that we should take the Omani flag beyond our boundaries by taking our expertise and knowledge to the neighbouring countries, strike partnerships with like-minded companies there and establish our business in overseas territories. This is part of our strategy to expand our business by becoming stronger in more industry segments and widen our horizon by entering new territories. This will help us to spread the risk and tap new opportunities. In fact, this has been our mantra from the beginning that’s why we have succeeded against all odds in a short span!

For more information, visit www.teejan.com

Paints & Coatings

The Science of Paints What goes into the formulation of paints and why are manufacturers shifting towards alternative paints

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Available in a staggering range of colours and finishes which possess different qualities, today, paint is as much as a decorative statement as it is a protective layer. Said to have been invented over 25,000 years ago, the formulation and manufacture of paints have come a long way since.

With advances in technology, stringent quality control tests are used to ensure consistency of products. Paints are inspected for qualities such as density and viscosity, and it is then applied to a surface to check drying rates, bleed resistance, fade resistance, texture and endurance. Spectral analysis is used to check that paint colour complies with the ISO standards for that specific colour. composition Basically, paint is made up of four components: binder, solvent, pigment and additives.

Binder: The binder, or resin, is the main ingredient and coats the surface of the painted object and is the actual film forming component of paint. It imparts adhesion, binds the pigments together, and strongly influences properties such as gloss potential, exterior durability, flexibility, and toughness. Binders include synthetic or natural resins such as acrylics, polyurethanes, polyesters, melamine resins, epoxy, or oils. Binders can be categorized according to drying, or curing, mechanism. The four most common are simple solvent evaporation, oxidative crosslinking, catalysed polymerization, and coalescence.

paints for use both indoors and outdoors to withstand all conditions.

The solvent in latex paint or house paint is water and keeps the paint as a liquid until it evaporates after the object is painted. Solvents are the main source of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) in paint.

Pigment: Pigments are added to give colour and coverage. They are very fine powder that have their own colour. Each pigment has its own chemical and physical properties such as: oil absorption, light resistance, weather resistance, drying rate, tinting strength, etc.

Additives: Additives enhance a specific characteristic of the paint.

Some accelerate drying time or prevent deterioration or prevent mould. Others might control foam, enhance adhesion, improve wetting, levelling and flow or even impart slip and gloss.

What we need to know Some of the most harmful chemicals

found in paint are volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. (The odour during the paint curing process comes from the evaporation of these compounds.) Most conventional paints contain high levels of VOCs and are known to diminish air quality.

VOCs are unstable, carbon-containing compounds that readily vaporize into the air and cause air pollution and a host of health issues including breathing problems, headaches, burning, watery eyes and nausea.

Some VOCs also have been linked to cancer, as well as kidney and liver damage. Although VOC levels are highest during and soon after painting, they continue seeping out for several years. In fact, only 50 percent of the VOCs may be released in the first year.

Paint-related products are one of the worst offenders. They’re the second largest source of VOC emissions into the atmosphere after automobiles and painters regularly exposed to paint vapours have an increased incidence of several types of cancers, impaired

Solvent: Solvents are used in paint manufacture to dissolve the different compounds used in the paint formulation such as colour and binder, making the paint the correct consistency for application. Once the paint has been applied the solvent evaporates, allowing the resin and pigment to produce a film of paint and to dry rapidly. Without solvents it would be difficult to produce durable, decorative and, in particular, glossy Jan - Mar 2012  DOSSIER

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Paints & Coatings

brain function, renal dysfunction and other health problems. Hence, consumers, contractors and safety officials have begun to demand safer alternatives. Enter low-VOC and noVOC paints, which are now widely available and sold by most major paint manufacturers.

Low-VOC: It is widely accepted that 50 grams of VOCs per litre or less to be low-VOC, and well-known manufacturers stick to that definition.

Low-VOC paint may not be low-odour (and vice-versa).

No-VOC: This type of paint has no VOCs at all. However, chemically sensitive people may still be sensitive to other paint components, which can also give off an odour. Not all zeroVOC paints are odour-free.

Nontoxic: This type of interior paint is also referred to as natural. These products are no-VOC and nonhazardous. Natural materials like plant dyes, linseed oil and milk protein are used instead of chemical components.

Nontoxic does not necessarily mean low-odour, however.

Yet another concern with paints is the use of lead. Lead’s poisonous properties have been known for a long time, so why was lead ever added to paint, and why is lead paint still being made? Usually paint relies on lead

28 DOSSIER Jan - Mar 2012

Lead can disrupt numerous crucial bodily functions, and is a potent blocker of receptors of glutamate, a neurotransmitter crucial for learning compounds for its colour (pigment).

White lead, or lead(II) carbonate (PbCO3), is a typical example, and was once widely used to paint wooden surfaces in homes. Other lead compounds, like vivid yellow lead chromate (PbCrO4), were used as coloured pigments. As well as giving the paint its tint, lead pigments are highly opaque, so that a relatively small amount of the compound can cover a large area. White lead is very insoluble in water, making the paint highly water-resistant with a durable, washable finish.

Unfortunately, when it comes to lead, the bad outweighs the good. Lead is toxic – especially for young children (since they are prone to ingesting it).

Ever since the 1950s, countries in the West have been phasing out the use of lead. However, lead-based decorative household paints are still being used in most countries in the East.

Lead can disrupt numerous crucial bodily functions, and is known to be a potent blocker of receptors of glutamate, a neurotransmitter crucial for learning. It is also able to displace a series of other metals from doing their normal job in the body - most significantly, calcium, iron

and zinc. It can also retard foetal development even at extremely low levels of lead. In adults, it can cause irritability, poor muscle coordination, and nerve damage to the sense organs and nerves controlling the body. Lead poisoning may also cause reproductive problems and may also increase blood pressure. Thus, young children, fetuses, infants, and adults with high blood pressure are the most vulnerable to the effects of lead.

A particular problem is that lead displaces the zinc from the enzyme delta-aminolaevulinate dehydratase, which is crucial for the biosynthesis of heme, the iron-binding part of the haemoglobin molecule that carries oxygen around the blood. This results in cells around the body being short of oxygen, causing a cascade of associated problems.

For the vast majority of uses, lead pigments have been replaced with titanium dioxide, which is so safe it’s also used in food colourings as well as in sunscreen. In the EU, lead paint can now only be used for the restoration and maintenance of works of art and historical buildings. In the US, lead paint can be used in limited industrial settings, such as to coat ships’ hulls.

Consumers – whether large scale contractors or domestic users – need to be made aware of the potential hazards in some formulations. Opting for low-VOC/no-VOC paints that are free of lead not only make it safer for families living there but also for employees who are constantly exposed to fumes which posed serious occupational health hazards.

Paints & Coatings - PRODUCT innovation

Walking the talk Berger Paints’ Royale Matt, wholly conceptualised and developed in Oman, is the first paint of its kind to hit the markets here and across the region…

O

ver the last couple of decades, in the western hemisphere, there has been a strong shift towards the manufacture and usage of non-toxic paints. Improvements in industrial methods and in occupational health standards have further abated the use of potentially harmful compounds in emulsions.

Unfortunately, the same does not necessarily hold true for the East.

parameters – APEO (Alkylphenol ethoxylates), a harmful group of contaminants and HAPs (Hazardous Air Pollutants). In terms of safety, Royale Matt is the first paint in Oman which is HAPs free.”

Yet another category that Berger Paints Oman has eliminated is lead and heavy metals. Lead is notorious for posing serious pulmonary, nervous and prenatal development risks. And extended exposure during the prenatal stages is said to cause stunted mental development or genetic disorders like autism.

Lead poisoning in adults is largely an occupational hazard but this too, may now be considerably avoided if not eliminated.

In markets primarily driven by intense competition, it is easy to slip under the radar. The result: the rampant use of products which are potentially harmful not only for the environment, but people as well.

However, in a ground-breaking move Berger Paints Oman has developed a revolutionary emulsion that has taken the region by storm. According to Rajarshi Banerjee, Senior Manager – Marketing, “Royale Matt was developed keeping in mind various construction practices in Oman.

For instance, unlike in other countries, here the painting is done by people who are not only painters – they do a lot of sundry work as well. As a result, people weren’t getting enough coverage.

Hence, we designed a product with what’s called TET – Transfer Efficient Technology. We picked a formulation so that it doesn’t stick to the roller so much, making the transfer efficiency higher.” The formulation was also developed to eliminate bad odour and make it pleasant-smelling. Banerjee believes that in order to call a 30 DOSSIER Jan - Mar 2012

product “high quality”, one needs to make it safe. Too often, we do not realise that our homes are the most polluting environments in which we live. Royale Matt, as a paint is one of safest available in the market today. “We eliminated Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC). Our product, Royale Matt is the first product in Oman that is GS11 compliant. GS11 Standard for LEED also comprises two other

Royale Matt is all this and more.

Available in 8000 odd shades, it is a product that is truly Omani.

From design to manufacturing, every single step was and still is being devised in the Sultanate – a feat otherwise unheard of. The technical team comprising five members (including an Omani researcher) spent two years developing the product. The formulation is now being shipped to their units in Qatar, Bahrain, UAE and as well as their export markets in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan. Currently, they are in the middle of transferring the technology.

“For the region, this was one of the first initiatives. Our plant is relatively small and we’ve been in the market for only 11 years now.

But as a team, we are extremely proud of what we have achieved.”

Paints & Coatings - SPONSORED FEATURE

Khimji Ramdas

Healthy Coat by Khimji’s Paints

Khimj’s Paints Division has been promoting a select range of Sherwin William’s unique high durability products in Oman

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emember the unbearable odour or the stinging sensation in your eyes, the last time you painted your home. An eye opening fact is that this is due to VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) that affects your family’s health. Irritation in the eyes and various respiratory disorders are all adverse effects of the paints which have high VOC content.

Khimj’s Paints Division is a name synonymous to beautiful homes and has been using paints which emit less VOC’s. The result safer for your eyes, skin and respiratory disorders.

So the next time you paint your home, remember choosing paints without VOC’s is as important as choosing the shade. VOC’s in paints affect your family’s health.

It has been Khimji’s continuous endeavour to introduce value added products and services in the Omani market. Incidentally, both Khimji Ramdas which was established in 1870 and Sherwin Williams established in 1866 are organizations of the same vintage.

Khimji Ramdas has been marketing their varied range of highly durable and eco-friendly paints in Oman.

“Khimji’s Paints has been promoting a select range of Sherwin William’s unique high durability products in Oman. We have not only been painting dream homes with our own brand called Permoglaze but also Sherwin William Paints, having a variety of interior and exterior paints with low VOC,” says Kamat, Division Manager – Paints.

durable interior water based Green sure coating with outstanding washability, moisture resistance and very low odour due to low VOC. It has resistance to most stains which can be wiped off without scrubbing using only plain water.

Ideal for health care, hospitality offices and schools.

Sherwin Williams has found innovative ways to make coatings that are complaint with even the most stringent environmental regulations. Sherwin Williams believes that the optimal green coating should do two thingsminimize impact on air quality and deliver maximum performance.

Keeping this in mind, Sherwin Williams has developed the Green Sure symbol to identify the products that meet these standards. Sherwin Williams is a total coating solutions provider and manufactures a wide range of products covering aerospace, automotive, industrial and marine and decorative coatings for all surfaces.

In addition to Khimji Paints providing a healthy range of paints from Sherwin Williams with less VOC, here are more reasons to choose these paints: Duration Home: This is a highly

Progreen 200: Delivers an attractive uniform finish while being environment friendly and demanding budgets This is a highly washable interior water based coating available in matt finish. It has low odour due to low VOC and excellent hiding. ideal for use in schools and other interiors while its durability and competitive pricing are perfect for new commercial construction applications.

Loxon Concrete & Masonry Primer is an acrylic coating specifically engineered for interior and exterior, above-grade, masonry surfaces requiring a high performance primer, can be applied to surfaces with a PH level as high as 13 without efflorescence problems, helps bridge hairline cracking.

Resilience: A 100% acrylic exterior coating delivers superior hide and durability in wet or dry climates specially formulated with break through ‘Moisture Guard’ technology, meets and exceeds environmental regulations by a limited lifetime warranty against peeling and blistering.

Contact:Tel: 24852699 Email: khimjis@khimjiramdas.com Website: www.khimji.com Jan - Mar 2012 DOSSIER

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Paints & Coatings - SPONSORED FEATURE

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he Maestro range from Hempel consisting of a selection of emulsions and enamels, together with a variety of textured finishes, formulated to satisfy the needs of professional applicators has become a huge success in Oman market.

Hempel paints (Oman)

Balancing performance and customer value

Hempel’s Maestro range of products have met the diverse requirementsof professional coating applicators and contractors in Oman

It offers the user a wide variety of products from which to choose from.

These finishes, supplemented by quality primer, sealers and fillers allow the painter to offer a complete Hempel Maestro decorative system ensuring optimum performance.

Maestro range of products has been engineered for the civil project side of our business, essentially large scale commercial and residential developments,” says Jacob Kuruvilla, Country Manager, Hempel Oman. Our aim with this assortment is to deliver a range of products that meets the diverse requirements of professional coating applicators and contractors,” he said.

Many of the products in the Maestro range have been well established as good, solid products in the regional market for some time. However the rebranding exercise which was launched has allowed us to review, rationalize and where necessary, improve on our existing product assortment and provide a more concise and focused range of products, said Jacob.

Adding value to the customer is the key message of the Maestro initiative.” What we have found during the research process for Maestro rebranding is that most ranges of professional products tend to lack flexibility in terms of selection of finishes available to the consumer.

Therefore, we have tried to offer with the Maestro range a full complement 32 DOSSIER Jan - Mar 2012

of decorative and protective products, be it Matt, Flat or Silk finishes for internal substrates or Fine, Medium or Course textures for the protection of external surfaces,” said Jacob.

The Maestro assortment consists of three product levels, each available in three distinctive finishes, for both internal and external cementitious, timber and metallic surfaces.

What we have discovered during this process is that the Hempel position in the Oman market has been built on a reputation of quality and service, and whereas we have always provided products of unquestionable quality, we also need to acknowledge the needs of all market segments. Therefore as part of the Maestro assortment we have introduced the Maestro PRO range, consisting of three products PRO Sealer, PRO Filler and PRO Emulsion, all specifically intended for large commercial projects,” Jacob said.

On the impact of global financial

climate on Hempel’s outlook for Oman market, Jacob said, “Of course Hempel are aware of the growing sense of uncertainty in the regional markets, and have acted quickly to take the necessary steps to understand the situation and its possible impact on Hempel business”.

There are many ways in which we can mitigate the impact of any future slowdown, the Maestro re-branding exercise being a good example of Hempel aligning ourselves with our regional partners elsewhere in the Gulf, allowing us to take advantage of our regional presence and scale.

Clearly Hempel are a much stronger and more resilient organization when embracing the global Hempel policy of One Hempel Everywhere,” Jacob concluded.

Contact: 24497661 Fax: 24498663 Email: hempel@omantel.net.om

profile

Urban Elegance Bespoke Design, part of the distinguished Ahmed Mohsin Trading Group, offers customers an exquisite array of products from six leading international brands

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omes today have seen a vivid transformation, characterised by expansive spaces and designed in order to reflect cosmopolitan lifestyles. Bespoke Design not only addresses this changing trend, but goes the extra mile to satisfy clients’ discerning tastes. From elegant kitchens to luxurious bathrooms and sanitary ware – Bespoke Design seamlessly balances aesthetics and functionality.

spread over 500 square metres and features six leading international luxury brands namely, Dornbracht, Keuco, Laufen, Nolte, Grohe, and Teuco.

Their passion of design and interiors translates into their choice of products. The showroom, located in the burgeoning area of Al Khuwair, is

Keuco: When it comes to bathroom designs, no one does it better than Keuco. A brand synonymous with luxury, Keuco fuses beauty in the

Dornbracht: Dornbracht is defined by quality, functionality and good design. Couple that with superb craftsmanship and you have products that are benchmarks of accomplished design. Be it bathrooms, kitchens or interiors – Dornbracht is sure to take your lifestyle to a whole new level.

bathroom with uncompromising functionality. Their concepts are harmonious, intelligent and designed for maximum comfort. And with a diverse range of offerings, the brand is sure to fulfil the tastes of even the most discerning clients.

Laufen: Yet another leader in sanitaryware, Laufen effortlessly integrates contemporary designs within architectural concepts. It takes great pride in its Swiss traditions and the marriage of two schools of design – Swiss and Italian, which make its products some of the best in the world and help protect the natural foundations of life.

Nolte Kuchen: Modern day kitchens have moved from their staple functional role to that of a hub of household activity for families and in some cases used even for entertaining. One of Germany’s largest brands, Nolte Kuchen strives to make kitchens a better, more userfriendly place. With its pioneering innovations, impeccably high standards of technology, materials and design, Nolte Kuchen has gone to become one of the leading suppliers of designer kitchens in the Sultanate of Oman.

Grohe: Grohe is yet another crown jewel among Bespoke Design’s product portfolio. Europe’s largest and the world’s leading singlebrand manufacturer and supplier of sanitary fittings, Grohe is certainly setting the standards in quality, technology and design.

Teuco: Teuco caters to all your bathroom needs – from bathtubs and taps to steam rooms, showers, hydro spas, and Jacuzzis. Exquisite Italian craftsmanship combined with an unmatched quality makes Teuco the best in its field. Teuco is truly where luxury meets convenience.

Bespoke Design brings to clients all this and more, under one roof.

Now in its ‘soft opening’ phase, the firm has already begun receiving a phenomenal response from customers. It is their strong belief that customer satisfaction extends beyond providing quality products.

In this regard, the firm has a team of creative, friendly professionals to meet any additional requirements that the client should require.

They place absolute importance on understanding the needs and wishes of their clients and constantly aim to deliver an uncompromisingly high standard.

INTERVIEW

Smart Solutions When it comes to adopting intelligent systems for security systems – biometrics is no longer a far-off and out of reach technology, thanks to Al Madina Development & Supplies LLC ID theft problems are becoming more widespread throughout the world, and adoption of biometrics is the most secure way to verify a person’s identity and ensure peace of mind, while providing a reliable solution for consumers who can finally say goodbye to that confusing plethora of passwords.

Al Madina Development & Supply LLC is at the helm of bringing advanced biometrics technology to Oman. The company is in a strategic partnership which has been researching and developing intelligent card technology since 2004. It is utilising expertise in the fields of micro-electronics manufacturing, software operating system architecture, cryptography and custom moulding to build an advanced biometric card solution.

Al Madina Development & Supply LLC has a stellar reputation for implementing new technologies and Sheila Jamal, the company’s CEO has been instrumental in spearheading the introduction of intelligent cards.

Sheila Jamal, CEO, Al Madina Development & Supply LLC

I

n today’s fast-paced electronic driven world, people are expected to remember and recall an overwhelmingly large amount of information. From PINs and 36 DOSSIER Jan - Mar 2012

passwords for a whole host of applications such as email, bank cards, computer access to residential or commercial premises/buildings, etc.

As a direct result of this, ID fraud and

Established in Oman in 1984, Al Madina Development & Supply LLC has registered a steady growth in the areas of information technology, system integration, telecommunication services, Auto ID solutions, wireless networking, enterprise mobility solutions and security products. The company, with an excellent track record, has built a strong relationship with the Government identities in Oman through its invaluable contribution to e-government services and support to the nation through use

INTERVIEW

of local resources and by providing training to promote Omanisation. Its exponential growth has catapulted it into the global arena with a wide network of renowned partners and affiliated offices.

Al Madina Development & Supply’s initiative to bring the intelligent card system to the Sultanate demonstrates the company’s commitment to exceed the industry requirements and delivery the best quality of services to its customers. Leader in the field of secured documents’ production, the company operates a world-renowned printing firm, Security Printing Press of Oman LLC. Drawing on the vast knowledge and skill base of its employees, the company produces highly secured documents such as passports, secure identity cards, visa stickers, MICR cheques, holographic/ hologram stickers, and various bureau services.

The company has built a strong reputation in Oman, gaining respect of many IT industry experts for its forward thinking. Leading the drive for IT industry in the Sultanate, Al Madina Development & Supply has introduced scores of innovative products and turnkey solutions.

Continuing on this path, the introduction of the intelligent card system to its large portfolio of stateof-the-art technologies, the company is set to revolutionise security systems in the Sultanate of Oman.

Given rampant identity fraud and identity theft problems across the globe today, it has become even more critical to find ways and methods to verify that the holder of an ID token is in fact its rightful owner. The adoption of biometrics is one of the most accurate methods to do this, and experts are unanimous in the belief that the future of security lies in the realm of biometric technology.

Supporting this vision, Sheila Jamal says, “The integration of biometrics into daily life is an irreversible trend. We believe that if you have 38 DOSSIER Jan - Mar 2012

not already been confronted with this issue, you will soon be. In fact, most governments around the world are investigating methods to use biometrics to verify the identity of its citizens for such fundamental cards, driving license, health insurance, medical cards and even passports.”

Government bodies like immigration, passport control, border control, Ministries of Health, municipalities, defence and others are not the only organisations that can benefit from the intelligent card systems. The system can be installed by any business or company for secured access, logical (computer/network) access, identity verification and for remote/offline ID verification

database, thus eliminating the risk of ID theft and fraud. The CaptureStore-Match (CSM) technology provides highly secured biometric identification solutions for secured access applications, preventing finger sniffing and other flaws that can occur with systems that transmit fingerprint data over a network as with match-on-card systems. It is a biometric card that provides realtime fraud and ID theft prevention at the point of sale, without connection to a backend system!

According to Sheila Jamal, they have conducted a number of intelligent card system demonstrations for several corporate, financial institutions,

The company has built a strong reputation in Oman, gaining the respect of many IT industry experts for its forward thinking in locations where no network is available. The cards can not only store biometric data but also has 1MB (or large memory capacity sufficient) of on board memory sufficient to store personal information, while simultaneously making them applicable for identity tokens such as credit cards.

The manufactured intelligent card is a moulded card (similar in size to a standard credit card) with mechanisms in place to protect the information on the chip embedded in it. The system employs fingerprint technology, using a biometric sensor that captures, stores, and matches biometric information directly on the card. This allows an individual to store their fingerprints in their own card as opposed to storing the biometric data in a central

banks and government agencies.

“The response has been universally positive. The intelligent card system is a practical way for companies and businesses to adopt biometrics into their requirements to verify an individual’s identity, no matter what the application is.”

The appeal of Intelligent Card system is that even though it is an advanced technology, it is extremely straightforward to use, with systems that have been engineered for easy installation with no infrastructure cost if widely deployed in society.

So, if you don’t want to compromise safety, security and wish to cut out the inconveniences inherent with standard identification systems, then Al Madina Development & Supply can provide you with the smartest security solution around.

FORMWORK

On a solid footing Harald A. Hartung, Managing Director, Doka Muscat LLC discusses their strategies and expectations from the industry in 2012 and beyond

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oka Muscat LLC, part of the global Doka Group, is renowned for providing construction companies with high-performing, safe and dependable formwork solutions; system components; wall, floor, load-bearing, and safety systems as well as comprehensive consulting, planning and service offerings. Doka began operations in Muscat, Oman in 2009 and has managed to effectively ride the tide that has cropped up in the construction industry, especially the past year.

Due to the slowdown in projects and various social and economic instabilities the construction industry on the whole has seen a slump. Along with that, stiff competition among contractors and the pressure to lower costs have made it hard for most companies to operate. Nonetheless, Hartung remains optimistic.

“Summarising last year, we can say volume-wise we are on track. Of course, it can never be enough, but we are satisfied. The price sensitivity of the market is higher than I expected.

It seems as though the contractors are a bit nervous with increased competition and unfortunately, some of the contractors are going back to the old methods of cost-cutting. Clients are under pressure to perform and cut

corners when it comes to technology, modernisation and sometimes even safety. But I am confident that this year, it will all come back on the right track with a renewed focus on technology, sustainability, value engineering.”

Hartung explains that their priority is not financials, but instead, establishing themselves in the market as a reliable and highquality formwork supplier. “We are still new in the market and believe that if you’re in expansion phase, your preliminary target is not making money. Your target is to get established – to make sure your products and services are known.

And from this point of view we can say we have reached our target and by further increasing and streamlining our business, we are confident that this year we will be able to turn that around.”

For 2012, Doka has a few things already in the pipeline and have decided to go into each quarter with a different kind of marketing/ PR strategy. Instead of flooding clients with information regarding their various products and services, Hartung believes that the right approach would be to focus on one

Doka will focus strongly on HSE and work towards making clients aware of efficient ways to drastically increase safety standards 40 DOSSIER Jan - Mar 2012

aspect at a time and thus reach their target audience. “In order to be more focused, the first three months will be a kind of repetition; reminding our existing clients and all others we can reach, about our presence, about the full range of our capabilities so that the brand name of Doka is refreshed in the minds.”

In the second quarter, Doka will be focussing mainly on their services.

Well-known for their sophisticated internal systems; a highly modern, state-of-the-art IT network that allows them to be in touch with their peers in their offices worldwide; and efficient data processing times, Doka promises clients round-the-clock services. Yet another offering, would be their pre-assembly services. “So far we deliver single components of our hardware. Where needed, we send one of our supervisors or engineers in order to demonstrate to clients, the assembly into usable panels. And here we shall extend our services further.”

Depending on the needs of the clients, Doka will be offering clients the option to assemble the formwork by themselves or by a special team provided by Doka. “Now, the contractors can get first-class, professional assembly within a very short-time as well as appropriate training facilities for a very nominal price.” The company also provides maintenance of the formwork for clients. They have the knowledge, machines, tools and trained workforce to maintain all formwork and keep it operational for years on end. This move will hopefully see an upswing with respect to a shift towards modern building methodologies.

Apart from this, Doka will be focusing very strongly on Health, Safety and Security (HSE) and constantly work towards making clients aware of efficient ways to drastically increase safety standards. “Safety issues are cropping up more and more.

Normally, it should be the top most priority, but contractors have been pushing the envelope and we are going to highlight this issue.”

“In Q3,” says Hartung, “we will be introducing to the market what we call the ‘Slim-line’. We will be making professional systemised formwork affordable for smaller contractors. And finally, in the fourth quarter we go back to what we started with – a focus on civil engineering.

It will, ultimately depend on how we see the market develop. But we hope that by the end of 2012, the brand name as well as our philosophy is imprinted onto the minds of all our contractors.”

Currently, Doka is involved with a number of prestigious projects across Oman. The LuLu Hypermarket extension in Bowsher is one such project. It is considered to be one of the fastest moving construction projects in Oman and a prime example of how modernised systems help streamline activities with minimum losses. Talks are also underway for various other residential and non-residential projects – including dualisation of the famed Sur expressway – and Hartung is confident that these will boost their civil engineering capabilities.

Harald A. Hartung, Managing Director, Doka Muscat LLC

Ultimately, Hartung wants contractors to know that formwork is a vital part of any construction project. “Instead on focusing on alternate options, approach us. We have a highly-trained team who are capable of providing comprehensive consulting – we can offer multiple solutions, based on your timeframe and budget as well as sketch up different prospects from which you can choose which way to go.” It is indeed that simple.

Jan - Mar 2012 DOSSIER

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profile

the leading edge Sharikah Fanniyah Omaniyah (Muscat) LLC (SFO) specialises in design, manufacture, sales, installation, commissioning and maintenance of a wide range of products and specialties

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stablished in 1967, Sharikah Fanniyah Omaniyah (Muscat) LLC, popularly known as SFO, is the most renowned and leading corporate brand in the Sultanate of Oman. SFO has a state of the art manufacturing setup for switch gear and controls manufacturing, stainless steel fabrication factory for commercial kitchen equipment. SFO also represents over 60 leading global brands in wide spectrum of business and services in Oman. These diverse activities and services of SFO make it as an integral part of life for everyone in Sultanate of Oman for more than 45 years.

SFO specialises in design, manufacture, sales, installation, commissioning and maintenance of a wide range of products and specialties. Principally, these are Complete Interiors Solutions - from tiling to flooring, office furniture, storage and security solutions, home furniture, modular kitchens and appliances, catering and laundry equipment, commercial air conditioning and refrigeration, water treatment and bulk chemicals, steam boilers, RO plants, technical sales and service, switch gear and controls and stainless steel fabrication factory.

SFO has a team of managers, sales executives, engineers and highly skilled technicians who work towards offering choice world class products, value and services to ensure the customer delight.

Commercial Catering and Laundry Equipment SFO is the pioneer in commercial catering and laundry equipment services in Sultanate of Oman.

Started the operations in 1967, the catering and laundry division has grown in strengths and always exceeding the customer satisfaction through world class designs, products and services. It is of little wonder that SFO is the first choice of customers in the Sultanate of Oman for commercial catering and laundry equipment.

SFO has a dedicated team of managers, engineers and highly skilled technicians who offer complete solutions – from design to installation – for commercial catering and laundry industries. SFO also has a strong team for after-sales service which provides round the clock service to clients.

The company has completed many prestigious projects in Oman which includes commercial kitchens for private institutions; small as well as five start hotels; and for government offices like Royal Court of Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Petroleum Development Oman, Royal Air Force of Oman, Mobile kitchen for the Army, Air Force and Royal Flight to name a few. SFO also specialises in marine kitchens and mobile kitchens design and installation.

We are flexible and offer complete tailor-made solutions to our esteemed customers.

SFO also represents over 60 leading global brands in wide spectrum of business and services in Oman 42 DOSSIER  Jan - Mar 2012

profile

technical equipment, replacement and spare parts covering commercial kitchen and laundry, Air conditioning and refrigeration, custom fabricated neutral equipment and Electro mechanical equipment.

They have an exclusive technical sales counter at Wadi Kabir, Muscat to serve retail clients.

And their major stock items cover Foster Thermal adhesives and insulation material, Danfoss compressors, Copeland/Prestcold compressors and condensing units, air conditioning and refrigeration control and contactors, Tecumseh, refrigerant gases, copper tubes and fittings and many more.

Water treatment and chemicals SFO water treatment and chemicals division offers a complete range of chemical and mechanical water treatment programmes and represent some of the best world known companies in the industry.

The water treatment division also provides solutions for filters, softeners and RO plants. SFO water treatment division also deals in sales and installation of steam boilers and accessories.

Sadiq Al Matwani, CEO, Sharikah Fanniyah Omaniyah (Muscat) LLC

SFO Catering and Laundry division represents the following brands: MKN, Germany; Williams Refrigeration, UK; Falcon, UK; Victor, UK; Ice-O-Matic , USA; IMK , UK; BONGARD, Germany; Bravillor Bonamat, Netherland; P&L , UK; WOTEK, USA; Sofinor, France; and Santos, France Commercial Refrigeration and Air-conditioning SFO has been in the forefront for commercial refrigeration and air 44 DOSSIER Jan - Mar 2012

conditioning since 1967 and have an unending list of successful installation and satisfied customers for years. Their success story of commercial refrigeration and air conditioning installations could be viewed throughout various locations in the Sultanate. Installations include Palaces, Ministries, PDO offices, Defence, Hotels, Hospitals and many other commercial business centers.

Technical Sales SFO Technical sales division is a one stop shop for all buying related to

Stainless Steel Fabrication Factory Innovation and creativity has been the way of life for SFO Fabrication factory. They have a modern manufacturing setup with high skilled technicians to produce the world class products. “Qualifab” from the house of SFO, is a true, value for money utility which can be tailor made to suit all customer requirements. Their wide product range includes stainless steel wash troughs, single/double/triple bowl sinks, various types of canopies, wall and floor cupboards, stainless steel tables and trolleys, high pressure stock pot stoves, chapatti maker, char grills, drain channels, all types of duct work to name few.

Service for Oman

World Class Panels From SFO

Qualicontrols

SFO Advantages:-

SFO Switchgear Products:-

• An ISO 9001:2008 certied Company • State-of-the art manufacturing facility • Trained and skilled manpower • World class quality p roducts • Fast delivery schedules • Competitive price • Dedicated after sales support • Business association with leading Global Companies • ASTA fully type tested panels

• Feeder Pillars • MDB, SMDB, DB’s • MCC panels • PCC panels • AMF and Synchronizing panel • LVAC Panel • Control & relay panels • VFD and all types of control panels

Call Today: +968 24815970 Fax: +968 24810706 SHARIKAH FANNIYAH OMANIYAH (MUSCAT) LLC P.O. Box: 1949, Ruwi, P.C. 112, Sultanate Of Oman Tel: 24704400, Website: www.sfomuscat.com

Metals & Mining

Opportunities Galore

Expansion plans and overseas projects mark some significant milestones in the metals and mining industries of Oman blast operations in Q1 2011; and started exploration activities in Kazakhstan as well.

T

he Sultanate has been investing heavily in large gas-based industries, tourism resorts and infrastructure facilities across the country in an apparent move to diversify its sources of income. There has been a shift in industrial strategy in recent years to concentrate on industries in which the Sultanate has a competitive advantage.

Mining is one such area in which the Sultanate has seen a positive upswing. Oman is a country rich in certain natural resources like oil and natural gas, copper, aluminium and industrial minerals such as gypsum and limestone. And the exploration and the development of mineral resources have been on the agenda. The entire country has been geologically mapped, and there are laboratory facilities equipped to handle all types of investigations related to mineral exploration, as well as geophysical surveying and aerial photography.

The adoption of such systematic 46 DOSSIER Jan - Mar 2012

programmes for developing and exploiting the mineral wealth has reaped great benefits.

Several mega projects have been coming up and thriving in different parts of the country, with an active involvement of multifunctional firms.

These projects, mainly gas-based industries, have attracted sizeable foreign direct investment. The major industries and infrastructure projects coming up in the economy include Sohar Aluminium, Jindal Shadeed Iron and Steel, Oman Petrochemical Industries Company, Al Duqm Drydock and more.

Mawarid Mining, a wholly-owned subsidiary of MB Holding Company, was established to explore and develop mining opportunities in Oman and internationally. Last year, was a good in terms of plant as well as capacity expansion.

The company reported delivery of more than 2000MT of copper in concentrate; a full-fledged treatment of Safwa; commenced drill and

Sohar Aluminium also announced a USD 3 billion upgrade to its facilities and celebrated a new production milestone when it produced its one millionth tonne of aluminium last year. It also announced that 56 per cent of its spend was in the local market which equated to US$50 million for the year 2010 and a 0.6 per cent contribution to the Oman’s GDP. Sohar Aluminium also hosted the first annual ARABAL conference which saw a broad spectrum of participants including many international and regional leaders in the aluminium and associated industry sectors.

In the second quarter last year Vale celebrates the start of pellet production at its first pelletizing plant of its industrial complex in Soha. The US$ 1.356 billion pelletizing plant and distribution centre now serves as a hub catering to the growing demand of iron ore products in the Middle East, North Africa and India. Vale’s industrial complex in Sohar comprises a twounit pelletizing plant, each with a nominal capacity of 4.5 million metric tons of direct reduction pellets per year, in addition to a distribution centre with an annual capacity of 40 million metric tonne per year. And in recent reports the organisation has confirmed that it will be investing USD 12.9 billion this year to implement mining projects in the Sultanate. Vale is to set up a virtual iron ore mine to expand its services as well as boost its output capacity and technologies – a move that will see an increase in Oman’s steel production.

9001:2008

5CT – 0861 6A – 1054 6D – 0902

Advanced Oileld Technology Company LLC (AOTC) (A Member of Al Sulaimi Group) P.O. Box 1693, Ruwi, P.C. 112, Sultanate of Oman • Tel: (+968) 24503744 • Fax: (+968) 24503757 E-mail: info@aotcglobal.com • Website: www.aotcglobal.com Way No. 6428, Building No. 1670, Location: Ghala Industrial Area

iron & steel

D.K. Saraogi, Executive President and Head, Jindal Shadeed Iron & Steel LLC

A Positive Outlook With clear cut growth strategies and ambitious expansion plans, iron and steel doyens, Jindal Shadeed, are set to take the industry on a whole new level 48 DOSSIER  Jan - Mar 2012

Kindly give us an overview of 2011.

2011 was a successful year. We produced more than one million tonnes of HBI during the year which is around 70 per cent of the capacity of the plant. We fared excellent in all fields and housekeeping, safety and security of our plant were exemplary.

We also took up many CSR activities for the development of neighbourhood places for a better living of the people and at the same time achieved targeted

iron & steel

production in the year 2011.

What were some of the challenges that you met the past year and how are you planning on turning things around during 2012?

The global economic environment affected out production and marketing of steel. Our present product is Hot Briquetted Iron (HBI) only. Demand for HBI, which is a raw material to Steel Making Processes (EAF), has become lean and hence market got affected. During 2012, we will have to devise ways and means to cut down expenditure to sustain within the industry. We have been taking many cost control measures and up-grading the plant and equipment, to be more competitive in the present scenario.

What will be Jindal Shadeed’s growth strategy for 2012? Are you looking at other valueadded projects?

Our growth strategy for the coming year will focus on the enhancement of production by using oxygen from our captive Air Separation Unit. We are presently producing DRI which is the raw material for steel making processes to produce value added Semifinished- Billet/Blooms/Rounds and Finished products – Rebars, Pipes, different sections. We have started our downstream expansion plans by the addition of 2 MTPA

SMS equipment. Around 70 per cent of construction and erection activities are scheduled to be completed in 2012.

How has your expansion plans fared? What are on the charts for JSIS in terms of expansion and production?

Expansion plans have been begun and going on as per plan. Our first phase expansion includes the addition of downstream facilities: 2 million tonne per annum capacity (MTPA) Steel Melt Shop- Electric Arc Furnace, Ladle Furnace, Vacuum Degasser, Round cum Billet/Bloom Caster- to produce Semi-finished Rounds, Blooms and Billets by mid-2013.

The second phase expansion includes, Rolling Mills to convert Semi-finished material in to finished pipes, different sections, rebars etc. And the third phase expansion involves a 7.5 MTPA Pelletizing Plant.

What’s your outlook on Oman’s engineering and manufacturing industries? What are the strengths and weakness and what are the scopes for improvement?

Oman has investment potential as there are infrastructure development plans like railways, Roads, real estate, Port etc.

Investment friendly atmosphere has been one of the major

Our growth strategy for the coming year will focus on the enhancement of production by using oxygen from our captive Air Separation Unit 50 DOSSIER Jan - Mar 2012

advantages for our decision to expand present plans. However, availability of raw materials, skilled manpower, equipment and spares are some of the main challenges for the Industry.

With Investment friendly Government initiatives, we can overcome the weaknesses and march ahead with expansion plans for the overall development of The Nation.

What are your predictions for 2012 in terms of growth and projects in Oman?

We are aiming towards selfreliance of the Sultanate of Oman in the field of Iron & Steel and its overall Development.

Development of Steel Industry in Oman is vital for the growth of National Economy. This reduces imbalances in the region, creates employment thereby increasing per capita income for a sustainable growth. Jindal Shadeed with its vast experience has the ability to create steel making capability of Oman. Steel Production and Consumption in a country is a vital indicator of development and financial stability.

We are also interested in mining and processing of minerals. We are evaluating options to set up mining related industries.

We see very good prospective future for Steel Industry in a year or two. By that time we should be ready with our product. We are going to enter into market with new finished steel products in about two years’ time. The collective support of Jindal Steel with the addition of upstream and downstream facilities to the present plant, OMAN will cater to the strong demand for steel in the GCC and MENA countries.

cables & wiring

drivers of change

Oman Cables Industry SAOG (OCI) has always focused on sustainable business development. Hussain bin Salman Al Lawati, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, explains how OCI has ridden the tide in 2011 and shares the company’s plans for the upcoming year

O

man Cables Industry, one of the fastest growing organisations in Oman, has been going from strength to strength since its inception in 1984. Today, OCI’s product portfolio includes Low Voltage and Medium Voltage Cables, Building Wires, Instrumentation Cables, Overhead Transmission Line Conductors, Special Purpose Cable and Wiring Solutions for Oil & Gas, such as lead sheath cables – all of which are manufactured in their state-of-the-art facility in the Rusayl Industrial Estate.

According to Al Lawati, 2011 was a year of many challenges but all which provided the company opportunities to learn. Given that OCI’s activities are not only limited to the local market, the company did feel the impact of the political and economical turmoil across the globe – be it the Eurozone Crisis or the slowdown of the American economy.

The Asian markets proved to be more favourable, particularly Indian and China. “I have maintained that 2011 is a year of survival,” says Al Lawati. “And if one takes a look at our performance in the third quarter of 2011, I believe that we have not only survived, but emerged quite successfully.” Indeed, the financial reports issued by the company do reflect positive figures. According

52 DOSSIER Jan - Mar 2012

to the report, OCI achieved a Net Profit of Rial Omani 4.3 million (for nine months ending on September 30, 2011). Sales for the same period reached Rial Omani 212.5 million – an increase of 34.5 per cent over the same period the previous year.

Despite this, Al Lawati affirms that just looking at the figures does not help judge a company’s performance.

“At the end of the day we are manufacturers and for that you need someone to consume the products.

And of course if you don’t have enough revenues, there won’t be enough projects, and if there aren’t enough projects then there isn’t enough market for you. They [the figures] are indicators for the health of an organisation, but at the same time, it is vital to ensure that the business development model is based on sustainability. The challenges that we faced in 2011 have allowed us to learn more about the different dimensions of our operations.”

Despite the economic turmoil within the region and beyond, OCI has maintained their axiom of sustainability and innovation. “We haven’t stopped investing. We’ve now moved towards innovation investment rather than production investment. There’s no doubt that an organisation can produce high quality products. The key is maintaining and sustaining it. Our process of continuous accreditations has helped us in maintaining the standards and has given us a stronger foothold in the international markets.”

On this vein, OCI has been working on setting up a new, state-of-the-art testing centre. The project, estimated to cost around Rial Omani 1 million, will be built on their site in Rusayl.

Al Lawati is confident that this centre will contribute a different dimension to the quality of their products as well as provide assurance to existing clients and customers of their

OCI has been working on setting up a new, state-of-the-art testing centre...estimated to cost around Rial Omani 1 million

cables & wiring

Hussain bin Salman Al Lawati, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Oman Cables Industry

commitment towards quality and excellence. It will also significantly cut down the testing process to two months, which now takes about a couple of years. Already in the design stage, groundwork is expected to begin shortly and the facility is expected to become fully functional by the last quarter of 2012.

Apart from this, OCI has also added a new product line which specifically caters to the Oil & Gas industry.

The product is a special kind of insulation that protects cables from oil and other solvents. “Although this product is popularly used in the oil and gas industry, we have invested in high technology and taken great health and safety measures for our employees who work and operate the lathe. We have also ensured that the insulation as a product does not harm the environment.”

Joint Ventures Associated Cables Private Limited (ACPL), is a joint venture between OCI and Draka Holding NV, from 54 DOSSIER Jan - Mar 2012

The Netherlands. Draka Holding N.V. is engaged in the development, production and sale of cables and cable systems and operates an extensive network of companies worldwide. Currently, it owns a majority equity stake in ACPL in partnership with OCI. ACPL has a well known brand in manufacturing and good facilities in India. (ISO ISO 9001:2000 certified).

“ACPL is much smaller than Oman Cables in terms of revenue. But we have operated this company very successfully. 2011 was a good year for ACPL compared to 2010, and now we are working on further restructuring the company. We must remember that although the Indian economy has done reasonably well, it too, has been affected by the economic crises and there wasn’t much investment. These have affected Indian projects but overall, ACPL has met shareholders’ expectations.”

Way Forward OCI has been steadily maintaining

the market share between 70 to 80 per cent. However, Al Lawati confirms that the local market utilises just 40 per cent of the plant’s production capacity; 60 per cent of OCI’s production goes into exports.

He believes that the best way forward is for companies within the same economy to support each other.

“From a sound, economic point of view, I believe that companies as well as Government authorities need to focus more on the quality and reliability of products available, with a stronger emphasis on national Omani goods and services.”

Only then, believes Al Lawati, will there be opportunities for employment and growth. “There is a lot of scope within the current industries, especially on the manufacturing front. However, we need to go further down the line to diversify our offerings. Even today, basic components are majorly imported from foreign countries.

These are the areas that we need to pinpoint and exploit.”

Sultan al Aamri Muna Al Sh fari Ahmed al Mamari Ame Toqi Essa al Lamki Sultan al T EXTRAORDINARY Ahmed Al OMANIS. Busaidi and Hamad Sulaimi Nagmah al sharji A m A NATION OF TALENTED SUPER ACHIEVERS. ni al Balushi Shadiya al Ism Sultan al Aamri Muna Al Sh fari Ahmed al Mamari Ame Toqi Essa al Lamki Sultan al T Ahmed Al Busaidi and Hamad Sulaimi Nagmah al sharji A m ni al Balushi Shadiya al Ism Sultan al Aamri Muna Al Sh fari Ahmed al Mamari Ame Toqi Essa al Lamki Sultan al T Ahmed Al Busaidi and Hamad Sulaimi Nagmah al sharji A m ni al Balushi Shadiya al Ism Sultan al Aamri Muna Al Sh fari Ahmed al Mamari Ame Toqi Essa al Lamki Sultan al T Ahmed Al Busaidi and Hamad Sulaimi Nagmah al sharji A m ONE OPPORTUNITY TO BE A PART OF IT.

41 super achievers of the Sultanate

A timeless souvenir dedicated to the nation.

The second edition of Jawharat Oman chronicles

extraordinary Omanis and their incredible deeds.

To be part of this unique opportunity, please contact Radha on 92801033, radhak@umsoman.com

SPONSORED FEATURE

CONSOLIDATED CONTRACTORS COMPANY (CCC)

Pioneering Development

For over four decades, CCC has taken an active part in Oman’s construction industry and has built some of the most prestigious landmarks across the nation

C

onsolidated Contractors Company (CCC), founded in 1952 and based in Athens, Greece, encompasses a group of companies with operations from the Middle East to Africa, Central Asia, the Caribbean, South East Asia, Australia and Papua New Guinea. Today, CCC is one of the leading contractors in the international construction field ranked 18th worldwide according to ENR, with over 143,000 employees composed of more than 60 nationalities. The gamut of services include: EPC for oil, gas, petrochemical, industrial plants, housing and high quality buildings; project management, Industrial plant construction; Heavy civil construction for power and desalination plants, water and sewage treatment plants, airports, bridges and highway interchanges, harbours and docks; EPC for pipelines (oil, gas and water); EPC for high quality buildings, industrial buildings and infrastructure works and networks; and construction of highways and roads.

CCC Oman LLC, founded in 1971 in Oman, is an active member of the group and have been involved in all kinds of construction work including civil and mechanical construction work related to the oil and gas industry. CCC has executed numerous projects, many of which are considered remarkable milestones of the blessed renaissance under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. Today their clientele include illustrious names such as: The Diwan of Royal Court – Muscat Municipality; Ministry of Transport and Communication; Ministry of Oil and Gas; General Authority for 56 DOSSIER Jan - Mar 2012

A Glimpse of some of the projects Roads • Dualization of 18th November Street • Muttrah Muscat Road

• Wadi Dayqah Dam • Recharge Dam at Wadi Mu’aydin

• Sohar Port Interchange

Marine & Fisheries Harbours • Fisheries harbours at Saham, Shinas, Al Lakbi

• Bandar Jissah to Yiti Road

• Berths 5 & 6 at Salalah Port

• Al Khuwair Interchange

• Fort Jalali Revetment

• 780kms, Nizwa to Thumrait Road

Buildings • Both expansions of Seeb International Airport & the current Phase 1 of Muscat International Airport expansion • Oman International Exhibition Centre • The Royal Flight Hangar • Capital Commercial Centre Dams • Wadi Al Khawd Recharge Dam

• Duqm Port Oil & Gas Installations • Oman Refinery Expansion • Sohar Refinery Project • ORC – CCR Project Oil & Gas Pipelines • 36” Government gas line – Phasell • Fahud – Sohar gas pipeline • LNG Upstream gas supply pipeline

CCC has also been involved in the construction of the Oman – India Urea Ammonia plant in Sur, which is considered so far as the largest industrial plant to be built in Oman.

Electricity and Water; Oman Oil Company, Oman Gas Company, Sohar Refinery Company and many more.

CCC pays special attention to Health, Safety and Environment and seeks to reduce the risk to all personnel to a zero accident level. CCC has invested much in establishing and developing a Quality Management System throughout the company to meet the requirements of the International Organisation for Standardisation Quality System (ISO 9000). In this respect, the company has been certified for ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001 and is continuously assessed by internal auditors and the

Certification Body for maintaining the continuity of those certifications.

CCC is also committed to training Omani youth at the company’s training centre on many technical trades required to meet the company’s needs in many fields under the ‘training and employing programme’. Each year, Omani undergraduates from local universities are placed in the summer training (internship) programme as well as sponsored for post-graduate studies.

Contact: Tel: 24774774, Fax: 24774773 Website: www.ccc.gr

SPONSORED FEATURE

Sharikah Fanniyah Omaniyah (Muscat) LLC

Manufacturing Excellence Sharikah Fanniyah Omaniyah (Muscat) LLC (SFO), established in 1967, is one of the leading manufacturing corporates in Oman, representing a diverse range of businesses and services

E

stablished in 1967, Sharikah Fanniyah Omaniyah (Muscat) LLC, popularly known as SFO, is the most renowned and leading corporate brand in the Sultanate of Oman. SFO is having the state of the art manufacturing setup for switch gear and controls manufacturing, stainless steel fabrication factory for commercial kitchen equipment.

SFO also represents over 60 leading global brands in wide spectrum of businesses and services in Oman.

These diverse activities and services of SFO make it as an integral part of life for everyone in Sultanate of Oman for more than 45 years.

SFO specialises in design, manufacturing, sales, installation, commissioning and maintenance of wide range of products and specialties. Principally, these are Complete Interiors solutions – from tiling to flooring, office furniture, storage and security solutions, home furniture, modular kitchens and appliances, Catering and laundry equipment, commercial air conditioning and refrigeration, water treatment and bulk chemicals, steam boilers, RO plants, technical sales and service, switch gear and controls and stainless steel fabrication factory.

SFO is ISO 9001 certified and has a state of art manufacturing facility for switch gear and controls and stainless steel fabrication, with a team of engineers and technicians to deliver high quality products and ensure the customer satisfaction.

The “Qualicontrol” brand from the house of SFO is the best quality Switch gear LV panels in Sultanate of

Oman. SFO has a team of managers, sales executives, engineers and high skilled technicians who work towards offering choice world class products, value and services to ensure the customer delight.

Manufacturing Division Switch Gear and Controls manufacturing: SFO switch gear and controls, an ISO 9001 Certified company, has a state-ofthe-art manufacturing facility at the industrial area of Wadi Kabir, Muscat. “Qualicontrols” from the house of SFO, is one of the best quality switchgear and control panels in Sultanate of Oman. They strive to offer complete value for money to our customers.

SFO has a dedicated team of Professional Managers, Design Engineers, Testing and Quality

control Engineers and high skilled technicians to meet the customer requirement in time and ensure complete peace of mind to our customers. SFO Panels confirms to IEC 60439-1, BS EN 60439-1 and relevant OES. SFO has technical collaboration with world known components manufacturers like Schneider Electric, Rittal, Mennekes, Socomec, Comar and Elsteel to name few.

With quality components and highly skilled technicians working in the state of the art manufacturing setup SFO always deliver high quality products within the shortest lead times to their esteemed customers.

CONTACT: Tel: 24704400 Email: vijayakumar@sfo-om.com Website: www.sfomuscat.com Jan - Mar 2012 DOSSIER

57

SPONSORED FEATURE

Al Hashar Group of Companies

A Class Apart

Al Hashar Group of Companies, renowned in the Sultanate of Oman as well as the region, is the dealer for Doosan, the world’s leading full liner construction equipment manufacturer

trucks of the Doosan Moxy come with a posterior tandem bogie and special refractive system that ensure stable driving, which ensures higher productivity Telescopic Handlers 4 Models (7 tonnes to 21 tonnes lifting capacity): The Doosan High capacity telescopic handler offer exceptional performance in terms of heavy lifting combining the reach of cranes, the power of wheel loaders and the efficiency of forklift trucks.

With an experience of more than four decades in the auto industry and a full-fledged presence in six locations across Oman, Al Hashar provides sale, service and parts to customers for all the brands handled; Doosan being a prime brand in that list.

W

hen the world thinks of construction equipment, Doosan is one of the leading names which is immediately remembered. Doosan Infracore is a South Korean company over 115 years old with interests in power plants, desalination plants, defence products, castings and forgings, civil and construction and material handling. Apart from 380 dealers in 80 countries and production bases in Korea, Belgium, India and China, the group also has 2700 distributor/ dealer network and 16 production and R&D bases in US and Europe.

Doosan today, is the world’s leading full liner construction equipment manufacturer with distinguished products that feature highest reliability, lowest running cost and revolutionary technology.

Product Range Hydraulic Excavator: Crawler Excavators (18 tonnes to 70 tonnes) and Mini/Midi Excavators (1 tonne

58 DOSSIER Jan - Mar 2012

to 14 tonne). Doosan excavators are equipped with engines optimized for excavators. These powerful engines offer exceptional mileage and flexibility, which ensures high productivity Wheel Excavators (5 tonnes to 21 tonnes): Power, operability, drivability, great mileage and controllability mean that Doosan equipment is guaranteed to provide satisfaction and high productivity.

Wheel Loader: 11 models of wheel loaders (1.8 to 4.8 cubic metres bucket capacity) With its powerful arms and quick response to manoeuvres by the operator, the Doosan Wheel Loader is designed for tough jobs. High quality and durability mean that it can guarantee a high operating rate and increased profits for the customer.

Articulated Dump Truck: Five models (26 tonnes to 51 tonnes pay load capacity): The refractive dump

Al Hashar advantages - Factory trained service engineers to attend the service calls from any of the Company’s facilities at Azaiba, Muscat and other branches (Sohar, Salalah, Ibri, Sur, and Buraimi).

- Availability of a complete range of fast moving parts and can be supplied as and when required by customers.

- A customised mobile service unit to attend clients’ service needs at site. Thus helping reduce downtime of equipment and resulting in major earnings and savings for the customer.

- Proper knowledge of equipment operation, basic maintenance and hands-on training is provided to the staff of customers.

Doosan has a proven track record the world over and in Oman the Al Hashar Group is committed to create a winning proposition for Doosan’s customers.

CONTACT: 24596434 Email:ahcgroup@omantel.net.om Website: www.alhashargroup.com



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  

SPONSORED FEATURE

International Heavy Equipment LLC (IHE)

Possiblities Unlimited

Bobcat offers a wide range of equipment to meet the needs of construction and various other industries

A wide range of Equipments & Attachments

Skid steer leader with Auger attachment

Tele handler with man platform

A mini excavator

Utility vehicle

Backhoe attachment

Wheelsaw attachment

HE offers Bobcat equipment that are the market leaders in skid steer loaders and compact excavators with a variety of attachments that are used in construction, landscaping and also find application in the oil and gas industry.

Bobcat skid steer loaders bring industry leading breakout force, faster cycle and quicker turns for the best digging performance.

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IHE has adequate stock of parts and is backed by an excellent service

Sweeper attachment team to ensure minimum downtime with its customers.

Contact: Tel: 24527653, Fax: 24527651 Website: www.ihe-oman.com

SPONSORED FEATURE

KHIMJI RAMDAS OIL & GAS DIVISION

Powerful Solutions, Global Force

The Oil & Gas Division of Khimji Ramdas are the authorized agents for Enerpac in Oman, providing Engineered Solutions, Products and Services to the infrastructure and energy sector Enerpac Integrated Solutions With more than 50 years of experience, Enerpac has gained unique expertise in delivering hydraulic solutions for the controlled movement and positioning of structures. This expertise has been acknowledged by the world’s leading industrial professionals and has contributed to the successful movement of a number of the most recognisable structures on earth. In addition to providing the most comprehensive line of globallysupplied, locally-supported products, Enerpac combines hydraulics, steel fabrication and electronic control with engineering and application knowledge, to design and manufacture solutions that ensure your projects are completed safely and efficiently.

Synchronous Lifting System High-pressure hydraulics combined with computer-controlled monitoring systems for precise lifting applications.

Combining the strength of highpressure hydraulics with the control and accuracy of computers. Enerpac has been providing computercontrolled Synchronous Lifting for over 25 years. This experience is available to all our customers who need assistance with critical lifting applications. By combining the incredible strength of high-pressure hydraulics with the highspeed of today’s computer systems, Enerpac has the expertise to lift some of the largest and unique structures on the planet.Enerpac features two standard synchronous lifting systems, providing the level of force and control for most applications. We can also provide customer systems tailored to unique project requirements.

Synchronous Hoisting A unique crane product for belowthe-hook positioning of heavy loads

that require precision placement. May reduce the number of cranes needed and reduce the costs for multiple picks. Typical SyncHoist functions: High precision load positioning, Pre-programmed positioning, tilting and aligning, and Counterweighing – determining centre of gravity.

Bridge Launching Providing a solution for the most complex and demanding bridge construction applications, Enerpac has over 20 years’ experience providing unique customer bridge launching systems.

Stage Lifting System – Incremental Lifting Stage-lift cylinders overcome the usual limitation of lift height imposed by the cylinder’s plunger stroke length. Large objects, such as oil tanks, can be lifted, held and lowered for maintenance without sending for a crane. Enerpac Integrated Solutions projects globally range from lifting of entire buildings and bridges (including the Golden Gate Bridge) to splitting of mining draglines for maintenance and construction of offshore oil rigs. Enerpac features the most comprehensive family of hydraulically driven, high-force

industrial tools and equipment.

Distributed globally yet supported locally, to make you more productive and the work you do safer and easier to perform. We’ve combined our decades of experience in hydraulics with the versatility of other force-generating technologies to create the widest range of industrial tools & accessories.

Khimji Ramdas, is a proud partner of Growth of Infrastructure and Industry in Oman, having the expertise of selling and servicing Engineering Products and Solutions over 5 decades in Oman. In addition they are also renowned for their expertise in retailing, distribution, manufacturing, trading, Engineering, and service.Our team of qualified trained Engineers are available to provide applications and sales expertise to the industry in Oman whatever their lifting requirement and needs be.

Contact: Rahul Kumar, Sr.Sales Engineer, GSM: 99877286 Jan - Mar 2012 DOSSIER

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SPONSORED FEATURE

KHIMJI RAMDAS – Industrial Machinery & Tools Division

New Directions

Khimji’s Industrial Machinery & Tools Division inaugurates the first dual automatic Karcher car wash centre in Oman

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himji Ramdas’ Industrial Machinery & Tools Division (IMT), the Engineering Solutions providing business under the flagship of the Infrastructure Group, opened the first dual automatic Karcher carwash centre on December 20, 2011. This grand inauguration in Al Tharmad Filling Station, Suwaiq was witnessed by around 40 guests from Shell, Sarooj, Muscat Municipality, service stations and car dealers across the spectrum.

Karcher, the leading German company in cleaning solutions, has a market share of 70 percent in high pressure cleaners. Its association with Khimji Ramdas as its authorized dealer has been for the past 15 years. Hritik Khimji, Director, Khimji Ramdas said that, “Khimji Ramdas has pioneered change and innovations in Oman through its products and services and this is yet another ‘feather in the cap’.

We strongly believe that Karcher’s initiative will go a long way in enabling our key target groups to change to the latest in the market.”

Richard Nouira, Managing Director of Karcher Middle East highlighted the need for setting-up an automatic carwash, the first of its kind in the region. “Karcher has tailored this system for Al Tharmad filling station to suit the high traffic in the area without compromising on the result’. We hope many customers will be interested for investing in the state of the art car cleaning system for their customers like Said Al Mughaini, owner of Al Tharmad filling station.” N.S.Vijaya Kumar, CEO Infrastructure Group, Khimji

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Ramdas highlighted that “The Industrial Machinery and Tools Division has been active facilitator of the Sultanate’s Industrial Growth and participates in all aspects of its development in the Core and Allied Industrial Sectors in both private and public domains’’. He added, “The key feature of Karcher’s automatic car wash is its flexibility, durability and life span. We believe that this new endeavor from Karcher will be the next engine for change in this market.”

During the inaugural function many of the dignitaries’ experienced the variety of car wash programs available at the centre including the unique Karcher automatic carwash system, its efficient, cleaning process and CB Flex Duo. Hitesh Akarte, Divisional Manager, IMT said, “Al Tharmad filling station has received an overwhelming response from its customers during the test phase exceeding all

expectations. This attractive new setup has led already to approximately 200 car owners daily queuing to for the carwash.”

The IMT Division caters to a wide spectrum of industries such as Manufacturing, Construction, Automotive, Oil, Gas, Chemicals, Fertilizers and other industries in the Sultanate of Oman. They have a full fledged service station with factory trained service Engineers to provide the most efficient pre and post sales service to its customers.

Along with the industrial/hand tools, machinery equipment, cleaning solutions, industrial engineering equipment; the division also has a complete range of products to offer the full garage solutions right from the design till making it functional and also maintaining them.

Contact: Tel: 24814793 Website: www.khimji.com

Hamriyah Free Zone

FUELLING GROWTH Rashid Al Leem, Director General Sharjah Department of Seaports & Customs and Hamriyah Free Zone Authority, on the positive contribution of the free zone to the economic growth of UAE

Rashid Al Leem, Director General, Sharjah Department of Seaports & Customs and Hamriyah Free Zone Authority 64 DOSSIER  Jan - Mar 2012

With over 6,000 companies from 138 countries within its precincts Hamriyah Free Zone takes pride in its contribution to the economic growth of Sharjah and the UAE and its emergence as a growth engine of the local economy.

The quality of the investor footfall at Hamriyah Free Zone speaks for itself. I thank them for their continued support over the years, and for the confidence they have shown in our future – Rashid Al Leem

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amriyah Free Zone (HFZ) is extremely proud of its positive contribution to the economic growth of Sharjah and the UAE. We estimate the total value of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in our Free Zone has touched US$ 6 billion.

Our performance is in line with the vision set for HFZ as a growth engine of the local economy. More than 6,000 companies from 138 countries around the world have a base in HFZ, including international heavyweights such as Unger Steel, Larsen and Toubro (L&T), Standard Chartered, DHL & Essar steel and local brands ADNOC, Sharjah Islamic Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank. The quality of the investor footfall at our Free Zone speaks for itself. I thank them for their continued support over the years, and for the confidence they have shown in our future.

2011 was the fourteenth consecutive year of record growth for us. Against an

uncertain global recovery HFZ continued to perform strongly. This reflects the success of our business model and demonstrates we serve our investors wisely and well by giving them the efficient and effective professional services they seek, always putting their interests first, in good times or bad.

We have registered over 1,300 companies in 2011 the latest additions coming from Columbia, South America, Taiwan and Kazakhstan, Which makes obvious we have the

right strategy, the right culture and the right product to deliver consistent and sustained value to our investors.

I am proud to say that our commitment to doing business responsibly and supporting our social environment has not only remained intact over the years, but has become even stronger.

HFZ’s CSR initiatives, overseen

by Green Team and She-Q club, are wide ranging and include the concepts of ‘contributing to the environment,’ ‘assuring safety and health,’ ‘enabling the disabled,’ ‘corporate citizenship activities,’ and ‘inspiring an environment of giving’.

This approach has earned us numerous accolades.

We are at the threshold of the most opportune moment in the history of HFZ as we accelerate our growth trajectory and build marvels of infrastructure to meet the nation’s development aspirations. We believe together we can.

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SPONSORED FEATURE

PERI LLC

Versatility meets capability

PERI LLC is renowned for providing customised formwork, scaffolding and engineering solutions for a variety of structures across the Middle East

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specially in the area of infrastructure projects, PERI has proven to be the leading formwork and scaffolding supplier in the Middle East. As formwork and shoring challenges regarding weight-load and static requirements are extremely demanding, a project oriented solution and engineering support is necessary.

With PERI’s tailor-made formwork and scaffolding solution, PERI was able to tackle a variety of challenging bridge projects over the past few years within the MENA region.

In order to meet all project requirements and customer’s expectations, PERI offers standardised, rentable system components and construction-compliant connecting means, supporting structures to deliver cost-effective formwork for the respective structure. With well-trained design engineers, as well as continuous site supervision along with large stock capacity, PERI is able to support any construction project to ensure timely completion of the project.

Fast to assemble and easy to handle systems accelerate the construction progress, Northern Ring Road, Al Ain, UAE With PERI situated in the U.A.E. for over 10 years, a large variety of bridge projects have been realised.

Among those is the Northern Ring Road Project, located in Al Ain, which will connect the city to the Emirate’s transport network by bridges, underpasses and interchanges. The construction includes a new dual carriage way, a three-lane fly over bridge, one underpass three big interchanges, the building of Wadi Bridges and the upgrading of the 66 DOSSIER Jan - Mar 2012

The Deputy Project Leader of Saadiyat Bridge stated, that the PERI UP modular scaffold was easy to install and could be used flexibly. Furthermore, the moving procedure has been taken place with large-size units

existing ring road. The contractor has been Saif Bin Darwish Company from Um Al-Nar, Abu Dhabi.

The PERI systems fulfil the needs of the construction company for flexibility and high productivity.

The formwork solution for the superstructure is realised with GT 24 formwork girders, SRU steel walers and SLS spindles. This construction could be accurately adapted to the structure’s geometry. PD 8 shoring towers support the formwork, they are extremely cost-effective as large units and for high clearances.

Comprehensive bridge formwork and shoring solution, VIP Access Bridge, Dubai, UAE The new Meydan Race Course is part of Meydan City in Dubai. It is able to hold 60,000 spectators and hosted the Dubai World Cup for the first time

in March 2010. PERI formwork was involved in many areas of Meydan City, one of them being the VIP bridge.

The contractor Dutco Balfour Beatty L.L.C. had 4.5 months to build this 750 m long and 25 m (in some areas 49 m) wide bridge. The bridge is shaped like an arch therefore the box girder height varies between 2.00 m and 4.50 m. The bridge formwork was supported by PD 8 Towers which ranked up to 10 m in the highest areas. The slab decking was done with MULTIFLEX using VT 20 girders.

The challenge in this project was the main bridge (the middle part).

Normally the concrete of the centre part of the bridge will be poured last and connect to the piers as they will stabilize the construction. Due to various reasons this couldn’t be done like this in the VIP bridge project.

Therefore the middle part had to be

concreted without being connected to the piers. Therefore, the complete load was carried by the PD 8 towers and stabilized through push-pull-props.

Only by scheduling the project in this unusual way, the contractor could realise the completed project in time.

Inclined piers and impressive superstructure constructed with system formwork, Saadiyat Bridge, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates One of the largest and most challenging bridge projects in the Middle East has been the landmark and icon of Abu Dhabi City, Saadiyat Bridge. It connects Abu Dhabi City and Saadiyat Island – an island which lies about 500 m off the coast.

With a length of 1,455 m long and an impressive width of 60 m, the construction is one of the widest bridges in the world. Eight foreland piers in the west and a total of eleven on Saadiyat itself serve to support the three pre-stressed concrete hollow boxes with spans ranging between 45 m and 135 m.

The main bridge has a span of 200 m and is carried by two V-shaped, 20 m high identical sets of piers per section. The formwork and scaffolding solution for the individual supports, with inclinations of more than 27°,

In the area of infrastructure projects, PERI has proven to be the leading formwork and scaffolding supplier in the Middle East consists of two sets of VARIO GT 24 side formwork, a forward inclined VARIO formwork element with integrated working platforms as well as a reverse-inclined raised formwork unit. Due to the high concreting loads, this was carried on PERI UP shoring.

The bridge piers were constructed alternatively in four climbing steps with concreting cycle heights of 4.70 m as well as by 2.44 m in an outward direction in each case due to the pier inclination. The PERI concept allowed the supporting frame construction to be pulled outwards on the steel girders after striking had been completed as though being guided along rails. For efficient realization of the required supporting and platform levels, three tower modules each with a 2.00 m base and a 4.65 m extension height could be vertically coupled together.

Connections were carried out with the

GT 24 formwork girders, SRU steel walers and SLS spindles form the superstructure of the Northern Ring Road Bridge in Al Ain

time-saving PERI section spindle and the extension units could therefore be accurately adjusted to the required height. Through the extensively dimensioned moving units, it was possible to construct the total of 48 casting segments with only four sets of formwork extremely cost¬ effectively.

The PERI know-how was also in demand for all other construction phases as well – for both abutments, the numerous bridge piers in the foreland area through to the superstructure formwork. For the construction of the pre-stressed concrete hollow boxes, three different building methods were used: the western foreland bridge was realized using the incremental launching method, for the superstructure on Saadiyat Island in the east, falsework served as a flat and even support, while the large spans in the middle bridge section are concreted by means of the balanced cantilever method. With the establishment of PERI’s representative office in Oman, PERI is able to meet all local demands in terms of stockyard capacity, realizing sale or rental inquiries for all project requirements thus meeting customers’ needs timely and efficiently. Our professionalism and know-how in the formwork and construction industry makes us a strong and reliable partner of choice - for every construction project, in the local, regional and international market.

Contact: Tel: 24571090 Email: perimct@perime.com Website: www.perime.com Jan - Mar 2012 DOSSIER

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SPONSORED FEATURE

Advanced Oilfield Technology Co. LLC

Diverse offerings on prevention, repair & maintenance Advanced Oilfield Technology Co. LLC, an Oman-based company, offers a variety of products and services to clients within the Sultanate as well as across the Middle East Tell us about the major products and services provided by AOTC? Equipped with one of the most advanced Manufacture, Remanufacture, Repair and Maintenance (MRRM) engineering facilities in the Sultanate, AOTC provides a wide range of services related to the maintenance and repair of mechanical & electrical equipment across different industries. Our services can be classified as follows: Machine Shop • All types of Machining • Dynamic Balancing • M etal Spray Application for Dimensional Restoration and Rebuilding worn out parts • M etal Spray Application for Abrasion and Erosion resistant coatings • Pump Repair and Overhauling • V alve Repair, Testing and Calibration • Electric Motor Rewinding Specialized Coating Division • Represent Belzona Polymerics Ltd, UK for Oman and Yemen – authorized distributors and applicators as well.

• P olymer based coatings to protect assets from erosion, corrosion, abrasion and other operational & environmental stresses.

• S pecialized solutions for tanks, pipelines, pumps, concrete structures, marine industry, • P olymer based cold repair solutions to repair the damages on equipment due to erosion, corrosion and abrasion.

• Specialized solutions for 68 DOSSIER Jan - Mar 2012

repairing (in-situ as well) conveyor belts, worn out shafts, damaged pump casings & valve bodies, corroded tank walls, worn out flange faces, oil leakages from electric transformers etc. nsite Services O • Bolt Tensioning & Torquing • Pipe Cold cutting • Instrumentation • On-line Leak Sealing • In-situ Machining and Boring • Trevi-testing of Safety Valves • H elium testing and Hydro testing of pipelines What have been the key achievements of the company since inception?

Initially AOTC was set up as the engineering division under Technical Trading Co. LLC and was located in a small workshop in Wadi Al Kabir.

Within five years we had to shift our facility keeping in mind the pace of growth of our operations. In 2009 we shifted to our current location, a well-equipped 10,000 square metre facility in Ghala Industrial Area which includes a 3,000 square metre covered area for Machine Shop and Electrical Shop. AOTC was awarded the ISO 9001:2008 certification in November 2008 for Quality Management systems. Apart from ISO, AOTC also earned the prestigious API (American Petroleum Institute) certification in 2007 (API 5CT-0861) for the manufacture of Casing or Tubing Pup Joints and Accessories at Group 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Later on in 2009, AOTC went on to earn two more certifications from API • A PI 6A-1054 – The scope of this license includes the following products: Cross-Over Connectors, Top Connectors, Tees and Crosses, Valves, Flanged Connectors, Threaded Connectors.

• A PI 6D-0902 – The scope of this license includes the following products: Gate Valves, Ball Valves, Check Valves.

Who are some of the major clients of the company?

AOTC caters to a large number of industries across sectors – Oil & Gas, Petrochemicals & Refineries, Fertiliser, Power Generation & Distribution, Water and Wastewater Management, Marine, Defence etc.

To name a few of our major clients: Occidental Oman; Petroleum Development Oman; Oman LNG, Sur; Oman Oil Refineries and Petrochemicals Industries Company (MAF refinery and Sohar refinery); Oman India Fertilizer Company S.A.O.C., Sur; Sohar International Urea & Chemical Industries S.A.O.C., Sohar; Suez Tractebel Operations & Maintenance Oman L.L.C. - Power Plants in Barka, Manah, Rusayl, Sohar and Desalination Plants in Barka and Sohar; Sohar Aluminium; Vale, Sohar; Royal Navy of Oman, Wudam; and Al Ghubra Power & Desalination Co. S.A.O.C., Power and Desalination Plant at Ghubra.

What are your strengths that differentiate you from the competition?

AOTC has been always committed in ensuring the smooth running of any industrial plant’s operation and in maintaining their mechanical & electrical equipment and assets in

At AOTC, we never hesitate to take up challenges and we never stop searching for better and innovative methods to do the same job pristine working conditions. For issues and problems that cannot be prevented, AOTC is committed to solving them in the least possible time, saving our client costs of replacement and downtime.

We believe in approaching any inquiry with a consultant’s approach – where one initially spends time understanding the issue at hand, gaining knowledge regarding the client’s expectations, only then proposing the best solution available and executing it in compliance with the highest standards of quality and HSE. At AOTC, we never hesitate to take up challenges and we never stop searching for better and innovative methods to do the same job – much more efficiently and effectively. We strive to work with the resources at hand, to save costs on spares or new equipment. Our aim is to increase the operational life of key equipment and assets so that our clients get more value for their investment.

This is what sets us apart from the competition.

Apart from the above, our association with global companies, each one a leader in their respective fields, gives us the edge over our competition. For example, Belzona Polymerics, UK is a leader in Polymer Repair and Protective Coatings industry and AOTC represents it in Oman and Yemen.

What is AOTC’s growth strategy in the coming years?

We envision AOTC to become the “One Stop Shop” for all the maintenance needs related to

mechanical and electrical equipment across industries. For this we are taking steps to add more engineering services, which will not only add value to our existing portfolio but also complement the services we are currently providing. Setting up the Electrical Division is a step in this very direction. Apart from this we also plan to extend our footprint in other GCC countries such as Qatar, UAE and even Saudi Arabia.

What are the challenges in the industry that affects the growth of the company?

The biggest challenge according to us is the inertia or the resistance shown by the local clientele when they are introduced to a new technology or service; especially when this new technology challenges the old, wellestablished way of doing things.

Majority of the industry here in Oman are still very comfortable in replacing the equipment the moment the slightest fault occurs, rather than trying to repair the same or investing in extending its operational life.

Also most of the companies in the Oman are highly influenced by foreign companies and companies from other GCC countries, even if it means a higher expenditure.

Despite being a 100 per cent Omani Company and having all the required qualification and experience, we lose a number of jobs to such companies across the border.

Contact: Tel: +968 24503744 Email: info@aotcglobal.com Website: www.aotcglobal.com Jan - Mar 2012 DOSSIER

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SPONSORED FEATURE

Voltamp Power

From strength to strength

Voltamp Power has been at the forefront of introducing hi-tech electrical products manufactured in Oman and assure a world-class product at competitive prices

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oltamp Power, a fully owned subsidiary of Voltamp Energy SAOG, has received an approval from DCRP, Oman for 20 MVA 33/11.5 kV Power Transformer. Voltamp is the first and only local Omani company to have been accorded this approval.

Voltamp will manufacture the large Power Transformers at their new facility at Sohar, Oman. Voltamp will now be able to participate in various tenders of the distribution companies of the utilities in Oman.

Voltamp has been at the forefront of introducing hi-tech electrical products manufactured in the Sultanate. It was the first manufacturing unit in the Sultanate to introduce LV Switchgears in 1987, later distribution transformers in 1992 and now

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Power Transformers up to 315 MVA 220 kV class power transformers.

October 2011, Voltamp’s new Power Transformer Factory was formally inaugurated by H.H. Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said on October 5, 2011. Dignitaries present were H.E. Sheikh Sa’ad bin Mohammed Al Mardhouf al Sa’adi, Minister of Commerce & Industry and Mrs. W Y Lin, President TATUNG Co, Taiwan as well as distinguished personnel from the Ministries, Government, SemiGovernment, utility companies, Oil & Gas sector, industries, banks, financial institutions, etc.

The new green field Power Transformer manufacturing facility has been built at a Project cost of RO 11 Million with a built up area of 14,500 sq m on a plot of 80,000

sqm. The Technology providers are Tatung Company, Taiwan. Tatung is a well-respected and diversified company, with products which include heavy electric products like Gas Insulated Switchgears, Transformers up to 345 kV Class, wires and cables, motors that are exported all over the world including Japan, USA and Australia through branches in 12 countries.

Tatung also specializes in Green Technologies and has been a leader in Photovoltaic System for harnessing the Solar Energy.

Voltamp’s vision is to become a major contributor in the Power Sector of Middle East and Africa region by offering quality product and solutions thereby to maximize wealth to stakeholders.

Its mission is to be a manufacturing hub for Power Transformers in

the generation, transmission and distribution networks, thereby providing total solutions towards and meeting the requirements of the Power systems in the Middle East and North Africa regions. The machinery and equipment have been sourced from the world’s best known vendors like Haefely, Switzerland; DELU, Germany; Hipotronics, USA; and Lootah Lemmens, Germany. Located in Phase V of the Sohar Industrial area, Voltamp has put Oman firmly as a hub for manufacturing electrical products and is a major boost in the industrial prowess of the country.

According to Qais bin Mohamed Al Yousef, Chairman, with the completion of this new world class Power Transformer plant his dream has come true. “We can now cater to Oman’s requirement for the complete range from pole mounted to the extra high Voltage 220 kV Class Power Transformers.

Ala Hassan Moosa, AGM Marketing and HR at Sohar, says, “This is perhaps the first factory manufacturing hi-tech capital goods in Oman. Commissioning of this factory is a proud moment for Oman and all Omanis. Voltamp now gratefully seeks support and orders from Omani companies in order to make this venture a grand success.”

Voltamp vision is to train and develop omanies to be qualified so as to take up positions in management and technical areas by setting up development training plans. Aasit M. Naik, Asst General Manager, Central Marketing Dept. adds, “It’s an extension of our constant endeavor to upgrade our technology and offer products and services of high quality. We have introduced c type Distribution Transformers to the local market from our Rusayl Plant. We have also offered hermetically sealed

type transformers to the utilities which are not only maintenance free but they will also solve the theft menace faced by Oman recently. It will make it extremely difficult to remove the active parts from such transformers. We have expanded our switchgear plant and almost doubled our capacity. Our switchgear panels are well known for their quality in the Sultanate of Oman and the product range includes all types of Low Voltage Panels including the sophisticated Intelligent MCCs.” A dedicated team of Voltamp engineers provide service during installation and commissioning.

Voltamp has a full-fledged Engineering Services Division

which can now offer repair services right up to 315 MVA 220 kV Class Power Transformers.

Voltamp is presently executing repair orders for two 20 MVA and 10 MVA received from Majan Elec. Co. Also under execution is repair of one 12.5 MVA 33 kV Power Transformer received from Occidental of Oman. In addition, Voltamp is executing a prestigious order for four 125 MVA 132/33 kV Power Transformers with MRGermany make OLTC. The first unit is now ready for factory acceptance Test by OETC.

Contact: Tel.: 24446501 Email: contact@voltampoman.com Website: www.voltampoman.com Jan - Mar 2012 DOSSIER

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