Servetech Middle East

SERVETECH MIDDLE EAST GENERAL TRADING

WHERE PROJECTS ARE ALWAYS IN THE PIPELINE

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SERVETECH MIDDLE EAST GENERAL TRADING

I

PROFILE

WHERE

ARE IN THE

PIPELINE

With more than a century of expertise in piping systems, Servetech Middle East General Trading LLC has become a leader in its sector. CEO Ignatius D'Souza told Andy Probert more about the company and its ambitions.

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Servetech Middle East General Trading

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stablished in 2004, Servetech Middle East General Trading LLC began as a rigging shop, but within two years, with the help of stakeholders, transitioned into the piping business that was backed by a team with a combined 100 years’ experience.

The $15 million company, headquartered in Dubai, UAE, with satellite offices in Oman and Qatar, operates with licenses for every emirate to supply material to the ministries of that emirate. It employs 100 people, of which 40 are office-based, and 60 are technicians who can weld plastic, metal, and everything in between.

Servetech has stood the test of time, carving out a welldeserved reputation as a premier solution provider, with attention to detail in quality and service, in three core business areas: piping, rigging and automation.

The company’s niche is supplying, installing, testing and commissioning pipelines, especially plastic, from 16mm to 1,600mm diameter. Its contracting division also installs the pipes and fittings it sells.

Committed to being a preferred supplier “Servetech was the first of its kind to specialise in this particular category, and we have now fully evolved as a leader in this sector.

Piping now accounts for 60% of our business,” emphasised company CEO Ignatius D'Souza.

On the rigging side, Servetech trades in metal and nylon ropes, as well as the fabrication of slings, grommets and mooring tails.

Servetech is also Dubai Municipality-approved for certification of lifting equipment.

Servetech Automation Engineering Group (AEG) is an approved sub-contractor and a reputed service provider for potable water RTU-SCADA systems for Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) that includes all field services, systems, programming and controlling processes.

Meanwhile, the company’s involvement in the extra-low voltage (ELV) subdivision includes the total design and installation of instrumentation systems, such as structured cabling systems, fibre optics, CCTV systems, and other technological services.

The business also maintains logistic support centres in GCC countries to ensure prompt delivery and are uniquely associated with international brands. A range of products have been approved by Emirates Electricity and Water Company (EWEC), Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Dubai Municipality (DM) and other UAE ministries.

Mr D’Souza said: “Servetech is committed to being the supplier of choice through product and service excellence. Our portfolio includes a wide range of construction and building materials, marine and oil field supplies and other related products.

Servetech Middle East General Trading

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SERVETECH MIDDLE EAST GENERAL TRADING

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PROFILE

“We are regularly adding new products to our vast product range, and we constantly endeavour to keep all the equipment and products up-to-date. A long-term commitment to customers’ aims and a collaborative approach to solving problems are fundamental to the way we work.

“Such strengths enable us to understand our customers and apply our engineering and manufacturing expertise to help them in delivering their goals.”

Conservative approach The company is presently adopting a conservative approach to growth, currently put at about 5%, due to market uncertainty caused by the pandemic. This is in comparison to between 1020% pre-Covid-19. With many Indian-based employees opting to return home, Servetech opened a back office in India to remain operational and extend its support to the workforce.

Mr D’Souza explained: “For now, we are looking to consolidate and maintain our trading position in the Middle East. If we sustain a good growth pattern and we hit targets in 2022, we may consider expanding and look at other opportunities, such as moving into production of the products we currently supply.”

The company has a mix of social, environmental, market, and technology trends on sustainability. It aims to become paperless

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Servetech Middle East General Trading

in 2022, while Servetech is regularly monitoring its water, electricity and fuel consumption to reduce its carbon footprint.

An increasing diversity in the type of projects conducted by Servetech has included the recent completion of welding, fabricating, and installing 900mm pipes within a theme park project.

It has also provided all piping for a water treatment project in Turkmenistan via a contractor.

“We currently have a supply and install project for the development of infrastructure in Sharjah, with contracts valued in excess of $3 million,” he informed.

In the recent past, the company has supplied and installed HDPE pipes and fittings for Dubai’s Qatra Water Solutions project and the Jafza Sewage Treatment Plant.

Servetech has also been operational on projects at The Agora Mall at Jumeirah, the relocation of an irrigation line in Abu Dhabi and pressure testing of underground pipes and fittings at Fujairah’s Petroleum Regeneration and Processing Facility.

Remaining strong While challenges are wrapped around incorporating technology to advance Servetech’s business interests and finding and retaining, the right employees, and the pressure to evolve further, Mr D’Souza remained philosophical about his company’s progress:

“The construction, infrastructure and civil markets in the GCC are still increasing as new projects, and new ideas are coming forward and being implemented. Having strong and stable players with good foundations will tide us over and we’ll become stronger.”

He added: “In terms of our competitors, I wish them well as I believe there is enough business for everyone. What makes us unique is our team’s vast experience in solution providing. We offer the whole package to clients and pay special attention to detail.

We ensure the end-user, however big or small, is always happy.”

This is further underpinned, Mr D’Souza stressed, by being honest, trustworthy, straightforward and prompt in helping to maintain good client relations. “These are the most important qualities. Always be the first to communicate and approach a subject, positive or negative. When I began my career, my mentor taught me that as long as the file grows, the business will grow.”

He reflected: “I believe the sectors where we are present in the GCC have a bright future. Our vision continues to be to exceed customers’ expectations in our supply and services, cultivated through a positive work environment.

“I would like to see Servetech maintain its leading position as a solution provider for fluid transmission, and expand into other countries eventually.” n

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