Construction Business News, December 2017
Page 1
www.cbnme.com
THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO THE REGION'S CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS
THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO THE REGION'S CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS
Bahrain Bay chief gives a sneak peak of the
ambitious development
The highlights from the Middle East's
largest construction show, Big 5
Beat the heat with Dow's cool
reflective roof coatings
Euro Auctions gears up for its
second Dubai sale
Business
On the bay
DECEMBER 2017
We design.. we construct.. we build..
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,
PO Box 65697 Riyadh 11566
Tel: +966 11 293 1193
Fax: +966 11 293 1170
www.albawani.net
Classified Class 1 ISO 9001
Page 2
8 DOZER MODELS FROM 78 TO 536 HP
ENGINEERED FOR YOUR BUSINESS
TD-8
TD-20
TD-25
TD-9
TD-10
TD-14
TD-15
TD-40
MAXIMIZE
YOUR PRODUCTIVITY
info@dressta.com
www.dressta.com
ENGINEERED FOR
Mining | Road & Highway | Construction | Forestry | Landfill
Page 3
construction business news me // December 2017 //
www.cbnme.com
3
Ed Note
News
Comment
Bentley Systems' Raguram
Jayaram talks about
collaborative tech
Comment
Ingrid Paoletti from
Politecnico di Milano
discusses 3d Printing
Cover Story
Bahrain Bay chief, Gagan
Suri, gives a lowdown on
the ambitious masterplan
8
12
24
26
28
// contents
december 2017 // Issue #34
Keep up to date with
all the latest news,
features and much
more on our website.
www.cbnme.com
On the web
Page 4
Page 5
www.cbnme.com
Page 6
// construction business news me // December 2017
6
S U B S C R I B E
subscriptions@bncpublishing.net
CEO
Wissam Younane
wissam@bncpublishing.net
Director
Rabih Najm
rabih@bncpublishing.net
Group Publishing Director
Diarmuid O'Malley
dom@bncpublishing.net
Group Sales Director
Joaquim D'Costa
jo@bncpublishing.net
+971 50 440 2706
Sales Manager
Lionel Matthews
lionel@bncpublishing.net
Business Development Director
Rabih Naderi
rabih.naderi@bncpublishing.net
+966 50 328 9818
Editor
Paromita Dey
paromita@bncpublishing.net
Art Director
Aaron Sutton
aaron@bncpublishing.net
Marketing Executive
Mark Anthony Monzon
mark@bncpublishing.net
PO Box 502511 Dubai, United Arab Emirates
P +971 4 4200 506 | F +971 4 4200 196
For all commercial enquiries related to
Construction Business News ME contact
sales@bncpublishing.net T +971 55 339 5097
All rights reserved © 2015.
Opinions expressed are solely those of the contributors.
Construction Business News ME and all subsidiary
publications in the MENA region are officially licensed
exclusively to BNC Publishing in the MENA region by
Construction Business News ME.
No part of this magazine may be reproduced or
transmitted in any form or by any means without
written permission of the publisher.
Images used in Construction Business News ME
are credited when necessary. Attributed use of
copyrighted images with permission. All images not
credited courtesy Shutterstock.
Printed by UPP
Interview
Interpipe’s Andrey Burtsev highlights the company’s
plans for 2018
Event Review
The highlights from the Big 5 2017
Case study
Dow talks about its energy-efficient cool reflective roof
coatings
Supplier News
Editor’s Pick
34
36
44
66
68
Page 7
Leaders in Project Management
Inspiring Innovative Leadership
www.hillintl.com
Page 8
// construction business news me // December 2017
8
// Editor's note
A new beginning
The journey in 2017 for the regional con-
struction sector has been laden with its set
of ups and downs but according to recent
reports, the sector still showed resilience.
Keeping up with everyone’s hopes, the GCC
construction market showed relative resil-
ience in its performance, depicting a 30%
pick-up in 2017-to-date, quoted a new
study by MENA Research Partners (MRP).
With total GCC active projects at around
$2.6tn– equivalent to 160% of GDP, the
regional construction market presents suf-
ficient depth and opportunities for inves-
tors and regional market participants over
the years to come. Despite the recent years’
headwinds that extended from oil price
slump to budget adjustments in many GCC
countries, the region witnessed $130bn
of completed projects during 2017 versus
$100bn for the full-year in 2016.
Our final issue of 2017 gives the readers
the highlights from the Big 5, the region’s
largest construction event, hosting over
2,500 exhibitors from 60 countries. The Big
5 2017 showcased 360o building solutions
clustered in five dedicated product sectors:
building interiors and finishes, building en-
velope and special construction, construc-
tion tools and building materials, construct
technology and innovation, and MEP ser-
vices with a dedicated HVAC-R hall. Live
product demonstrations were held and of-
fered an interactive display of the most in-
novative products technologies present in
real time.
Contractors, developers, and the market
as a whole remains optimistic about 2018;
many look forward to new tenders being
awarded, deals being signed, and projects
being completed. With two years remaining
for Expo 2020, projects related to the mega
event have already started taking shape.
More tourism and leisure-related projects
have started seeing the light of the day.
Long-term sustainable growth will be a key
factor for the regional governments.
editor’s note
Paromita Dey
Editor
paromita@bncpublishing.net
@paromitadey1
linkedin.com/in/paromita-dey
Page 9
Page 10
Page 11
Page 12
// construction business news me // December 2017
12
For News, features and more, Visit www.CBNme.com
Follow us on twitter for breaking news: @cbn_ME
Follow us on Facebook for up-to-the-minute breaking news
An update from around the region
Retail
Update
Emaar Malls, the shopping
malls and retail business
majority-owned by Emaar
Properties, recorded a net
profit of AED1.506bn during
the first nine months of 2017,
a growth of 6% over the net
profit of AED1.422bn during
the same period in 2016.
The total revenue for the
first nine months of the year
was AED2.5bn, which is 5%
higher than the revenue of
AED2.39bn, during the same
period last year.
Emaar Malls completed the
acquisition of leading Middle
East online fashion retailer,
Namshi, on August 16, 2017,
marking a milestone in its dig-
ital-oriented growth. Follow-
ing Emaar Malls’ acquisition,
Namshi recorded sales of AE-
D196mn during Q3 2017, an
increase of 39% compared to
the same period in 2016.
Emaar Malls reported Q3
2017 revenue of AED876mn,
13% higher than Q3 2016 rev-
enue of AED774mn, contrib-
uted in part by the consolida-
tion of Namshi revenue. Net
profit was AED485mn dur-
ing Q3 2017, an 11% growth
compared to Q3 2016. With a
gross leasable area (GLA) of
56ha in Dubai, GLA occupan-
cy levels across Emaar Malls’
assets averaged 95% during
the first nine months of 2017,
Underlining the sustained
growth of Emaar Malls as-
sets, The Dubai Mall, Dubai
Marina Mall, Souk Al Bahar,
Gold & Diamond Park, and
community shopping cen-
tres together welcomed over
95 million visitors during the
first nine months of the year,
an increase of 5% over the
same period last year, The
Dubai Mall continued to re-
cord strong visitor footfall at
58 million during the first nine
months of this year, high-
lighting its credentials as the
world’s most visited retail and
entertainment destination.
Mohamed Alabbar, chair-
man of Emaar Malls and Emaar
Properties, said: “Emaar Malls
achieved its growth through
innovative initiatives that are
aimed at enhancing the visi-
tor and customer experience.
In addition to introducing
advanced technologies that
add value to customers and
retailers, Emaar Malls is in-
vesting in digital platforms
to offer more and varied
choices for people across
multiple channels.”
He added: “We are further
strengthening the retail sector
in Dubai to offer future-ready
shopping environments with
new projects such as the ded-
icated high-end retail precinct
in Dubai Creek Harbour. With
the shifts in shopping trends,
it is important to adopt inno-
vative strategies, and we are
focused on creating socially
and culturally inspiring spaces
for people. This contribute to
the goals of Dubai Plan 2021,
announced by HH Sheikh
Mohammed bin Rashid Al
Maktoum, UAE Vice President
and Prime Minister and Ruler
of Dubai, to establish Dubai
as the preferred place to live,
work, and visit.”
Strengthening its malls port-
folio in Dubai, Emaar has an-
nounced the launch of Dubai
Hills Mall, a family retail dis-
trict located in the heart of
Dubai Hills Estate. A regional
retail and leisure destination
scheduled to open in late
2019, Dubai Hills Mall will
have a GLA of over 18.5ha.
It will be home to more than
750 outlets including a range
of ‘fast fashion’ retail and F&B
choices, featuring a wide ar-
ray of restaurants and cafes.
The upcoming retail district
in Dubai Creek Harbour will
be a prime hub for luxury re-
tail and leisure, linked directly
to the Dubai Creek Tower.
In other growth initiatives,
The Dubai Mall is in the final
stages of the expansion of
Fashion Avenue to add 9.2ha
of built-up area and deliver
over 5.5ha GLA. The expand-
ed Fashion Avenue will add
over 150 international brands,
F&B, and leisure outlets.
Work has also commenced on
the Mohammed bin Rashid Bou-
levard expansion that will serve
as an active link to both Mo-
hammed bin Rashid Boulevard
and the mall’s Fountain Views
expansion. Emaar Malls is also
undertaking the Zabeel expan-
sion of The Dubai Mall. Strength-
ening its portfolio of community
shopping centres, Emaar Malls is
also developing a new retail ad-
dition under its ‘The Souk’ con-
cept in the Springs Village with
over 2.2ha GLA.
Emaar Malls records 6% growth in 9m net
profits to AED1.5bn
Page 13
construction business news me // December 2017 //
www.cbnme.com
13
Project management
Sustainability solutions firm,
SEE Nexus, has signed a
memorandum
of
under-
standing (MoU) with the
project management firm,
Projacs
International,
to
optimise the delivery of its
current and future projects,
including the ongoing de-
velopment of Phase 2 in The
Sustainable City in Dubai.
Dr
Muawieh
Radaideh,
CEO of SEE Nexus, com-
mented: “The signing of this
agreement marks the begin-
ning of our collaboration
with Projacs International to
provide project management
SEE Nexus, Projacs sign project
management services MoU
services to the SEE Nexus
team as it continues to de-
liver
exceptionally
high-
quality projects with social,
environmental,
and
eco-
nomic sustainability goals
at their core.”
Olivier Petit, Projacs coun-
try manager, said: “The de-
velopment of new project
management
targets
and
tools focusing on modern
environmental, social, and
human values, besides the
traditional technical issues, is
the core of Projacs Interna-
tional innovative profession-
al practices. As The Sustain-
able City is a unique project
in the UAE and worldwide,
Projacs
International
is
showing through the signing
of this agreement its com-
mitments in the broad vision
of sustainability.”
The Sustainable City is the
first net-zero energy city in
Dubai and the Middle East’s
first operational sustainable
community. In preparation
for Phase 2 of The Sustain-
able City and other projects
currently under consider-
ation, Projacs International
will be providing full con-
struction management ser-
vices through a dedicated
project management team.
SEE Nexus was formed
by merging and restructur-
ing the departments and
resources behind the devel-
opment of The Sustainable
City and is now harnessing
the knowledge behind this
model city to provide com-
prehensive and sustainable
solutions in the built envi-
ronment. SEE Nexus solu-
tions are fully aligned with
international standards, the
UAE National Green Growth
Strategy, as well the Dubai
Clean Energy Strategy.
Page 14
// NEWS
// construction business news me // December 2017
14
Contract
EFS Facilities Services has
been awarded a contract to
launch an integrated facil-
ity management venture at
King
Abdullah
Economic
City (KAEC).
Under the terms of the
agreement, EFS will provide
integrated facilities manage-
ment services across the city,
including
catering,
trans-
portation, and value-added
services such as the inte-
gration of smart technology
and Computer Aided Facility
Management (CAFM). The
contract will run over an ini-
tial period of three years.
Tariq
Chauhan,
group
CEO, EFS Facilities Services,
said: “KAEC is a major so-
cial and economic growth
driver for Saudi Arabia. As
the city grows in complexity,
EFS wins facilities management
contract with Saudi’s KAEC
so does its need for state-
of-the-art integrated facili-
ties management. With our
expertise and experience in
managing world-class facili-
ties and technology-driven
processes, we aim to main-
tain the highest standards of
service appropriate to this
ground-breaking city.”
Eng Ayman Mansi, acting
CEO of KAEC’s Industrial
Zones Development Com-
pany Limited and senior di-
rector of New Business Ven-
tures, said: “The complexity
of operating a development
on the scale of KAEC de-
mands the very highest lev-
els of specialist expertise
across
multiple
business
verticals. We selected EFS
as our integrated facilities
management service pro-
vider based on their wide-
ranging industry expertise
Contractor
Dubai-based
developer,
Khansaheb, debuted as a
sponsor and exhibitor at The
Big 5, which took place from
November 26-29, 2017, at the
Dubai World Trade Centre.
Abdulrahman A Khansaheb,
CEO, Khansaheb Industries,
commented: “Khansaheb is
dedicated to supporting the
UAE’s efforts as it positions
itself as a leading construc-
tion hub in the Middle East.
This year’s Big 5 was an ideal
platform for us to showcase
our innovative products and
solutions, which incorpo-
rates expertise from lead-
ing companies in the region
and around the world. We
saw a great mix of speakers
and panellists representing
Khansaheb concludes participation at The Big 5
and long-term strategy to es-
tablish a post-oil ‘knowledge
economy’ via the ‘UAE Strat-
egy for the Future’ blueprint.
This strategy aims to bolster
our nation’s non-oil economy
and enhance its economic di-
versification. Having been in-
volved in the development of
the UAE since 1935 through
the delivery of numerous
iconic and important projects,
we as a local company are
dedicated to making this vi-
sion a reality.”
Khansaheb
concluded:
“Looking ahead in the com-
ing years, Dubai’s construc-
tion sector will continue to
be a key driver of non-oil
growth. Construction activ-
ity is expected to remain
robust, especially as Dubai
prepares for the Expo 2020.
Projects include the construc-
tion of mixed-use buildings
and transportation networks.
The construction sector is also
set to benefit from plans to
foster the UAE’s Vision 2021
many of the global leaders in
downstream engineering and
construction.”
He added: “By supporting
the continued growth of the
local and regional construc-
tion market, Khansaheb is
helping to build the future of
the industry. We are working
to ensure sustainable devel-
opment while preserving the
environment, and to achieve
a perfect balance between
economic and social devel-
opment. Our commitment to
this has been evident through
increasing company projects
contributing towards green
building, and implementing
new technologies to help cre-
ate a sustainable environment
for our future generations.”
and their proven track re-
cord throughout the region.
We have every confidence
in our new partner and look
forward to a long and happy
working relationship.”
KAEC is the largest private-
ly-funded new city develop-
ment in the world, covering
an area of 181sqkm on Saudi
Arabia’s Red Sea Coast. The
city’s King Abdullah Port is
one of the world’s top 100
container ports and feeds a
growing logistics and manu-
facturing hub. The city is
also the largest residential
real estate company in Saudi
Arabia in terms of sales and
operates a wide range of
commercial, leisure, and re-
tail outlets. The city is under
development by Emaar, The
Economic City.
Page 15
construction business news me // December 2017 //
www.cbnme.com
15
Real estate
ARADA partners with SEWA to
power Sharjah’s Aljada
Real estate developer, ARA-
DA, and the Sharjah Elec-
tricity and Water Authority
(SEWA) signed a key part-
nership agreement to make
the 223ha Aljada megapro-
ject a fully self-sustained
district in terms of energy
consumption
and
infra-
structure maintenance.
The agreement was signed
by ARADA chairman, HE
Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed
Al Qasimi, and HE Dr
Rashid Al Leem, chairman
of SEWA. ARADA’s partner-
ship with SEWA will result
in the construction of one
132 kilovolt (kV) substation
at the north-eastern corner
of the Aljada site. A further
15 33/11kV substations will
also be built, guaranteeing
power to every section of
the community.
HE Qasimi said: “We are
delighted to have taken
another vital step forward
in the development of Al-
jada. This partnership with
SEWA will ensure that resi-
dents, workers, and tour-
ists to this destination will
benefit from world-class,
efficient
electricity
and
transmission networks.”
HE
Leem
said:
“This
partnership is in line with
SEWA’s aim to support the
development
of
Sharjah
and to empower local com-
panies. We look forward
to working with ARADA to
complete the construction
of the substations and net-
works in a timely manner.”
Over 500 units in Aljada’s
Phase 1 have been snapped
up by buyers since its
launch in early September,
making the project Shar-
jah’s fastest-selling residen-
tial community.
In
October,
ARADA
launched the Anber Com-
munity, a collection of 84
villas
and
townhouses,
ideally located near the
heart
of
the
develop-
ment. The Anber Commu-
nity features a selection of
stylish and spacious villas
and townhouses, all with
extensive gardens and di-
rect access to a lush and
landscaped private park.
Buyers can choose from
a wide variety of two-,
three-, and four-bedroom
residences,
positioned
close to Aljada’s leisure
and entertainment desti-
nation, the Central Hub.
With a gross real estate
value of AED24bn, Aljada
is ideally situated on the
last major plot of undevel-
oped land in the heart of
Sharjah, with connectivity
to surrounding areas, and is
an all-encompassing district
that comprises considerable
retail, leisure, and entertain-
ment options, in addition to
a wide range of residential
and commercial offerings.
Delivered in phases starting
2019, construction on Aljada
will begin in the first quarter
of 2018 and the entire proj-
ect is expected to be com-
pleted by 2025.
Page 16
Page 17
800 999 999 I sobha.com
@sobhadubai
LIVE IN THE LARGEST
TOWNHOUSES IN DUBAI
Page 18
// NEWS
// construction business news me // December 2017
18
Real estate
Aurora completes Hyati Residence I & II
UAE-based boutique real estate devel-
opment company, Aurora Real Estate
Development, has completed all the
townhouses in the 24,619sqm contem-
porary Hyati Residence project, located
in Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai.
Hyati Residence I & II consists of
20 townhouses covering two plots
(2,371sqm and 2,449sqm respectively),
with each four-bedroom townhouse,
consisting of a built-up area of 288sqm
and spread over G+2 floors.
Cian Farah, CEO of Aurora Real Estate
Development, commented: “Hyati Resi-
dence is a milestone in the Aurora story
– born out of a vision to create tailor-
made solutions at a reasonable price,
while placing a strict emphasis on quali-
ty, transparency, and attention to detail.”
Farah adds: “We are extremely focused
on delivering developments to the mar-
ket which offer something different in
terms of design and quality of finishes.
Special features in the Hyati Townhous-
es include a modern steel and wood
staircase, a free-standing bathtub for the
master bedroom, low level LED lights
Dubai-based developer, Ellington Properties, topped out
Belgravia II in Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) in the presence
of homeowners, architects, investors, agents, and other
stakeholders as the last slab of concrete was laid.
in the bathrooms, and lap pools for the
corner units. To date, we have sold 17
units and we have received a fantastic
response from the buyers who have
moved in.”
Each Hyati Residence townhouse also
features a modern layout and design, an
open kitchen concept, a double height
// Snapshot
ceiling in the living room, family room
and main entrance area, and a large out-
door terrace with a light fitted pergola.
To
date,
Aurora
has
delivered
46,451sqm of primarily residential de-
velopments over five projects and cur-
rently holds more than 65,032sqm of
new developments in the pipeline.
Page 19
Nasma, Sharjah’s newest
residential community
Your forever home for AED 995,000.
10% upon booking, and 20% during construction!
The remaining 70% at handover!
Located in the heart of new Sharjah, on the intersection of Emirates Road and Maliha Road,
comes a vibrant new community. With Tilal Mall and the new Sharjah Convention Centre at its
doorstep, Nasma has a lot to offer:
• 2, 3 and 4 bedroom freehold townhouses and villas.
• 13-acre community park.
• A school, nursery, medical clinic, shopping centre and a club house.
• 10 minutes away from Sharjah Airport, University City and
Sharjah International Airport Free Zone.
• No service or maintenance charges.
Now is the time to become a home-owner and live the life you always dreamed of.
Your forever home.
800-ARADA (27232)
www.arada.com
Page 20
// NEWS
// construction business news me // December 2017
20
Top 5 Web Stories
Khansaheb reveals Big 5
participation
ARADA partners
with SEWA
Bulgari to open
December 2017
Arabtec posts 9mn
net profits
Abu Dhabi MTB
on track
1
2
3
4
5
www.cbnme.com
Project
UAE-based holding company, Meraas,
said its key development, Bulgari Re-
sort Dubai, will open the doors to
guests on December 7, 2017.
Commenting on the launch, Abdulla
Al Habbai, chairman of Meraas Group,
said: “We are proud to deliver The Bul-
gari Resort & Residences Dubai, a first-
of-its-kind master development in scale
and magnitude. Our partnership stems
from shared values and a common ob-
jective to offer unique and exquisite
experiences in Dubai and the region.
“We are confident this project will
contribute and will add a new dimen-
sion to the tourism and hospitality
landscape in line with the Dubai Vi-
sion 2020 for tourism, and strengthen
Dubai’s global position as a leading
tourism destination.”
This newest addition to the Bulgari
Hotels & Resorts collection is the fifth
in the group, following on from the
most recently launched Bulgari Ho-
tel Beijing, which opened in Septem-
ber 2017. It joins a growing portfolio
of properties around the world, which
began with the inaugural Bulgari Ho-
tel Milan in 2004, The Bulgari Resort
Bali in 2006, and The Bulgari Hotel
London in 2012, and will be followed
by Shanghai in early 2018, and then
Moscow in 2020.
The resort is styled with European-
inspired gardens and pools and blends
Mediterranean landscaping with the
natural settings of the shores of the Ara-
bian Gulf, said the developer. Compris-
ing 101 rooms and suites, 20 private vil-
las, a vast spa, the Il Ristorante – Niko
Romito, and the world’s first Bulgari
Marina and Yacht Club, the property is
set to become the destination of choice
for visitors seeking the solitude of an
island escape.
Designed entirely by Antonio Citterio
Patricia Viel, the 158,000sqm property
is the first-of-its-kind development for
the brand, both in scale and magnitude.
The resort offers a full range of ameni-
Bulgari Resort and Residences
to open in December 2017
ties, such as the gourmet Il Ristorante
– Niko Romito, the Il Café open all
day, Il Bar with its iconic oval-shaped
freestanding bar, and La Spiaggia, the
most exclusive beach club with private
beach and a unique mosaic-design out-
door swimming pool.
Jean-Christophe Babin, chief execu-
tive of Bulgari, said: “This is another
milestone for the Bulgari Hotels and
Resorts Collection and represents a
tribute to the importance of the Middle
East market for the brand. It is an hon-
our for us to partner with Meraas on
this extraordinary project, which brings
the best of the Italian design and life-
style culture to one of the most modern
and future-oriented city in the world.”
Guests can also enjoy the 1,700sqm
spa with hammam, indoor pool, fitness
centre, beauty salon with a traditional
barbershop and hairdresser. The pri-
vate marina features 50 boat berths and
the world’s first Bulgari Yacht Club with
peerless views over the sea.
Page 21
UAE
DUBAI
Monday 11th December @ 9:00am
T. +971 4884 6880
CONSIGN NOW TO OUR HUGE DUBAI AUCTION
2005 CAT PF3000
2006 Komatsu FD35 T-7
09-11 Sany QY50C 50 Ton All Terrain Crane - Choice
2004 JCB 532-120
Unused Beta B500
Unused Nissan HARD
BODY - Choice of 7
2010 Roadtec RP190
2011 Sany QY20 Ton All
Terrain Crane
10-11 Sany QY25 25 Ton All Terrain Crane - Choice
JCB 3CX P21 Sitemaster -
Choice
PO Box 263536, Jebel Ali Free Zone
www.euroauctions.com
Visit our website for full inventory:
Contact your local sales representative for more information:
Richard Sweatt (ME)
T. +971 5581 30321
E. richard.sweatt@euroauctions.com
Amjad Faroukh (UAE)
T. +971 5074 56262
E. amjad.faroukh@euroauctions.com
Mohammed Awni (Dubai)
T. +971 5056 79917
E. mohammed.awni@euroauctions.com
Page 22
// NEWS
// construction business news me // December 2017
22
Dubai-based contractor, Arabtec
Holding, announced that its
wholly-owned subsidiary, Target
Engineering Construction Com-
pany (‘Target’), has been awarded
Phase 2 of Forte, a residential de-
velopment in Downtown Dubai by
Emaar for AED950mn.
In a statement to the Dubai Fi-
nancial Market, the company said
that the contract scope includes
the construction of the podium and
twin towers of 67 and 46 floors,
which is in addition to Phase 1,
that was previously awarded to
Target for the construction of five
basements for the two residential
towers. The duration of Phase 1
and 2 will be 40 months.
Group chief executive officer,
Hamish Tyrwhitt, commented:
“The award of Forte Phase 1
and 2 to Target Engineering
demonstrates the strength and
confidence of the group’s rela-
tionship with Emaar Properties.
We look forward to further build-
ing the solid relationships we
have with our clients in delivering
quality projects.”
Arabtec wins Forte phase 2 contract
Project
ASGC wins two new projects in Cairo
UAE-based contractor, ASGC, is set to ex-
pand its overseas portfolio with the an-
nouncement of two new project wins in
Egypt’s capital city of Cairo.
Emaar Misr has chosen ASGC as the
main contractor for two of its upcoming
flagship projects, including Phase 1 and
Phase 2 of the new Uptown Cairo project
Levana, and the Crescent project within
Cairo’s Mivida development.
Bishoy Azmy, CEO of ASGC, said:
“Across our business, ASGC’s growth
momentum continues as we expand to
new regional markets and affirm our
commitment to supporting top regional
developers. We are proud to have been
selected by Emaar Misr to deliver these
exciting projects, and we look forward
to applying our expertise — which
spans over 30 years — in contributing
to Egypt’s urban progress.”
ASGC’s scope of works in Levana
includes the construction of 121 vil-
las and townhouses with total built-up
area of around 62,000sqm, complete
infrastructure works, landscaping, as
well as utilities networks. The Cairo
Uptown project is the first integrated
development in the centre of the Egyp-
tian capital with easy accessibility from
Cairo’s neighbourhoods.
Combining the best of urban and
suburban design, ASGC also started
working on the Crescent development
at Mividia. This project entails the con-
struction of 13 fully-finished apartment
buildings, in addition to private gardens
and landscaping, infrastructure, and
more. Mividia by Emaar Misr is located
in New Cairo, integrating urban lifestyles
with natural surroundings. The 380ha
development, which is just 20 minutes
away from Cairo International Airport,
will feature 5,000 homes designed by
international architects.
Page 23
construction business news me // December 2017 //
www.cbnme.com
23
Project
The UAE-based developer,
Sweid & Sweid, has partnered
with internationally acclaimed
hospitality
brand,
Banyan
Tree, to develop and deliver
the first Banyan Tree Resi-
dences in the Middle East.
Located on a large island
site where DMCC, the Mont-
gomerie Golf Course, The
Emirates Golf Course. and
Emirates Hills intersect on Al
Telal Street, the new residen-
tial tower will boast views in
all directions. Its 244 residenc-
es will stretch over 32-storey
and include one-, two-, three-,
and
four-bedroom
apart-
ments,
duplex
apartments
with private outdoor gardens,
and three full-floor penthous-
es crowning the building. The
penthouses offer large ter-
races, featuring cantilevered
swimming pools overlooking
spectacular views.
Banyan Tree Residences,
Hillside Dubai, is unique as a
single tower set within a gated
community, stretching over
10,219sqm. The residents-on-
ly Clubhouse & Spa includes
Banyan Tree unveils first
Middle East homes
a fitness centre, an authentic
Banyan Tree spa experience,
saunas, a squash court, and
an expansive indoor chil-
dren’s play area.
Outdoors, the residents will
enjoy a 31m resort-style swim-
ming pool, a children’s pool,
a children’s play area, and a
poolside café, all set along
the extensive outdoor green
spaces with lush landscaping.
Concierge and 24-hour se-
curity will be provided, with
Banyan Tree’s management
ensuring their levels of service
and hospitality are offered to
the residents.
Interior
finishes
include
3.2m high ceilings, Grohe
fixtures, and Villeroy and
Boch sanitary ware. Custom
kitchens feature quartz and
Zebrano wood detailing with
Siemens and Smeg stainless
steel appliances.
The official launch of sales is
planned for Q1 2018, in con-
junction with the completion
of the onsite sales centre and
show apartment. Completion
of the project is scheduled for
Q3 2019, with construction
having commenced at the
start of 2017.
Ho Kwon Ping, executive
chairman of Banyan Tree
Holdings, commented: “This
is our first entry into the
emerging branded residence
space in the Middle East. Our
offering is truly unique; in that
we are giving our end-users
the experience of a luxury re-
treat that they would expect
from our hotels and resorts,
however, there is no end
to the holiday. This will be
their home.”
Maher
Sweid,
managing
partner of Sweid & Sweid,
commented: “With over two
years in design and develop-
ment, we are excited to finally
announce this landmark proj-
ect and our partnership with
Banyan Tree. In line with
our
corporate
philosophy
underpinned by the commit-
ment to delivery, construction
commenced far ahead of the
public sales launch, which
will give assurance to buyers
about the timely delivery of
the project. Interested buyers
can go online and register to
be the first to be invited to the
launch of the sales centre.”
Buyers will also receive
membership to the Banyan
Tree Sanctuary Club, which
entitles them to access to over
40 resorts and hotels, more
than 60 spas, 70 retail galler-
ies, and three golf courses
worldwide.
Additionally,
owners also receive access to
the Banyan Tree Private Col-
lection, an exclusive destina-
tion club with a portfolio of
villas in stunning locations
around the world.
// Bitesize news
Nakheel opened the Al
Furjan Club – the latest
dining and leisure complex
in the company’s AED5bn
hospitality expansion.
Manazel Real Estate
announces that plans are
underway to expand its
business into the wider
Middle East and North Africa
(MENA) markets.
Abdul Rahim Architectural
Consultants (ARACO)
announces 35%
construction completion for
the 18 homes within The
Villa project, a residential
development master-
planned by Dubai Properties.
Dubai-based developer,
RSG International, has
successfully fulfilled its green
building requirements during
the design stage for its
flagship project, Burj Sabah.
Page 24
Page 25
Page 26
// construction business news me // December 2017
26
// Op-Ed
Raguram Jayaram, BIM consultant at Bentley Systems, talks about collaborative digital
technologies and solutions which help in accelerated project delivery
Tech to the aid
I
n our environment, buildings oc-
cupy a vital space and are our pro-
tective layer to socialise and interact
with our surroundings. Designing
and constructing a building involves
participation from various specialties
and poses a variety of challenges that
need to be addressed and resolved.
With tighter building codes, environ-
mental regulations, and complexities in
building design and function, design-
ers are always on the lookout for
modern technologies that assist with
successful project delivery.
For the past few decades, a multi-
tude of digital capabilities have been
developed to help designers and
construction professionals deliver better
buildings. However, in spite of that,
construction industry labour productiv-
ity has grown to an average of 1% over
the past two decades, according to a
recent report by McKinsey Global Insti-
tute, which is much less when com-
pared to other industries. The lack of a
comprehensive solution that promotes
interoperability among stakeholders is
also one of the key reasons attributed
to this performance. While adoption
of new processes, such as BS 1192, is
being envisaged in various parts of the
globe to improve construction industry
productivity, it is still vital to have a so-
lution that enables and promotes digital
collaboration and coordination among
the stakeholders to improve efficiency.
Bentley Systems Inc provides ad-
vanced collaborative digital technolo-
gies and solutions for accelerating
the project delivery and improving
the asset performance of built assets.
The technology solution playbook for
building design includes interoper-
able applications that enable seamless
cessing the latest information about a
site or the existing buildings and land-
scape in which the building or build-
ings need to be built. Often, informa-
tion received in the form of drawings
are outdated and pose challenges to
the teams to make informed decisions.
With Bentley’s ContextCapture tech-
nology, our users can automatically
create an accurate geo-coordinated 3D
model of the site and surroundings,
merely from photographs captured
using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
or other mediums. The scale of reality
meshes range from a site for a single
building to an entire metropolitan city.
These reality meshes are the new digi-
tal realm that allow users to analyse
and apply their ideas to explore design
iterations and make informed deci-
sions at early design stages.
Bentley’s AECOsim Building De-
signer provides feature-rich paramet-
ric capabilities to capture the design
intent of the users to iterate multiple
design options and analyse its perfor-
mance with due considerations for the
surroundings, including weather con-
ditions. The application also supports
federated workflow among stakehold-
ers and enables users to extract out-
puts in the form of drawings, quantity
and schedule take offs, 3D PDFs, and
much more. It also interfaces directly
with industry-leading lighting design
applications to support lighting design
according to codes and the latest man-
ufacturer content. Mechanical fittings
designed using AECOsim Building
Designer can be directly exported to
industry standard CNC file formats for
direct prototyping and manufacturing.
It also includes built-in standards of
electrical symbols and laying out fire
For the past few
decades, a multitude
of digital capabilities
have been developed
to help designers
and construction
professionals deliver
better buildings.”
exchanges of information for better
accuracy, decision making, and infor-
mation management — from design
inception to construction delivery —
for effective facility management and
operation handover.
To get started with building design,
users are always challenged with ac-
Page 27
construction business news me // December 2017 //
www.cbnme.com
27
for traffic flows and people move-
ment. Such 3D visualisation enables
users to interact with the design and
make informed decisions for design
approvals and construction outcomes.
It is very important that all this infor-
mation is coordinated among stake-
holders during the design phase and is
accessible to construction teams. Bent-
ley’s ProjectWise design integration
systems provides users with a common
data environment to collaborate and
share information among dispersed
teams throughout the globe. It also
supports information management on
the cloud and makes it accessible to
the right teams at the right time for
construction delivery and monitoring.
Project dashboards can be created that
allow users to perform health checks
on the project delivery status. Having
the capability to manage information
on the cloud also provides accessibil-
ity of secure information from a wide
variety of devices.
Managing all the information from
a single source of truth also enables
better handover of information to the
facilities team for the safe operation
of the built assets. Large-built assets,
such as airports and hospitals, require
a great deal of as-built information
for periodic renovations and revi-
sions, and Bentley Facility Planner and
AssetWise solutions are integrated to
host and manage this information for
predictability analysis and operational
functions, thus improving the perfor-
mance of the built asset.
The business of designing, con-
structing, and operating a built asset
throughout its lifecycle requires care-
ful planning, execution, and manage-
ment of the digital information to
ensure the safety of its occupants and
minimise its adverse effect on the
surroundings and environment. As a
building design technology provider,
Bentley’s vision for ‘going digital’ is
well aligned to provide and promote
an integrated solution that is poised
to improve the productivity of the
construction business.
detection systems, ensuring fire hazard
safety regulations.
AECOsim Building Designer also
provides a bi-directional interface with
applications like STAAD.Pro and RAM
Structural Systems for structural analy-
sis, reducing the risk of coordination
errors compared to manual processes.
Structural performance testing can be
performed on a desktop computer or
cloud-based optioneering environ-
ments to derive the best possible struc-
tural design solution that optimises
cost without compromising the design
code and validation. Such validated
design can be further shared with
applications like ProStructures, which
provide industry standard capabilities
to develop complex steel connec-
tion details and accurate bar bending
schedules for reinforcements.
Bentley’s building design applica-
tions are certified to support informa-
tion exchange using open file formats
such as IFC. Bentley has also devel-
oped innovative file formats such as
iModels and 3D PDFs that enable in-
formation exchange with stakeholders
who are using non-Bentley applica-
tions. It is also important to consider
the aspect that often such information
needs to be collaborated with stake-
holders from other disciplines, such as
roads and utility providers for electrical
and communication services. Bentley
also provides solution technologies
for roads and utilities industries and
building design information can be
seamlessly integrated and shared with
these disciplines as well.
Often, building projects face
construction delays due to changes
initiated by clients because of poor
design communication. Bentley’s
building design technologies are
based on a 3D environment and are
seamlessly visualised using Bentley
LumenRT. With a click of a button,
users can visualise their designs in
real-time, immersive environments,
simulating the lighting and weather
conditions, and applying animations
Page 28
// construction business news me // December 2017
28
Ingrid Paoletti, associate professor of building technology at Politecnico di Milano, talks
about Additive Manufacturing Printing Farm for mass customisation in construction
Shape your idea
G
lobally, there is a high aware-
ness that the society stands on
the brink of a new industrial
revolution, driven by techno-
logical breakthroughs such as ad-
vanced computing, big data analytics,
and advanced manufacturing.
These technologies open new hori-
zons for the industry to become more
efficient, to improve processes, and
to develop innovative products and
services. They also help the industry
to respond to the customers’ demand
for personalised products and services,
safety and comfort, as well as im-
proved energy and resource efficiency.
Many researchers have already
named it Industry 4.0, tackling it as the
revolution that refers to the possibil-
ity to manufacture with a very high
quantity of data.
Mass customisation refers to the pos-
sibility to derive new elements from
existing products that can be person-
alised, thanks to innovative tools, new
machines, and advanced processes of
Compared with mass production, a
wide range of combinations of product
features may result in innumerable
variants for a single product, which
makes the number of product variants
increase drastically. Product family
design, recognised as an effective
means to support product variety with
minimal data redundancy, has become
one of the prevailing approaches in
implementing building technology.
Additive Manufacturing Printing
Farm offers a wide degree of flexibil-
ity and economic potential because
the components are made directly
from materials and can be therefore
optimised in terms of the structure and
quantity of material used. The main
advantage comes from the possibility
to produce unique components, which
would not be economically sustainable
to produce with traditional manufac-
turing techniques.
Currently, most of the 3D print-
ing processes are based on plastic
materials such as ABS, PLA, acrylate,
// Op-Ed
construction, while avoiding the high
cost of personalisation - this is a real
revolution for AEC.
Politecnico di Milano University and
Rimond Middle East are fostering a com-
pletely new way to approach design and
production, pushing additive manufac-
turing to the scale of the building with a
complete innovative perspective. Provid-
ing individually customised products by
using flexible computer-aided process
and organisation structure with reason-
able low costs and lead-time will help
the integration of personalised products
into a traditional process and their physi-
cal assembly.
This means that a new way of
conceiving mass customisation with
additive manufacturing can be de-
termined by instruments and tools,
enhanced by workflow information,
keeping it more near to knowledge
than only in lean production strate-
gies whereby a production strategy
is focused on the broad provision of
products and services.
Page 29
construction business news me // December 2017 //
www.cbnme.com
29
photopolymer, polyamide (nylon),
epoxy, polycarbonate, and PMMA
(acryl glass). Material mixtures might
be modified for specific applications in
order to impart specific properties on
the materials.
Polyamide, for example, can be
modified so that it could be classi-
fied as ‘incombustible’ and therefore
used for aeroplanes or in construc-
tion when fire resistance is an issue.
Some of these techniques have been
later introduced to the general AM
market, making high performance
plastics available, which can resist
high temperatures. The introduction
of these novel plastic materials opens
new potential applications for architec-
ture and more specifically for building
components of façades.
In construction, there is also a big
ongoing research on powder materi-
als like concrete, ceramics, clay, and
organic materials that can be used to
develop innovative products that can
enlarge the possibility and tectonic of
building systems in architecture.
Generally speaking on future devel-
opments of advanced manufacturing,
for the last decade, the construction
companies have largely been an idle
spectator to the advancements in AM
systems while today, the idea to inte-
grate this type of production is becom-
ing more and more fluid to make the
production line efficient but flexible at
the same time.
An example of the works of Politec-
nico di Milano and Rimond is a cellu-
lar solid component based on a lattice
structure, that have been made basing
the production on the use of different
printers together, similar to a produc-
tion line, integrated and coordinate in
a printing farm, where components
can be produced and tagged in a pre-
ordered series, ensuring easy assem-
bly and structural strength during the
whole process.
The design, development, and
implementation of innovative build-
ing components is a real example of
mass customisation based on a con-
tinuous interaction between the digital
model, the finite element analysis, and
feedback of machines. This is a real
innovative workflow and a systematic
methodology to operate at different
scales - morphological information, ma-
terials properties and performances are
iteratively read, analysed, and updated,
linked to the construction site.
Additive
Manufacturing
Printing Farm
offers a wide degree
of flexibility and
economic potential
because the
components are
made directly from
materials.”
Page 30
// construction business news me // December 2017
30
Above
the crowd
// Cover Story
Projects within the massive Bahrain Bay development are
progressing steadily to meet their completion deadlines, says
its chief Gagan Suri
L
aunched in July 2006, the $2.5bn
Bahrain Bay, located on re-
claimed land covering an area of
1.45 million sqm, started taking
shape to become a noticeable reality.
And its chief executive, Gagan Suri,
confirms that the 10-year project is
still moving ahead at the same pace.
Bahrain Bay Development (BBD) is a
fully master-planned project offering
high-quality residential, commercial,
and retail components.
The development is constructed
on two reclaimed lands on the North
shore of Bahrain and is connected to
the rest of the Kingdom by the North
Manama Causeway. The project’s con-
struction phase began in 2007 with the
start of reclamation works, followed by
infrastructure (roads and utilities) con-
tracts, most of which was completed
between 2008 and 2011.
Suri says: “Bahrain Bay is like a
mini city; a liveable and sustainable
long-term development. The location
of the development is what sets us
apart from our competitors; we are in
the heart of the city. It is extremely
well connected from all the sides and
what is planned for the future also
puts us in a very strategic location.
On one side, we have Seef and on
the other side, we have Manama. It is
built within the driving distance from
the airport. What many people are not
aware is that there is a greater plan to
build a second Saudi causeway, for
which our land has the infrastructure.”
Work in progress
Suri mentions that the development
is currently in its 10th year, which has
seen the completion of four projects,
including Arcapita headquarters,
Four Seasons Hotel, Al Baraka Bank
headquarters, and the United Tower
incorporating the Wyndham hotel, set
to open soon. In addition to that, Suri
says that the masterplan has WaterBay
– a three residential building project,
being developed by Bin Faqeeh.
He adds: “The WaterBay project is
not behind schedule. Initially, it was
promised that the three towers will be
delivered in phases, but now the strat-
egy has changed. All the three towers
will be delivered at the same time. The
towers are pretty much at the same
level of construction and targeting
2018 completion.”
Some of the other projects include
the AXA Insurance Gulf regional head
Page 31
construction business news me // December 2017 //
www.cbnme.com
31
Page 32
// construction business news me // December 2017
32
// Cover Story
office, the piling works for which is
already finished and they are about to
start construction soon; India-based
Ajmera Mayfair Realty Group will be
developing a residential tower project;
Kuwait’s Wafrah Real Estate Group will
start its work on the Bahrain Breeze;
and last but not least, two as of yet
unnamed towers containing slightly
smaller apartments being developed
by members of the local Kooheji busi-
ness family.
Suri adds: “The development has
been around for 10 years. It started off
in the peak of the market and success-
fully sold 65% of the plots. Over the
time, slowly absorption happened, and
now today, we don’t have a single plot
left to be sold. The economic cycle
over the 10-year period has definitely
been turbulent. Markets all over the
world fell, while the GCC took a big
hit. As a master developer, we have a
long-term vision for the project, and
considering the scale of the develop-
ment, it is absolutely ok for us if the
development takes time to reach a
certain level.”
Early this year, the development
saw the opening of the Promenade,
a waterfront walkway inspired by
locations such as Sydney in Austra-
lia and Vancouver in Canada. The
Promenade opening coincided with
the launch of the 10-day Bahrain Food
Festival at Bahrain Bay. Organised by
the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions
Authority (BTEA), the culinary exhibi-
tion reflected the multicultural dining
environment of Bahrain. Connected by
a pedestrian bridge over an intersect-
ing canal, the promenade stretches in
a semi-circle across the Four Seasons
Hotel and includes kiosks by known
food and beverage (F&B) brands such
as Wafflemeister, Naseef, Craves, and
Bites Corner Café.
Also in addition to that, in Octo-
ber this year, HRH Prince Salman bin
Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince,
Deputy Supreme Commander and First
Deputy Prime Minister, inaugurated the
first The Avenues mall in Bahrain. The
first phase of the project, including the
Grand Avenue and the Harbour, boasts
130 retail stores, and a leasing space
of around 40,000sqm, half of which is
devoted to restaurants and cafes over-
looking Bahrain Bay. The work on the
Phase 1 was completed at an invest-
ment of BHD60mn within two years.
The implementation of the Phase 2
of the project will start within the next
We have never borrowed a single
Dinar; we are proud to be a
completely debt-free company.”
Gagan Suri
Page 33
Image by: Anthony Quintano, used under Flickr Creative Commons 2.0 License
Our Expertise:
Design & Build Contracts
Lean Construction
Fast-Track Construction
EPC / Turnkey Contracts
EPCM Contracts
When Innovation
Meets Experience
Steel Contracting & Manufacturing Leader
Cimolai Rimond is one of the leading steel contracting companies with world-class
manufacturing facilities in Italy and abroad, using the most innovative technologies
in engineering and construction.
Having more than half a century experience in manufacturing, engineering and
construction of highly complex structures around the world, we are working on the
intersection of design and technology, continuously improving our capabilities and
helping our clients achieve the most ambitious visions of the future.
For more information visit: cimolairimond.me | email: info@cimolairimond.me
Page 34
// construction business news me // December 2017
34
few months and is likely to be com-
pleted in 2020. In this phase, the west
side of the project will be completed
and an additional leasing space of
30,000sqm will be added. The scope
of work includes construction of the
210-room Hilton Bahrain Bay Hotel
and Residences and also residences
with direct access to the mall.
Suri states: “We are very proud of
the developments that took place
in the last two years and we look
forward to the upcoming two to three
years as well. It also sets us to think
about enhancing public realm like
parks, restaurants, coffee shops etc.
within the masterplan. For the past
couple of years, people had this image
of Bahrain Bay being a very exclusive
development and different from rest of
the city. But with the opening of the
few kiosks last year, we opened up
the channels of bringing people into
Bahrain Bay.
“We have partnered with the
Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of
Culture and brought in lots of interest-
ing events. Over half a million people
came to Bahrain Bay in the last 12
months. We hosted some of the most
successful events like the food festival
on the promenade. We have changed
and increased the profile of the devel-
opment completely.”
He continues: “We are planning
to do festivals once again this year.
We sponsored the Cancer Walk and
the Light Festival in November. The
idea is to create unique events which
encourage people to get out and
enjoy the weather. Bahrain Bay is not
predominantly a tourist attraction, but
what it does is that it gives mass and
momentum for people to come here
and bring along others as well.”
Future developments
Despite the regional economic chal-
lenges, Suri believes that they have
been quite fortunate to have good
shareholders and are well capitalised.
“We have never borrowed a single
Dinar; we are proud to be a com-
pletely debt-free company. From the
beginning itself, the project was well
capitalised and well managed. When
the economy shrunk, we cut back on
few areas, but we managed well. and
so far, we have had no issues.”
The idea behind maintaining the
steady success with the third-party de-
velopers, according to Suri, lies in being
co-operative and open minded. “We re-
main flexible and open to ideas. Within
the masterplan, whatever we can do to
support the developers, we do that. We
are very accommodative as long as it is
not affecting our masterplan and add-
ing any extra gross floor area (GFA) to
the existing plan. We work with every
single developer at different levels; just
a little help will encourage them to
develop immediately.”
Suri mentions that there are plans for
Bahrain Bay 2. “The blueprint is already
on paper. I believe we needed some
revalidation and had to revisit it en-
tirely. We will begin the masterplan for
Bahrain Bay 2 once we have reached a
critical mass stage in Bahrain Bay 1. It
has to be something very unique.”
For large-scale masterplans, Suri says
that the trends don’t come in and out
that quickly. He concludes: “For mas-
terplans like us, there are long-term
trends. We should think about long-
term sustainability. I think residential
will still continue to be in demand.
There will also be a huge demand for
healthcare and schools as well.”
// Cover Story
Page 35
The Formwork Experts.
Real-time measuring of
concrete strength
Concremote® – Redefine your program. Push progress.
Easy to handle
Measuring sensors are quick to install and position
as they are simply placed on fresh concrete.
State-of-the-art measurement
Concremote® stands out for its field-proven process
reliability and for being very user-friendly.
Process optimisation
Cut down labour and equipment costs by reducing
striking time to a maximum of 2-3 days.
Technology | Bridges | Tunnel | Highrise | Residential | Energy
www.doka-me.com
More Information:
www.doka.com/concremote
EXCLUSIVE
BY DOKA
Page 36
// construction business news me // December 2017
36
// Steel
Andrey Burtsev, commercial director for the Middle East, Africa and Asia markets, Interpipe, talks
about the company’s products and future plans
What are the new products that
Interpipe is planning to come out
in 2018?
Interpipe is committed to quality and
continuous development. During
2016-2017, the company strengthened
its research and development (R&D)
department and proceeded to the de-
velopment of new premium products.
We are aiming to expand the range
of premium connections and improve
the mechanical properties of pipes.
For instance, Interpipe is launching
the premium connection of the new
generation called UPJ-M, designed to
satisfy the highest requirements due to
the use of CAL IV.
How has registering your
trademark helped to tackle
counterfeit steel products?
Trademark registration helps us protect
our brand more efficiently in the legal
field. Being officially registered in the
key GCC countries allows us to initiate
an investigation on the presence of
counterfeit goods in the market, fraudu-
lently marked as “Interpipe”, and receive
extensive support from local authorities.
What advice would you give to
clients to identify and deal with
counterfeit steel products?
Counterfeit material is often of poor qual-
ity. First of all, customers should make
visual inspection of the received goods.
The second step is to check the compli-
ance of pipe marking based on the mill
testing certificates. For instance, Interpipe
products are supplied worldwide under
the logo of the pipe producing mills.
They are always accompanied by a mill
quality certificate according to the inter-
national standard EN 10204:2004/3.1.
Reputable suppliers apply additional
measures to protect themselves from
the counterfeiters. Last year, Interpipe
implemented the online product veri-
fication service via QR-code on pipe
bundles’ labels. Each customer can scan
the QR-code and compare the details
on the label with the information from
Page 37
construction business news me // December 2017 //
www.cbnme.com
37
To maintain
our market
positions, we
need to guarantee
economic
efficiency, high
quality, and
sustainability of
our products.”
the company’s database of shipped
orders. If the order is not found in the
database, the customer can contact
our representatives who can check the
origin of the supply directly.
Has the slow nature of the
regional construction sector
affected Interpipe's business?
The market slowdown is affecting us
same as the rest of the industry. To
maintain our market positions, we
need to guarantee economic efficiency,
high quality, and sustainability of our
products. We expect a market recovery
in the nearest future, thanks to govern-
ment initiatives and development strate-
gies such as the Expo 2020 in Dubai.
What are your strategies for
2018? How has the company's
growth been in 2017?
We expect that this year the company
will exceed the results of 2016, thanks
to the slight recovery of the oil and
gas market. The good tendency is the
intensification of drilling activities in the
US helps us increase our market share.
We have also grown in the domestic
market. This is a good indicator that we
are recovering from the recession of
2015-2016. As for the MENA region, we
have a stable market share, same as in
2016. We expect the economic climate
in the region to improve and the imple-
mentation of construction and oil and
gas projects to accelerate.
Page 38
// construction business news me // December 2017
38
// Event review
The Big 5
HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Mak-
toum officially inaugurated the Middle
East’s largest construction event, The
Big 5, and the co-located Big 5 Solar
on November 26, 2017.
The Big 5 featured a program which
supported the local construction
industry, committed to building new
state-of-the-art facilities, infrastructures,
and residential areas as part of mega
projects like the much-anticipated
Expo 2020.
Josine Heijmans, portfolio event
director of The Big 5, said: “The Big 5
has been at the forefront of construc-
tion innovation for the past 38 years,
and our mission to support and
advance the construction industry is
now stronger than ever. Our summits,
educational sessions, and the thou-
sands of innovative solutions on dis-
play this year are all geared towards
facilitating the Dubai Plan 2021 and
the UAE Vision 2021 by building fully
connected and integrated infrastruc-
We present highlights from the Big 5 2017, the Middle East’s largest construction exhibition
tures, as well as a sustainable, safe
and resilient built environment.”
Endorsed by the Dubai Municipal-
ity and held under the patronage of
the Ministry of Infrastructure Devel-
opment, The Big 5 kicked off with
two conferences, The Excellence in
Construction Summit and The Big 5
Innovation in Precast Summit. Bringing
together leaders from across the globe,
the conferences presented revolution-
ary ideas and projects that are at the
forefront of excellence in construction,
including the latest developments in
3D printing discussed by Benjamin
Piper, principal and partner with Killa
Design, and Nick Billotti, head of Spe-
cial Projects at E.construct.
In line with Vision 2021 and the
Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050,
which saw the UAE launching the larg-
est concentrated solar energy projects
in the world and the first of its kind
in the region earlier this year, the co-
located Big 5 Solar showcased solar
technologies from local and interna-
tional exhibitors, including energy stor-
age, solar thermal technologies (CSP),
and photovoltaics to meet the escalat-
ing green demands in the GCC.
On November 27, the event hosted
the third edition of the Global Solar
Leaders Summit (GSLS) that gathered
governmental authorities, associations,
and industry leaders to discuss the
present and future of renewables and
solar energy. Beyond the high-level
conferences, The Big 5 and The Big
5 Solar offered more than 80 com-
plimentary and CPD-certified Talks
delivered by industry experts.
The Big 5 2017 showcased 360o
building solutions clustered in five
dedicated product sectors, including
building interiors and finishes, building
envelope and special construction,
construction tools and building materi-
als, construct technology and innova-
tion, and MEP Services with an all new
HVAC-R dedicated hall.
Page 39
construction business news me // December 2017 //
www.cbnme.com
39
Dr Abdullah AlNuaimi, UAE Minister
of Infrastructure Development, inau-
gurated the first Big 5 Innovation in
Precast Summit at the Dubai World
Trade Centre during The Big 5.
Dr AlNuaimi said: “Achieving a bal-
anced and sustainable infrastructure
development in line with the best
international standards is one of
the Ministry’s main missions, along
with ensuring the completion of the
national housing program. Precast
concrete is a strategic component
of our development plans and The
Big 5 Innovation in Precast Summit
will go a long way in advancing the
infrastructure industry in the UAE.”
Precast technology plays an
important role in achieving the
Ministry’s initiatives and objec-
tives, by moving forward the UAE
infrastructure towards excellence.
Precast technology can boost the
quality and speed of construction
projects, and is widely employed
for both infrastructure compo-
nents (rail systems, highways, and
roads), and structural building and
architecture components.
According to Dr AlNuaimi: “Host-
ing such a summit highlights the
role of the UAE in leading the
change process to achieve a prom-
ising future in the field of infra-
structure development, as it brings
together decision makers and major
international companies specialised
in the sector, which offer the most
advanced and innovative solutions.
“In the UAE, we are aware of the
importance of developing infra-
structure based on creative ideas,
in line with the country's develop-
ment over the past years, as well
as its position on the global map
for the coming years.”
The Big 5 Innovation in Precast
Summit brought together interna-
tionally renowned precast experts
and leading suppliers of concrete
products for a two-day event tailored
for the Middle East region. Taking
place alongside the region’s largest
and most influential construction
event, The Big 5, the summit will
provide delegates with exclusive
insights on the latest trends, tech-
nologies, and techniques in precast
concrete construction.
Organised in partnership with
BetonTage, Europe's largest pre-
cast congress, the event featured
some of the world’s leaders in
precast, including Elematic, Hard
Precast, German Plant Experience,
Columbia Machine, Weckenmann,
and Command Alcon. The summit
also offered a high-level education
agenda, spanning from structural
design and innovation, to trans-
formation technology, and sustain-
ability and green buildings.
MoID endorses first Big 5 Precast Summit
Kazema UAE showcases portable toilets
The UAE based seller of portable
sanitation products, Kazema Portable
Toilets, well known for its distribu-
tion of portable toilets in Middle East,
India, and the African region, show-
cased their flagship toilets at this
year’s Big 5.
This was Kazema’s fifth consecutive
year as an exhibitor with the Big 5. Ac-
cording to a company statement, Kaze-
ma Portable toilets are known for their
eco-friendly portable sanitation prod-
ucts. The statement read: “Their aim
is to provide the best material to the
sanitation industry. The company deals
in all sorts of portable sanitation prod-
ucts such as chemical toilets, plastic
toilets, GRP toilets, handwash stations,
FRP toilets, shower cabins, customised
toilets, luxury toilets, and mobile trail-
er-mounted toilet units in Dubai and
whole of Middle East, Africa and India.”
All toilet units are completed and
tested. Only the tested and fully func-
tional products are shipped to cus-
tomers across the Middle East and
African region. The ISO 9001:2015
certification ensures that Kazema is
consistently providing good-quality
products to their consumers and al-
lows them to stay up to date with the
latest techniques and technology in
the industry.
Page 40
// construction business news me // December 2017
40
Hisense launches new
generation VRF Systems
Global electronics giant, Hisense, an-
nounced the launch of its new genera-
tion G+ high-ambient series of VRF sys-
tems during the company’s participation
at the Big 5 exhibition in Dubai.
The new VRF systems of the new gen-
eration have been designed with a focus
on providing top performance with high
efficiency even in the high temperature
and harsh conditions of the region.
Moan Abraham, VP and GM for air con-
ditioning at Hisense Middle East, com-
mented: “Hisense continues to embark
major success in Middle East and Africa
with growth of 80% by units and 50% by
value. At Hisense, we are leaders in in-
verter technology and are now offering
inverter splits across the MEA region. In
addition, we are continuously developing
new commercial air conditioners to keep
up with the high demand for advanced
technology, high specification, and high-
quality air conditioning systems. With
leading design, un-matched service, and
professional management, we spare no
efforts to produce the most advanced air
conditioning technologies to create a bet-
ter eco-environment.”
The new generation VRF systems G+
series units are 27% more efficient, com-
pared to the earlier M series VRF sys-
tems. The system is equipped with new
generation cutting-edge high-pressure
chamber asymmetric scroll compressor,
with unique internal oil separation tech-
nology and DC inverter technology that
provides high efficiency and reliability,
and with intelligent and user-friendly
Wi-Fi connection, the system can be
controlled via iPad and smartphones.
Abraham continues: “Along with an
entire range of indoor units and particu-
larly the new low height DC ducted in-
door units have sound levels as low as
22 dB (lowest noise levels in the indus-
try yet), after 15 years of development
Hisense’s market share in the VRF space
is already at the second position in Chi-
na with the help of its VRF technology.”
Globally, Hisense air conditioners has
achieved remarkable growth in 2017, has
achieved a record increase in sales rev-
enue by 57%, and in terms of value the
increase is about 37%. Hisense A/C has
strengthened its fundamentals by focus-
ing on production capacity, peak produc-
tion has increased by 65% over 2016 and
crossed the 10 million sets mark in 2017.
On product front, Hisense Inverter
Technology expansion across all seg-
ment has been well accepted by the
market. The company has increased its
percentage of inverter based business
by more than 14% of industry average.
In 2017, Hisense’s 91.4% business came
from inverter based products.
Abraham concludes: “Going forward,
Hisense aims to use its technology to link
all communities through communication
and smart home products and eventually
provide services to entire cities. We are
very optimistic about 2018; we have a very
good backlog already. Our first quarter is
almost done; we have already secured our
products for it. Hisense’s B2B business will
also seek to develop overseas markets to-
gether with Hisense’s existing global TV,
fridge, and air conditioner businesses."
// Event review
Page 41
EVERYTHING YOU WANT IN A 19 FT SCISSOR LIFT.
Meet your go-to rental machine. The new 1932R was designed with reliability,
serviceability and affordability in mind. This workhorse of a scissor lift features an
all-steel swing out tray, improved battery charger and strategically placed components
for quick and easy maintenance. While active pothole protection provides optimal
ground clearance when you need it. All of this, and more, at an affordable price.
Learn more at www.jlg.com/1932R
YOUR NEW,
AFFORDABLE
WORKHORSE
EVERYTHING YOU WANT IN A 8 M SCISSOR LIFT.
Meet your go-to rental machine. The new 1932R was designed with reliability,
serviceability and affordability in mind. This workhorse of a scissor lift features an
all-steel swing out tray, improved battery charger and strategically placed components
for quick and easy maintenance. While active pothole protection provides optimal
ground clearance when you need it. All of this, and more, at an affordable price.
Learn more at www.jlg.com
JLG Industries | JAFZA View | PO Box 262728 | LB 19, 20th Floor, Office 05 | Jebel Ali | Dubai | measales@jlg.com
Page 42
// construction business news me // December 2017
42
Pultron
Composites
eye large infra
projects in 2018
New Zealand-headquartered
Pultron Composites will be
eyeing large-scale infrastruc-
ture projects in the UAE in
2018, according to Omar
Rathore-Rayi, sales manager
at the company.
“We have now a distribu-
tion network of 11 channel
partners, focusing on differ-
ent networks. We are hiring
and increasing headcount in
different regions to further
strengthen
our
position.
We are a solution provider
as well; we are helping our
customers as much as pos-
sible by being involved in
every step. 2018 is going to
be prosperous for us. We
are eyeing some large-scale
projects within the UAE
in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, and
Sharjah.”
According to Rayi, Pultron
Composites purely focusses
on construction in the Mid-
dle East whereas in New
Zealand, they focus more
on OEM products. “We did
our first project in the 90’s in
the Middle East and we have
seen a steady growth of 10%
year-on-year. In terms of
projects, we have completed
around 170 projects in the
Middle East. We are seen as
one of the leading manufac-
turers of GFRP globally.”
The company currently has
two manufacturing plants
in New Zealand and Dubai.
Rayi said: “One of the recent
projects that we won is the
Expo 2020 link. We finished
manufacturing the required
products now and they are
being delivered soon. We
are proud to be a local man-
ufacturer to win such a pres-
tigious project.”
He continues: “We are
a very technology inno-
vation focused business.
We are now working with
some of the largest compa-
nies in the world like Saudi
Aramco, SABIC etc. Our
focus also crosses many
borders all the way to Iran,
Pakistan, and India. Our
plans are good, and our
pipeline is strong.”
Rayi mentioned that the
company will focus on con-
necting with customers and
expand their business con-
nections at this year’s Big 5.
Moduleo unveiled Express with Im-
press, a premium design collection that
adds a new dimension to luxury vinyl
flooring, at this year’s Big 5.
At the heart of the new collection is
a specially-developed technology that
allows for relief prints of unsurpassed
quality. These luxury vinyl floors im-
press on every level, thanks to the
natural designs, the tactile texture, and
the hyperrealistic relief.
The planks are now being supple-
mented with tiles, creating even more
freedom in terms of design. Moduleo
brand manager, Cindy Van Moorleghem,
comments: “Express with Impress is all
about structure, originality and diversity.
This collection is nothing short of a mile-
stone in the world of flooring.”
The collection consists of two sepa-
rate categories, including Naturally Im-
pressive Floors and Expressive Floors.
Both are suitable for residential and
commercial use and play the usual
Moduleo trump cards - sustainable
quality, user-friendly installation and
easy maintenance.
Moorleghem continues: “With un-
equalled precision, thanks to substan-
tial investments in R&D, long years of
experience, and advanced technology,
every little detail is brought to life,
giving the Impress floors an unprec-
edented decorative appeal for a time-
less interior. To the successful classics
Country Oak, Mountain Oak, and Castle
Oak, we are now adding three authentic
wood designs (Laurel Oak, Santa Cruz
Oak, and Sierra Oak) and a slate design
(Mustang Slate).”
In addition to realistic oak and slate
patterns, Moduleo is expanding the
Impress collection with abstract and
expressive designs. This has resulted
in original luxury vinyl floors that al-
low the creation of a highly person-
alised interior: the planks and tiles
in this collection are unique and can
therefore be installed in a random
pattern. At the same time, the tech-
nology makes it possible to opt for
predefined combinations of different
but matching planks and tiles, all
within the same design.
Moduleo unveils
luxury vinyl tiles
// Event review
Page 43
Page 44
// construction business news me // December 2017
44
Ammar Ali from Dow Construction Chemicals highlights the uses of the energy efficient cool
reflective roof coatings in the Middle East
Beat the sun
T
he Middle East has always
been in the forefront for en-
ergy efficiency and significant
number of renewable energy
projects is set to boost it further.
Reflective coating is one such prod-
uct which is used to reduce heat
and energy costs and also reduces
energy wastes. Keeping in line with
the same strategy, Dow Construction
Chemicals has launched technologies
that meet the growing demand for
energy efficient cool reflective roof
coatings or cool roofs in the Middle
East region.
The material is manufactured at
Dow’s state-of- the-art production
facility in Jebel Ali in Dubai and is
a critical component in cool reflec-
that is generated. It is also proven
that our CRRC helps to prolong the
lifetime of a roof, which means an
intelligent use of resources.”
The product protects the roof from
a number of environmental effects
and reduces the peak temperatures,
therefore, reducing mechanical
stress. Both are leading to an ex-
panded lifetime of the roof and a de-
crease in use of resources. On top of
that, CRRC helps cities to reduce the
effects and negative consequences
of the Urban Heat Island Effect, that
causes temperatures to be higher in
big cities rather than in the surround-
ings, points out Ali.
“The increase of temperature
contributes to elevated levels of air
tive roof coating (CRRC) formula-
tions. When applied to exterior roof
surfaces, cool roofs coatings help re-
duce the amount of air conditioning
required in hot climates by reflecting
solar heat rather than absorbing.
Ammar Ali, regional commer-
cial manager at Dow Construction
Chemicals, remarks: “CRRC allows
for high reflectivity of the solar radia-
tion combined with high emissivity
of infrared radiation. Therefore, they
can efficiently contribute to higher
thermal comfort or less energy con-
sumption as less heat is transferred
into the building via the roof, with
less cooling efforts needed. Less
energy consumption will also result
in less emission of carbon dioxide
// Case Study
Page 45
construction business news me // December 2017 //
www.cbnme.com
45
pollution and greenhouse gas emis-
sions. Heat islands have a negative
effect on the sustainability of urban
areas. Further increase of urban
temperature must be expected due to
the continuous urbanisation as well
as due to the global warming effect.
Therefore, the development and
adoption of measures which lower
this effect is an absolute necessity.”
The CRRC technology has been
used in various projects across
the region, including warehouses
and exhibition centres in the UAE,
hospitals in Kuwait, and residential
compounds at the King Abdulla
University of Science and Technol-
ogy in Saudi Arabia. Ali says: “We
see increasing demand from existing
customers and high interest from
manufacturers across the region.
There is a lot of interest from local
customers for a technology that can
help them develop finished prod-
ucts that allows energy savings and
improved thermal comfort.”
Acrylic elastomeric coatings create
energy-saving roofs that reflect the
sun’s heat and help prevent it from
being absorbed into the roof of the
building, thus reducing CO2 emis-
sions. Because of their white colour
and reflective capabilities, cool roofs
reduce the heat build-up common
with bituminous roofing systems,
providing higher comfort and qual-
ity of life for a building’s occupants
while significantly lowering energy
consumption and cooling loads by
air-conditioning. Elastomeric CRRC
can also be applied on top of weath-
ered roofs, prolonging significantly
their service life and minimising
waste and landfill deposition created
by substituting old material.
Ali points out: “Our Primal EC-4642
ME is specifically tailored for climate
conditions encountered in regions
like the Middle East and offers exteri-
or durability and UV resistance; long-
lasting, low temperature flexibility,
and crack resistance; lengthen the
lifetime of the roof; high-resistance
to dirt pick-up for long-term solar
reflectivity; good protection against
environmental degradation; and ex-
cellent resistance to transmission of
ponded water.”
Durable CRRCs are capable of also
protecting the roof from environ-
mental degradation and help reduce
the effect of peak temperatures and
resulting mechanical stress, lead-
ing to an expanded life time for the
roof. The formulation is designed
to cope with surface temperatures
in excess of 80˚C. In addition, the
binder offers long term dirt pick-up
resistance - essential for maintaining
the solar reflectivity which is key to
achieving energy savings - and high
UV resistance, critical for an applica-
tion constantly exposed to the harsh
Middle East sunlight.
Ali concludes: “Growing infrastruc-
ture needs have definitely contributed
to the demand of the product but
since the technology is also designed
for retrofit and renovation of old roof
membranes, it allows for the exten-
sion of the useful life of a typical
rooftop. Therefore, its success is not
only linked to new buildings, since
we can rely on the broad base of
existing buildings as well.”
Cool reflective roof coatings help reduce the
amount of air conditioning required in hot climates by
reflecting solar heat rather than absorbing.”
Page 46
// construction business news me // December 2017
46
© 2017 Terex Corporation. Terex and Genie are trademarks of Terex Corporations or its subsidiaries.
TEREX MIDDLE EAST DISTRIBUTORS NETWORK
LEARN MORE AT GENIELIFT.COM/DEALERSEARCH/
EXTRA CAPACITY
EXTRA PRODUCTIVITY IN YOUR HANDS
Up to 3 Person
Platform Capacity
300
454
Dual Capacity
One machine for
multiple applications
Up to a third more
load capacity
XC
TM= Xtra Capacity
TM
Test
Weight
Simple Zero-Load
Field Calibration
Page 47
construction business news me // December 2017 //
www.cbnme.com
47
// Machinery & Vehicles
Our monthly review of the workhorses of the construction industry
Muscle & Might
Muscle & Might
A round-up of the important updates from the
global construction equipment market
Liugong’s Stacie Adams talks about technology and
diversity adopted within the company
US giant Caterpillar reveals global strategy on the
back of new excavator generation
Euro Auctions looks forward to its second Dubai
sale and regional growth
48
52
58
62
Page 48
// NEWS
// construction business news me // December 2017
48
Equipment
Dutch bus and truck-maker,
DAF Trucks, has formally
announced its re-entry into
the UAE market with its new
partner, Al Naboodah Group
Enterprises (ANGE).
The arrangement formally
brings together one of the
UAE's oldest family con-
glomerates with arguably
one of the last remaining
major truck manufacturers to
not have full representation
in the country.
DAF had formerly been ac-
tive in the Middle East before
drawing back at the turn of
the decade. Under the part-
nership, ANGE will repre-
sent the DAF brand in the
UAE, providing widespread
sales and after-sales services.
The two companies had pre-
viously worked together to
support buses manufactured
by DAF that were utilised
by fleets in the UAE (ANGE
has supplied 520 VDL Buses
powered by DAF Engines to
the Dubai Roads and Trans-
port Authority).
Buti Al Naboodah, deputy
CEO commercial for ANGE,
said: "ANGE is committed to
diversifying our business to
provide innovative solutions
to our consumers that help
support the economy and
lead society towards a sus-
tainable future. Our new part-
nership with DAF represents
a new milestone and a new
business stream for the group
and is considered a landmark
step to reinforce trust and reli-
ability to our commercial ve-
hicle industry stakeholders."
Michiel Kuijs, director of
sales operations for DAF,
said: “DAF wanted to be
sure we had a well-respect-
ed and very professional
partner hat represents our
values. We looked for a
partner who shares our am-
bitions in terms of quality,
after sales, services, and cus-
tomer satisfaction. We found
the right partner for the fu-
ture in ANGE with a proven
track record just like DAF."
The full product range
coming to the market in-
cludes light-, medium-, and
heavy-duty trucks that cater
to a wide variety of seg-
ments and applications. Pri-
or to the launch, the trucks
have undergone testing to
ensure reliability and perfor-
mance. DAF claims that its
vehicles are “environmental-
ly friendly, fuel efficient and
durable - resulting in a lower
TCO (Total Cost of Owner-
ship), smooth on-road trav-
el, and optimum comfort for
the driver”.
Ajit Kumar, chief operat-
ing
officer
Commercial,
Transport, and Electrical for
ANGE, added: "The collabo-
ration with DAF is the culmi-
nation of ANGE's investment
in providing locally-based,
world-class trucks with tai-
lor-made solutions to meet
the local market demands
and requirements. In part-
nership with DAF, we'll be
able to provide truck cus-
tomers in the UAE with best-
in-class quality and after-
sales service."
The development process
of DAF trucks takes place
in a high-tech environment
with advanced 3D and CAD
CAM-computer
programs
and state-of-the-art develop-
ment facilities. Engines are
put under the most extreme
conditions, at temperatures
from -20˚C to +50˚C to test
their efficiency. As a dem-
onstration of confidence in
the brand, ANGE has in-
corporated 60 DAF trucks
into their own fleet across a
range of applications.
DAF Trucks re-enters the UAE market
Page 49
construction business news me // December 2017 //
www.cbnme.com
49
Appointment
Hasan to drive
Raimondi Cranes'
regional effort
Dubai-based KBW Invest-
ments has announced that its
Raimondi Cranes SpA sub-
sidiary has appointed Wael
Hasan to the role of Middle
East commercial manager.
Hasan is a veteran of the
GCC’s heavy lifting machin-
ery sector and will be man-
aging the Middle East client
servicing and sales teams to
increase Raimondi Cranes
market share together with
on-the-ground visibility, fo-
cusing on the GCC and the
larger MENA region.
Based in Dubai, Hasan’s
appointment
is
effec-
tive immediately and in-
cludes forging new stra-
tegic
partnerships
with
the
region’s
construction
sector influencers.
Remarking on his plans for
the company’s Middle East-
ern sales segment, Hasan
said: “One of my goals for
the year ahead is to develop
new relationships as well as
continuing to work with our
Middle East clients as valued
partners. My client-servicing
team and I have an active
12 months ahead, beginning
with Raimondi’s first-ever
participation in the March
2018 Big 5 Heavy exhibition.
“I am extremely excited to
be joining a company that
represents quality and heri-
tage. Choosing to invest in
a Raimondi product means
that you have the full-circle
customer service and techni-
cal support functions avail-
able to you as our valued
partner – we specialise in
building relationships that
span decades rather than
seeing sales as a one-off
transaction,” he continued,
adding that investing in a
Raimondi crane guarantees
clients are delivered an intel-
ligently-designed product of
unsurpassed quality.
In his role as Middle East
commercial manager, Hasan
will be reporting to Eng
Mauro Masetti, commercial
director of Raimondi Cranes.
Hasan’s appointment is the
latest development in Rai-
mondi’s tier one human
capital recruitment drive,
planned to support the com-
pany’s larger overall com-
mercial impact tactics.
One of the oldest companies in the
concrete laying industry, Compagnia
Italiana Forme Acciai, otherwise known
as CIFA, lists its participation at the
upcoming The Big 5 Heavy 2018 in
March next year as part of its long-
term investment goals in the Middle
East and Africa.
CIFA head of area for the MENA,
Wajih Eit, drew attention to several
huge projects and worldwide events
taking place in the UAE revealing
that the company, “will keep invest-
ing and believing in the continuous
positive outlook of these markets,”
evaluating this region to soon be
number one in terms of sales rev-
enue and fleet presence.
Eit said that the resilience of the GCC
and Middle East markets was largely
due to “ambitious visions put into ac-
tion” by local governments.
Over the last four years, CIFA has
launched a dedicated range of products
and worked to expand their network of
dealers, “ensuring the highest level of
service and product support to end us-
ers”. Talking about the expansion of CIFA
within a dynamic region, Eit highlighted
that “Italian companies are famous for
their flexibility and adaption to different
market requirements and changes”.
US and South Carolina-based company,
Kennametal, has reached an agreement
to provide Caterpillar customers globally
with special order rotors and diamond
and carbide earth cutting tools for mix-
ing and road milling applications.
At the forefront of materials sci-
ence, tooling, and wear-resistant
solutions for more than 75 years,
Kennametal generated nearly $2.1bn
in revenues in 2017 and employs a
workforce of 11,000 and operates in
more than 60 countries.
Pete Dragich, vice president of
Kennametal Inc. and president of the
company’s infrastructure segment,
said: “This partnership capitalises on
the long-standing reputations Ken-
nametal and Caterpillar share in the
road rehabilitation industry, and it
supports our joint commitment to
providing end-users with the ultimate
customer experience. By combining
our proven products and expertise
with Caterpillar’s world-class ma-
chines and extensive dealer network,
we will deliver unmatched earth cut-
ting solutions to road rehabilitation
customers around the world.”
Paul Clark, worldwide product man-
ager paving, Caterpillar Inc, said: “This
partnership provides our customers,
via our Cat dealer network, access to
world class machines, a full line of
rotors, outstanding earth cutting tool
technology, and industry expertise. It is
another step towards ensuring a supe-
rior experience for our customers.”
Eit: CIFA to keep investing in region
Cat and Kennametal tool-up in deal
Page 50
// NEWS
// construction business news me // December 2017
50
Safety
Aimed at emphasising the
role of heavy vehicles in
ensuring safety on the UAE
roads, MAN Truck & Bus
Middle East in partnership
with Dubai Police and Road-
SafetyUAE, hosted an event
for fleet owners and other
stakeholders of the public
and private sectors in No-
vember 2017, showcasing
various road safety initia-
tives and solutions to reduce
heavy commercial traffic in-
cidents in the country.
The event explored ways
to boost road safety, in line
with the targets outlined in
‘UAE Vision 2021’, which
aim to reduce road traffic fa-
talities from about 6/100,000
residents
(end
2016)
to
3/100,000 by 2021.
Citing
dangerous
road
habits of drivers and the
need to constantly educate
and train them, Captain Sa-
lem Mesfer Rashid Alamimi,
Dubai Police, said: “Our
various campaigns and ini-
tiatives in partnership with
industry stakeholders in the
past have resulted in a sig-
nificant drop in the num-
ber of accidents involving
heavy vehicles over the
years. To ensure road safe-
ty for all, it is critical to en-
gage with truck drivers, the
owners, and fleet operators
as well. Such workshops
play an important role in
achieving the targets, and
I express our sincere grati-
tude to MAN Truck & Bus
Middle East and Road-
SafetyUAE for their strong
commitment to making the
country’s roads safer.”
The event highlighted the
MAN Truck & Bus Middle East
leads call for safer UAE roads
ongoing efforts by MAN to
increase road safety, both by
building safety into its trucks
and fostering a culture of
safe driving.
Franz von Redwitz, manag-
ing director, MAN Truck &
Bus Middle East FZE, said:
“We are pleased to partner
with Dubai Police to further
enhance road safety aware-
ness among various stake-
holders of the commercial
vehicles industry in the UAE.
The importance of stricter
enforcement of laws and
continuous education and
training is paramount, but it
is also critical to equip com-
mercial vehicles with new
technologies to ensure com-
plete and absolute safety on
the roads in the country.”
Participants
gained
in-
sights into how proper safe-
ty measures, best tyre and
load practices, technology-
driven solutions, and driver
training support programs
can lead to a significant
drop in road incidents.
Redwitz added: “Adopt-
ing best practices in vehicle
safety not only helps in driv-
ing down the number of traf-
fic incidents and enhancing
road safety but also results in
reducing fuel consumption
and optimising loads, there-
by maximising the economy
of the fleet operating compa-
nies. As the leading provider
of commercial vehicles and
buses, we remain dedicated
to introducing efficient and
safety solutions for our loyal
customers in this region.”
Thomas Edelmann, man-
aging director of RoadSafe-
tyUAE, stated: “MAN is set-
ting a great example as a
pro-active
thought-leader
in the commercial vehicle
industry by committing re-
sources to arrange such an
impact-strong event, which
educates the involved stake-
holders and also provides a
great networking platform
to connect delegates and to
foster new ideas of how to
tackle road safety.”
Taking the event to a new
level, the senior representa-
tives from MAN presented
an interactive ‘Truck Safety
Walk-Around’, which exam-
ined various factors leading
to fatal accidents.
Page 51
construction business news me // December 2017 //
www.cbnme.com
51
technology
Hyva reveals
cylinder landmark
Trailer technology provider,
Hyva, has revealed that it
produced its two millionth
hydraulic telescopic cylinder
in October 2017.
Following reaching the pro-
duction landmark, teams from
Hyva’s all-cylinder production
facilities in Germany, Brazil,
and India participated in a
global celebration on October
11, 2017. The German-head-
quartered company, which
is a major supplier to trailer
companies in the Middle East,
said it is planning on roll-
ing out a series of customer
events internationally, which
will be joined by a commem-
orative display at exhibitions
in the coming months.
Marco Mazzu, CEO of
Hyva, said: “Two million
cylinders is an exceptional
achievement. It is not only
the cumulative total that is
impressive – from a start in
1982 to one million in 2011
and two million in 2017 –
but also the rate of increase
in production in recent years
to satisfy demand in new ap-
plications, existing territories
and, new geographical ter-
ritories as our business has
grown. And, very important-
ly, while increasing volumes,
we have maintained the
quality and innovation asso-
ciated with the Hyva brand.”
The hydraulic cylinder is
Hyva’s historical core prod-
uct and is recognised as one
of the world-leading prod-
ucts in terms of quality and
performance. Cylinder pro-
duction started in 1982, and
by 1995, cumulative produc-
tion stood at 95,000 units.
Cumulative totals of 500,000
were reached in 2007, one
million in 2011, and now in
2017, two million cylinders.
Front-end
cylinders
are
predominantly used on tip-
per truck and trailer applica-
tions in the road construc-
tion, mining, and agricultural
sectors. The most recent fac-
tories to be built opened in
India and China in 2011 to
satisfy the growing demand
for Hyva cylinders in the
eastern hemisphere.
Thomas Schramm has returned to the
Terex Cranes team as VP sales and
product support for Europe and the
Middle East region (EMEAR). According
to Terex, he will be tasked with driving
the sales and product support strategy
and lead team members in the region
that cover the extensive line of Terex
and Demag branded mobile and crawler
crane models. Additionally, he will act as
a Demag brand ambassador globally.
Steve Filipov, president of Terex Cranes,
said: “We are excited to welcome back
Schramm to the Terex Cranes team. His
experience and reputation in the crane
industry will help us to continue our mis-
sion of regaining industry leadership and
becoming the most customer-responsive
company in the crane industry. His exten-
sive knowledge of Demag all terrain and
crawler crane models makes him the per-
fect candidate to act as the brand’s global
ambassador for large global accounts to
create value and help advance their suc-
cess and profitability.”
Schramm began his career in the
crane industry with Demag in 1987.
Throughout his career at Demag and
Terex, he held several sales positions,
including director international sales
before leaving to pursue other interests
in 2010.
Schramm commented: “Terex has im-
plemented a number of positive changes
and improvements. These efforts and
the company’s long-term commitment
to the crane business through the in-
vestment in new product development,
quality, and product support make me
excited to rejoin the team. I will be proud
to add and contribute to this growth by
driving customers’ satisfaction in our
products and services and making Terex
and Demag cranes a successful invest-
ment for our customers.”
With Schramm’s return to Terex,
Carsten von der Geest has taken the role
of VP of global commercial operations
and global used equipment. In this new
position, Geest will drive ongoing activi-
ties and process improvements across
our commercial organisations globally
and lead global used equipment efforts.
Additionally, he will take on a leadership
role with several strategic customers.
Filipov added: “Schramm and Geest
are the right team for leading crane
sales and creating more efficient inter-
nal processes. They will help to advance
our objectives of streamlining the busi-
ness, delivering commercial excellence,
and regaining our industry leadership
position. Geest knows what our custom-
ers need to succeed in the field and
has in-depth working knowledge of our
global commercial operations. He is the
perfect placement for leading our efforts
to improve customer relations, manage
our pricing and pipeline, and make Terex
Cranes easier to do business with.”
Schramm rejoins ‘excited’
Terex Cranes
Page 52
// construction business news me // December 2017
52
// Manufacturing
Stacie Adams on how technology and diversity is helping LiuGong to drive
forward to achieve its targets
A perfect balance
W
hen it appeared at the
ConExpo event earlier this
year, Chinese manufacturer,
LiuGong, was keen to em-
phasise that it’s eyes are firmly fixed on
the future. Unlike some of its domestic
competition, a solid global presence has
helped to minimise the impact from the
economic downturn at home.
Last year, for instance, LiuGong
achieved significant progress in several
markets, particularly in India, where it
is experiencing a rapid rise in demand.
In that market alone, it enjoyed a 73%
increase in machine sales in 2016 com-
pared with 2015, smashing its sales ob-
jective by as much as 150% with sales
revenues soaring to $36.5mn, which
represented an 81% increase from the
previous year. Furthermore, LiuGong
believes it has made a “remarkable
breakthrough” with its construction
equipment production in mature
markets with more than 12% increase
in sales volume and sales revenue be-
tween 2015 and 2016.
Driving much of this progress has
been the global launch of its LiuGong
H-series wheel loaders and E-series
excavators (the LiuGong Tier 4 product
lineup also continues to grow). While
some Chinese manufacturers are consid-
ered to be relatively conservative when
it comes to developing its new technolo-
gy, LiuGong hasn’t been afraid to stretch
its current product offering beyond its
well-regarded loaders and excavators.
Most notably at ConExpo, it revealed the
world’s first vertical lift loader – the first
wheel loader - to feature an ‘elbow’ on
its lifting arms that mechanically levels
the bucket as it rises.
Edward Wagner, inventor and lead
engineer of the technology, as well as
director of LiuGong new technology and
test at the launch, remarked: “This tech-
nology will create a new class in these
machines. Our ‘truly new’ LiuGong verti-
cal lift loader will be the first ever for
an articulating frame loader. The vertical
lift loader will provide performance and
value that no radial arm wheel loader
can match.”
It is impressive stuff, indicative of a
Page 53
TRUCKS
Page 54
// construction business news me // December 2017
54
company prepared to take a global approach to its business
and Stacie Adams, director, branding and communications, says
that LiuGong is also willing to be progressive when it comes
to diversity in its organisation. It is an approach not necessarily
associated with the construction equipment industry.
She tells CBNME: “Having not only women in contributing
roles but people from many diverse backgrounds is para-
mount for a company with a global reach such as LiuGong.
Every person brings a different perspective to a company,
project, issue, or solution.”
She adds: “LiuGong is a company that works hard to be
inclusive, no matter of the gender. We have college recruiting
programmes that target young women engineers to get them
involved the industry early.”
Adams first started at LiuGong in 2009 as the brand manager
for the overseas division. A year later, she was promoted to
global director of brand and communications. “In this role,
I’m responsible for LiuGong’s brand promotion, communica-
Overseas expansion
LiuGong was first founded in the city of Liuzhou
in southern China. Since manufacturing the first
modern wheel loader for its domestic market,
LiuGong has grown to become a global leader
in the production of a full range of extreme duty
construction equipment.
As one of the world’s fastest growing CE firms,
LiuGong’s performance is equally impressive
in both home and overseas markets. Huang
Haibo, the recently installed president of LiuGong
Machinery, at ConExpo, explained: “LiuGong has
committed to providing customers with excellent
construction machinery and service. As such, we
are considered in everything we do. We never
enter a market without our parts service and
professional teams being on-site.
“In the last 15 years, we have built one of the
largest, most sophisticated, and comprehensive
dealer networks of any Chinese exporter. This
network consists of more than 300 dealers in
over 130 countries with 2,650 sales outlets; all
supported by 12 regional offices with adjacent
parts depots. The company’s strong dealers,
subsidiaries, and its customer-centric culture
provide a distinct advantage.
“All LiuGong customers can expect a quick
response from professional support teams,
no matter where they are, and as a result, the
company’s overseas markets have increased
rapidly and now account for nearly 35% of
LiuGong’s total sales revenue.”
LiuGong has also taken a big step in the
aftermarket sector. A new Global Customer
Experience Center (GCEC) in Liuzhou is up and
running. The GCEC will deliver better and faster
service in terms of parts and technical support
to all of LiuGong’s global customers. In addition,
four new LiuGong training centres were set up in
Kazakhstan, Russia, Morocco, and Thailand
in 2016.
Another significant move means that Cummins
engines’ customers can now receive the same
standard of service from LiuGong as from
the original manufacturer. Seven Cummins
training centres have been set up in LiuGong’s
subsidiaries to train their dealers.
// Manufacturing
Page 55
construction business news me // December 2017 //
www.cbnme.com
55
tions on a global level including helping
our overseas subsidiaries like LiuGong
Middle East gain recognition in their
region through exhibitions, advertising,
and PR.”
According to Adams, women will
inevitably have a larger role to play
in the construction equipment indus-
try as technology opens up the need
for new skills.
She remarks: “From my perspective
(marketing, brand, PR), I think more
women will start to become integral
parts of the industry, especially as the
business becomes much more focused
on relationship and digital marketing.
The industry is changing quickly to
embrace the technology and customer
relationship management systems that
are readily available in many other
industries and I think this is an area that
has potential not only for woman but
also for other marketers outside of the
traditional product marketing field that
we see in the industry.”
Representing a Chinese company that
is active across Middle East and Africa
(MEA) exposes Adams to the huge vari-
ety of languages and cultures on the two
continents. She believes that understand-
ing the ‘sometimes subtle’ differences
across borders is crucial for any organ-
isation that is working internationally.
She says: “I believe that work-
ing in many different regions in the
Having not only
women in contributing
roles but people
from many diverse
backgrounds is
paramount for a
company with a
global reach such as
LiuGong.”
world requires understanding of local
cultures. This includes understanding
needs and priorities of the customers
as they may be different than those
that are true for our culture or native
market. You also have to take that
thought process when working with
your local staff and partners.”
Potential demand for LiuGong ma-
chines and its Polish brand Dressta, (a
maker of bulldozer, loader, and pipelayer
machines it acquired in 2012), looks
particularly strong in Africa as countries
upgrade their infrastructure. Adams de-
scribes the construction machinery sector
on the continent as undergoing a steady
transformation “by moving from a low
volume, to intensive use of equipment”.
She continues: “It is expected that in
the next three years, main applications
for construction equipment will grow
and will demand for cranes, loaders,
dozers, and excavators. Both LiuGong
and Dressta have been working to
strengthen their distribution reach in
the MEA region with a focus on the
roads, oil, and landfill sectors. In terms
of brand and communications, my focus
has been to provide tools that can help
our dealers reach more people to under-
stand LiuGong machines.”
In terms of those machines, the full
line of Liugong’s H-series wheel loaders
and E-series excavators is now available,
along with its fully hydraulic rollers.
Adams sees a demand for large tonnage
machines growing: “Our 877H, 890H,
8128H wheel loaders, and 950E and
970E excavators are a very good fit for
the market.”
Looking forwards, she tells CBNME
that the company will continue to
enhance its Middle Eastern profile and
is striving to provide local help through
its regional office often at the ground
level to keep the owners of its machines
running. “As with all of our global pres-
ence, having a local presence through
not only our dealers but our subsidiary
office is a key strategy. We are on the
ground with our customers, providing
machines, and aftersales support when
they need it to keep them working.”
Page 56
// construction business news me // December 2017
56
// Event
MAN Lion's Coach is set to redefine mobility, says MAN Truck & Bus Middle East
Redefining
mobility
I
n its pursuit of excellence and
efforts to champion ‘innovation
and technology’ to match its fleet
offering with the latest market
trends, MAN Truck & Bus says it is
striving to continuously enhance not
only the design element but also
economic efficiency and safety fea-
tures of its new line-up. The recently
launched MAN Lion’s Coach (which
it has revealed is already available
for pre-orders in the Middle East) is a
best-in-class coach and long-distance
bus, and the embodiment of the
company’s endeavour to offer con-
sumers a whole new experience.
The new addition to the MAN Truck
& Bus Middle East’s impressive line-
up of highly efficient, safe, economic,
and innovative commercial vehicles,
the MAN Lion’s Coach is set to take
over the coach market in the region
with its distinct safety, comfort, and
performance-driven features. The
MAN Lion’s Coach is available in
GCC Euro engine standards to suit a
complete range of fleet requirements
in the region.
Franz von Redwitz, managing direc-
tor, MAN Truck & Bus Middle East,
said: “We are a technology innova-
tor and the new MAN Lion’s Coach
demonstrates MAN Truck & Bus’
Page 57
construction business news me // December 2017 //
www.cbnme.com
57
commitment to providing world-class
transportation solutions. This is a new
generation of coach that raises the bar
when it comes to safety, economy,
and design.”
Inspired by the lion, the MAN Lion’s
Coach, with its modern yet timeless
design, marks the beginning of the
new MAN bus design language at the
front, rear, and sides, and sets a new
benchmark in luxury, attractiveness,
and efficiency.
The new coach’s LED main
headlights and taillights reflect the
leading German commercial vehicles
manufacturer’s quest for technologi-
cal and innovative enhancements
in its fleets. The first-of-its-kind on
coaches, the LED lights make the
Lion’s Coach more appealing to the
eye, and better in efficiency and
durability. A particularly distinctive
feature of the new headlight is the
strip-form brand-specific daytime
running light which also functions
as a turn indicator.
Among the new safety features of
the MAN Lion’s Coach includes its abil-
ity to absorb 50% more impact energy
in the event of a crash. In addition,
it has an array of assistance systems
such as Emergency Brake Assist (EBA),
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and
Lane Guard System (LGS) accident
prevention technology.
Furthermore, the new coach offers
enhanced comfort and safety while
travelling, thanks to the new genera-
tion shock absorbers and optimised
vehicle configuration. In addition to
providing greater driving comfort and
improved handling, the new features
also contribute to further increase in
fuel efficiency as well as a 20% im-
provement in aerodynamics.
Pedro Teixeira, head of bus sales,
MAN Truck & Bus Middle East, said:
“The new MAN Lion’s Coach doesn't
just win people over with its modern
yet timeless design; it’s also thanks to
its economic efficiency. This is a vehi-
cle that provides excellent total cost of
ownership and will also place fleets at
the centre of a transformation towards
modern, cleaner, and safer transporta-
tion in the Middle East.”
Facts about
the new MAN
Lion’s Coach
Inspired by the lion, the Lion’s
coach marks the beginning of
new MAN bus design language
at the front, rear, and sides.
A higher level of economy with
several assistance systems as
well as a 20% improvement
in aerodynamics.
Main headlights and rear lights
now for the first time available as
all LED.
The new MAN Lion's Coach can
absorb 50% more energy in the
event of a crash.
Page 58
// construction business news me // December 2017
58
New excavator generation for the US giant Caterpillar reveals new global strategy
A new era
Caterpillar has been ahead so far of its
rivals in global terms for so long that
its dominance has almost become an
embarrassment to the other manufactur-
ers that have tried to topple it. Compa-
nies like Komatsu, the second biggest in
the world, Volvo, and Hitachi have long
settled into their positions behind the
famous US brand. Meanwhile, the prom-
ise of a Chinese takeover by companies
like Sany and Zoomlion at the top of the
pyramid has been curtailed by economic
strife in a domestic market that had once
given them the platform to go global.
Caterpillar’s own rise to global promi-
nence has not been without taking a few
sizeable losses despite its huge gains.
The company embarked under former
CEO Doug Oberhelman on a bold and
a largely successful strategy to pour
resources into building up its presence
in China, India, and the mining sector.
Even as the global recession raged on,
Caterpillar surged on; scoring profits
when others made losses and becoming
a poster child of capital goods investors.
The weak growth of China and the
nose-dive of the Brazil economy coupled
with the collapse of the mining sector
- cornerstones of the Oberhelman era
– brought one of the machinery sectors
most startling runs to an end in 2016.
From a high of over $100bn in revenue
in 2012, it had fallen to $38.5bn in just
four years, ultimately costing 30,000
people their livelihoods and the CEO
his job. However, as a new era begins
at the company – it has even moved its
headquarters to Deerfield near Chicago
– under a new man in the big chair, Jim
Umpleby, the Caterpillar stock is reach-
ing record highs again and, in October
this year, it revealed a new generation of
machines which are every bit a legacy of
Oberhelman’s global facing reign.
While its competitors struggled, Cat-
erpillar investment in markets across the
world has encouraged it to bring its he-
gemony to its production and develop-
ment globally. This means savings for its
own operations but also almost identical
machines – the engines apart as they
differ according to the market’s emission
regulations – from wherever you are
buying from, be it Singapore or Sharjah.
“We will be shipping from our facto-
ries with the same quality wherever you
are. It’s a truly first global platform,” tout-
ed Damien Giraud, VP, global construc-
tion and infrastructure while introduc-
ing its new generation of excavators at
special reveal in Spain in October. “The
only thing you will see changing is the
engine arrangement because regulations
are different, depending on where you
are in the world. But the machine and
the technology itself - all of what creates
customer value – remains exactly the
same. Each component that you will find
in those machines can be programmed
for efficiency, extra productivity, better
fuel consumption, and for more safety.”
The move could have a fundamental
impact on the value of assets of those
buying Cat-branded machines and
sourcing spare parts for years to come.
Although Umpleby has made it clear
that he wants the company to focus on
profitability and a lower risk strategy
than his predecessor to charm investors,
it could also mean the machines stay
relatively competitive in price.
"The world market for excavators
represents $22bn in sales and Caterpil-
lar intends to innovate to remain the
leader in this enormous market,” added
Giraud. “The 320, 320 GC, and 323 (the
designations of the new shovels), have
three development axes - fuel economy
(improved by 25%), productivity (up
45%), and lower maintenance new shove
costs (down by 15% ). Caterpillar recog-
nises that over the past 10 years, all our
research has focused on motorisation,
and now we must invest in productivity
and thus the efficiency of these machines
we’re placing in the market.”
Herwig Peschl, Caterpillar's world
// Machinery
Page 59
OUR AIM IS TO
OPTIMISE YOUR
PROFIT.
If you want to fulfil the daily requirements in the commercial vehicles sector, you
not only need high-performance trucks, but also integrated solutions. From repair
and maintenance management to breakdown service as well as extended warranty
down to fleet management and driver training: that’s what we offer to you to
optimise your fleet performance.
www.man-middleeast.com
Page 60
// construction business news me // December 2017
60
marketing director, told the media at the event that the focus
for Caterpillar during development has been driven by its own
surveying of customers: “Three key points emerged from these
discussions, including operators want to simplify gear, innova-
tion, and productivity. This is what we have produced with
these launches which are a real step forward compared to a
whole generation of shovels in this category.”
A new generation
During the launch event, Caterpillar invited the international
trade press to review the Cat 320, Cat 320 GC, and Cat 323 ma-
chines. The company told them that the series-spanning design
and engineering efforts mean fewer cabin types, fewer platform
types, fewer filter systems, etc. While this may mean a reduc-
tion in choice, it also means easier maintenance and service of
the machines once purchased.
The three next-generation 20-tonne size class excavators
from Caterpillar—the 320 GC, 320, and 323 — increase operat-
ing efficiency, lower fuel and maintenance costs, and im-
prove operator comfort compared to previous models, claims
Caterpillar. “The new excavators offer unique combinations of
purpose-built features designed to match customers’ productiv-
ity and cost targets,” it said.
According to the company, the new Cat 320 features the
integrated Cat Connect Technology (the company’s intelligent
suite of hardware, software, and dealer services) that advances
productivity gains – and in some cases, lower fleet sizes. Stan-
dard technology combined with lower fuel and maintenance
costs deliver low-cost production in medium- to heavy-duty
applications, says Cat.
Designed for low- to medium-duty applications, the new
22t Cat 320 GC sits in the centre of the new excavators in
terms of weight, and promises high reliability and low cost-
per-hour performance - “the right balance of productivity
features with reduced fuel consumption and maintenance
costs,” according to Cat.
Delivering the highest rated production performance, the
new Cat 323 also features Cat Connect Technology, but also
offers the most power and lift capacity in the line.
Both the Cat 320 and 323 models offering guidance for
depth, slope, and horizontal distance to grade via the Cat
A backhoe built for the
Middle East
Caterpillar says the cab of its new 426F2 Backhoe
Loader with Side Shift frame has been purpose-built
for the African and Middle Eastern markets, offering
increased storage space and generous space at the
rear of the cab.
New mechanical hoe control layout features an
integral stabiliser and boom lock control for effortless
operation. Its ergonomic design ensures all controls,
including the multifunction mechanical loader control
with integral differential lock and transmission
neutralizer switches, are within easy reach of the
operator. Customers can choose between backhoe
loader (+ or X) or excavator (ISO) control pattern to
suit the operator’s preference.
With tinted glass standard to help regulate inside
cab temperatures, the front curved windscreen and
glazing encircling the operator enhances visibility.
Flat glass panels located at the sides and rear of the
operator lower replacement costs. Improved door
and window seals protect against dust and debris
infiltration. Large vents with the choice of heating
and/or air conditioning help to moderate inner cab
temperatures for comfortable operation.
The new 426F2 backhoe loader’s structures are
based on the proven 428F2 design. The machine’s
parallel lift loader arms provide the operator with
good forward visibility, breakout forces reaching 60.4
kN and lift capacity of 3,610 kg at full height. General
Purpose (GP) or Multipurpose (MP) buckets are
available to precisely match the customer’s needs.
The machine is powered by the 68.5 kW Cat 3054C
4-cylinder diesel engine with advanced cooling
system designed for efficient and reliable operation
in ambient temperature reaching 50˚C.
Customers can choose between two-to-four-wheel
drive, backhoe loader or excavator control pattern,
cab climate control packages, and specified Product
Link™ technology levels, among other options, to get
the machine matched to their requirements.
// Machinery
Page 61
construction business news me // December 2017 //
www.cbnme.com
61
Grade 2D system, which helps operators
reach desired grade quickly and accu-
rately. Using the system’s E-fence feature
enables the machine to work safely
under structures or near traffic by pre-
venting any part of the excavator from
moving outside operator-defined set
points. The company says the standard
2D system can be upgraded to Cat Grade
with Advanced 2D or Cat Grade with 3D.
Standard Grade Assist automates
boom, stick, and bucket movements, so
operators stay on grade simply with sin-
gle-lever digging. Cat Payload on-board
weighing, integrated on the Cat 320 and
323 at the factory, delivers accurate load
targets and increased loading efficiency,
Cat claims, with on-the-go weighing and
real-time payload estimates. This reduces
swinging to prevent truck over/under-
loading. Meanwhile, the Cat LINK hard-
ware and software can connect jobsites
to the office and provide customers with
machine-critical operating information.
The Cat engines provide duty-matched
power ratings from 90 to 121 kW for
the three new excavators. The new
machines consume up to 25% less fuel
than the previous corresponding models,
according to the US manufacturer. A
new smart mode operation automatically
matches engine and hydraulic power to
digging conditions, optimising both fuel
consumption and performance. Engine
speed is automatically lowered when
there is no hydraulic demand to further
reduce fuel usage.
More efficient than single-fan systems,
the new cooling system employs mul-
tiple electric fans, which independently
monitor hydraulic oil, radiator, and air-
to-air aftercooler temperatures to deliver
the exact airflow required. With a new
hydraulic system built for responsiveness
and efficiency, the Cat 320 GC, 320, and
323 feature a new main control valve
that eliminates the need for pilot lines,
reduces pressure losses, and lowers fuel
consumption. Cat estimates that using
fewer hydraulic lines on the excavators
result in 20% less oil required, “lowering
long-term operating costs”.
Offering extended and more synchro-
nised maintenance intervals, the new Cat
excavators do more work at a lower cost
and reduce maintenance costs by up to
15% over the previous series. Featuring
higher dirt capacity, the new Cat hydrau-
lic return filter boasts a 3,000-hour ser-
vice life - a 50% increase over previous
filters. A new air filter with integrated
pre-cleaner and primary and secondary
filters extends service life to 1,000 hours,
a 100% increase over previous designs,
while a new fuel tank cap filter extends
service life to 2,000 hours. The three
fuel system filters each offer a 500-hour
service interval.
All daily maintenance checks for en-
gine oil, fuel water separator, fuel tank
water and sediment, and cooling sys-
tem level are performed from ground
level, making the routine faster, easier,
and safer. Consolidated filter locations
reduce service time.
Beyond the power ratings and
maintenance routines, the cabs come
equipped with standard features like
keyless push-button start, large standard
203mm touchscreen monitor with jog dial
keys for control, and sound-suppressed
rollover protective structures (ROPS) to
offer improved operator comfort, safety,
and quieter operation. Programmable
joystick buttons for response and pattern
allow the operator to dial in productivity
settings. New advanced viscous mounts
reduce cab vibration by up to 50% over
previous models to reduce operator fa-
tigue (while this can be hugely subjective,
it undoubtedly means an improvement to
comfort and a lower risk for accidents).
The machines are equipped with a
choice of Comfort, Deluxe, or Premium
cab packages. The new cab features a
low-profile design and large front, rear,
and side windows to enhance visibility
in the front and side of the excavator.
Optional 360o visibility combines images
from multiple machine-mounted cameras
to enhance the operator’s sight-lines in
all directions. Automatic climate control
maintains internal cab temperature
settings, regardless of external ambient
temperatures. A Bluetooth integrated
radio with USB ports for connecting and
charging phones bring creature comforts
from the home to the operator’s office.
A tilt-up console for the Deluxe and
Premium cab designs affords easy cab
entry and exit.
We will be
shipping from our
factories with the
same quality wherever
you are. It’s a truly first
global platform.”
320 GC
320
323
Engine
Cat C4.4 ACERT
Cat C4.4 ACERT
Cat C7.1 ACERT
Gross Power, kW (ISO 14396)
90
121
121
Operating weight (kg)
21 900
22 700
25 500
Max digging depth, mm, (5.7m boom, 2.9m stick)
6 730
6 730
6 730
Max reach at ground level, (5.7m boom, 2.9m stick)
9 860
9 860
9 870
Max loading height (5.7m boom, 2.9m stick)
6 490
6 490
6 480
NEXT GENERATION CAT EXCAVATORS PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Page 62
// construction business news me // December 2017
62
// Equipment
On the eve of its second Dubai sale, Euro Auctions says it is expecting
real growth in the region
Hammer time
F
ollowing the general economic
downturn in the late-2000s,
global demand for new and used
construction and agricultural
equipment has increased in recent
years and by and large now remains
strong. Although facing some chal-
lenges, many countries in the Middle
East are still promoting, developing,
and delivering ambitious expansion
and construction programmes.
Jonnie Keys, Euro Auctions’ commer-
cial manager, adds that even turbulence
in some parts of the region, should help
stimulate equipment.
“Unfortunately, large areas of the
Middle East have seen conflict and will
need extensive clean-up and rejuvena-
tower cranes are expected to be in short
supply and demand for the vast majority
of heavy lift and transport equipment
should be high. Even increased demand
for agricultural equipment is expected
to be strong as the region “hopefully
returns to more accepted normality”.
It has been against this backdrop of
opportunity that Euro Auctions, already
widely regarded as Europe’s leading
auctioneers of used and almost new
industrial plant, construction equipment,
and agricultural machinery, in June 2017
announced further global expansion with
its acquisition of a new permanent sale
site in Dubai. This confirmed Euro Auc-
tions’ presence in four continents (Asia,
Australia/Oceania, Europe, and North
tion programmes, all of which will re-
quire massive amounts of heavy equip-
ment. Some of this machinery could be
sourced locally as existing construction
projects complete, but there are also a
number of ambitious infrastructure and
capital building schemes already in the
pipeline, so demand for plant in the
region and the skilled staff to operate it
should remain high.”
Euro Auctions is forecasting that
demand in the Middle East will remain
high for quality, used backhoes in par-
ticular, along with all manner of dumper
and articulated trucks, excavators, and
loaders/telehandlers, required to meet
the clean-up and rebuilding require-
ments. Within the construction sector,
Page 63
construction business news me // December 2017 //
www.cbnme.com
63
America) with Dubai adding another four
sales per year to its existing portfolio.
Keys explains: “Used construction
equipment is today widely regarded
as a tradable commodity, and there-
fore shipped to whichever geographi-
cal market demands it and where the
best resale value can be secured. Long
established economic nations typically
demand the latest models where, in
addition to functionality, key safety, and
emissions features, often drive acquisi-
tion and the disposal of existing plant.
Stringent emissions legislation in Hong
Kong, for example, is resulting in some
excellent low hours, high specification
machines coming onto the global used
market as they are no longer compliant
for use locally but still offer the func-
tionality and reliability that many other
potential customers seek.”
He further explains: “We are delighted
with both the reception and support
we received in establishing a new sales
facility in Dubai and in successfully
delivering our first auction here. We
had long wanted to expand the brand
into the Middle East, and, in particular,
into the UAE, as part of our continued
global development. We already had
many excellent relationships with buyers
and sellers across the Middle East and in
Africa. So establishing a stable operating
base in Dubai, we now have a perma-
nent presence that opens the door to
many new buyers and sellers, enabling
us to further grow within the region.”
The Dubai operation provides a
strategic link between Euro Auctions’ es-
tablished activities in Europe, including
its flagship UK site in Leeds, along with
auction sites in Dormagen in Germany
and Zaragoza in Spain, and the recently
acquired Hong Kong facilities and those
in Brisbane, Australia. Euro Auctions
leased a 91,000sqm site in the Jebel
Ali Free Zone (Jafza) that includes a
purpose-built auction complex, covering
over 3,000sqm. This features a 360-seat,
fully air-conditioned enclosed auction
arena as well as ancillary buildings,
workshops, and related infrastructure.
The first auction in September saw a
total of 448 lots from 50-plus consignors
go under the hammer with close to 500
bidders registered. At this sale, over 50
first-time buyers successfully secured
machines with over 25% sales, both by
buyers and by value, transacted via the in-
ternet – a growing trend at most auctions.
The follow-up sale scheduled for Decem-
ber 11, 2017, has already attracted more
consignments, with a significant increase
in the number of buyers pre-registering.
Keys continues: “Our considerable in-
ternational experience means we under-
stand the global used equipment market
and we did our homework when look-
ing to establish our Dubai operation.
Having a strong sales and support team
on the ground was also a critical factor
in selecting Dubai and feedback on our
first sale has been extremely positive. In
addition to attracting a good number of
local user/operators, it also appealed to
traders that subsequently shipped their
acquisitions out of the region. We expect
to have an ever-increasing number of
international buyers participating at our
subsequent Dubai auctions.”
Following the success of the first auc-
tion, Euro Auctions has been in contact
with more and more vendors over the
past three months.
Keys remarks: “New consignors have
committed to the upcoming sale, as-
signing quality, high value, low hours
equipment, and in addition to an excel-
lent spread of construction equipment.
The sale already includes six unused
Volvo EC210s and a number of mobile
cranes which should create considerable
interest. With the support of our corpo-
rate operations, Dubai is set to become
another jewel in the Euro Auctions
global crown along with our new Hong
Kong operation but we are monitor-
ing progress closely as various external
influences like the regional economic
climate and the impending introduction
of VAT within the UAE could all impact
market development.”
Global market
Looking more widely at the internation-
al equipment auction sector, demand
for sales that enable buyers to person-
ally inspect the equipment remains high
around the globe. However, internet
bidding is playing an ever-important
role with some sales seeing as much as
half the number of lots being secured
via this route. Nothing, however, will
Page 64
// construction business news me // December 2017
64
replace the requirement for many to
personally inspect the equipment prior
to bidding for it.
Keys explains: “Our auctions are as
much a ‘social’ event for many of the
bidders and participants attending as
they have the opportunity to acquire
good quality, low hours equipment at
affordable prices. In the USA, under our
Yoder & Frey brand, for example, we
have seen significant growth in demand
over the past year for used equipment
right across the spectrum as confidence
returns to the market and this demand is
being repeated elsewhere.”
He continues: “Changing trends in the
global market are always reflected in our
auctions and used equipment prices in
the main have been on the increase with
confidence returning. Some large opera-
tors had put off updating their fleets
of equipment but are now cautiously
looking to replace them. This means
that more used equipment is coming
to auction, enabling smaller users in
the construction sector, in particular,
to identify good deals and update the
machinery they operate from a growing
pool of stock.
“The introduction of a new online
bidding platform in the USA, along with
additional international promotion of the
lots being offered, has also significantly
increased both international interest and
has helped strengthen the prices paid.
Even when taking shipping costs into
account, there are some excellent deals
to be had.”
According to Keys, the auction calen-
dar is also becoming far more interna-
tional and much less seasonal. Gone
are the days when a particular month
or quarter saw major purchases of new
equipment and therefore the disposal of
used machinery.
He remarks: “With the exception of
a few anomalies, like the Kissimmee
Auctions in Florida in February, which
still attracts a massive following, used
equipment auctions are big most months
of the year around the globe.”
Euro Auctions has also seen a signifi-
cant increase in demand for specialist
‘one off’ disposal sales and it has host-
ed a number in 2017. Multiple world
records, for example, were achieved
at the unique one-day Hewden mobile
crane disposal sale held in the UK in
March. Having gone into administra-
tion, 127 cranes were lined up and
sold with the final hammer exceeding
$38mn with a further $6.6mn gener-
ated by general equipment sold on the
day. The auctioning of a vast private
collection of 100-plus cherished classic
and historic tractors also drew world
interests and did several other liquida-
tion and corporate disposal sales. 2018
should also see more of these with
global appeal being organised.
2018 marks 20 years of operation for
Euro Auctions. Its first one-day sale in
Northern Ireland saw just 371 lots go
under the hammer and achieve around
$1.1mn. Since then, and through careful
management, the business has grown
into a dominant force in the sector. Over
the past year, some 6,000 vendors have
consigned over 74,000 lots to go under
the hammer at around 60 international
auctions. A global audience of over
150,000 potential bidders has also been
created, resulting in around 30,000 bid-
ders registering for auctions and one in
three of them becoming successful and
happy buyers, spending approaching
$477mn in total sales value.
Keys concludes: “Apart from celebrat-
ing 20 years in business, we expect 2018
to be a busy year. The year starts off
with our usual huge Leeds sale in Janu-
ary and our USA brand, Yoder & Frey,
holds its 44th annual Kissimmee mega
How to take part
Interested bidders need to first
register and obtain separate
bidder numbers for each event
they wish to participate in. Full
details and catalogues for all
future auctions are available on
the Euro Auctions website at
www.euroauctions.com. Anyone
considering consigning lots
into the next Dubai auction is
urged to contact Euro Auctions
now on 00971 488 46 880 to
discuss arrangements. For more
information on any of the auction
sites or sales operated by Euro
Auctions, visit www.euroauctions.
com or contact Euro Auctions on
0044 (0) 2882 898262.
auction over five days in early February.
We expect to build on the success that
we had in 2017 and for our new sites to
really grow and mature.”
// Equipment
Page 65
CO-LOCATED EVENTS
Real Estate Show in the GCC
1st
Attendees
19,129
Exhibitors
177
Participating Countries
141
BOOK YOUR SPACE NOW
Mega Property Sale
9 - 11 April 2018
Dubai World Trade Centre
IN COOPERATION WITH
OFFICIAL
MAGAZINE PARTNER
OFFICIAL
CHINESE MEDIA
OFFICIAL
CIS COUNTRIES MEDIA
U.S.A.
STRATEGIC PARTNER
OFFICIAL
KNOWLEDGE PARTNER
SUPPORTING
PARTNER
KEY
COMMUNICATION PARTNERS
OFFICIAL ONLINE
TRADESHOW CHANNEL
OFFICIAL
PAKISTAN MEDIA
STRATEGIC PARTNERS
Page 66
// construction business news me // December 2017
66
Equipment
Global construction equip-
ment manufacturer, Chicago
Pneumatic, secured a major
contract for the supply of its
Red Rock range of portable
air compressors in Jordan.
The order, placed with the
company’s authorised dis-
tributor in Jordan, Sakkab
Newport
Trading
(SNT),
was the third one within a
matter of months. The first
order came from the Mu-
nicipality of Greater Amman
for 15 CPS 3.0 compressors
and 15 CP 1290S pneumatic
breakers that are being used
primarily in road mainte-
nance works.
The municipality allowed
SNT to enter its tender pro-
cess after testing a single
Red Rock portable com-
pressor for six months. This
was to ensure the portable
compressor and SNT met
the technical, after-sales,
and customer service re-
quirements that the Munici-
pality of Greater Amman
requests from all of its sup-
pliers, said the company in
a statement. These tough,
powerful,
and
easy-to-
maintain machines are pro-
viding compressed air to
maintain critical infrastruc-
tures in Jordan, including
roads and water pipelines.
Amjad Fallatah, regional
product manager for Chica-
go Pneumatic Construction
Equipment in the Middle
East, said: “Our brand is
relatively new in the Jorda-
nian market, hence we un-
derstood the client wanted
to thoroughly test the com-
pressor, and the experience
of working with our distrib-
utor, before making a final
decision. During the testing
observed Murad Halabi, a
spokesperson at SNT.
The Red Rock range is
designed with a polyeth-
ylene canopy that protects
vital internal working parts
from extreme conditions
and makes it remarkably
lightweight. Halabi noted:
“The compressors are also
very easy to maintain, with
a simple to follow process
ensuring that maintenance
takes a matter of minutes,
not hours. No special tools
are required, and the com-
pressors only need a ser-
vice every 500 hours or
once per year.”
Shadi
Al
Shoubaki,
spokesperson from the Mu-
nicipality of Greater Am-
man, said: “When work-
ing on road maintenance
Chicago Pneumatic secures major Jordan order
exercise, operators were im-
pressed by how tough the
compressor was, despite it
weighing less than 750kg.
The Red Rock range from
Chicago Pneumatic com-
prises 10 models that are
available in working pres-
sures between 7-12 bar, and
flow ranges between 2-5
cbm3/min.”
SNT said this feedback
ultimately persuaded the
Municipality
of
Greater
Amman to commit to pur-
chasing a further 14 mod-
els. “They were amazed
at how light the machine
was, and had never worked
with a compressor that can
be towed behind a small
van or passenger car; yet
is still powerful enough
to support two breakers,”
projects, time is very valu-
able. The fact the Red Rock
compressor requires little
service, and consequently
reduces downtime, heav-
ily influenced the final pur-
chase decision. Addition-
ally, thanks to the technical
support we received from
Chicago Pneumatic, we’ve
been able to train operators
to undertake routine service
tasks, such as changing oils
and filters, very quickly.”
The performance char-
acteristics and easy main-
tenance of the Red Rock
range were also key rea-
sons behind the Jordan Ar-
my’s decision to purchase
six CPS 3.0 compressors,
which it required to help
clean equipment and re-
pair infrastructures.
// Supplier News
Page 67
construction business news me // December 2017 //
www.cbnme.com
67
Spain-headquartered manufacturer, Himoinsa, launched a new 12,000sqm factory
in Santa Fe, Argentina, boosting its South American operations.
The company, which manufactures generators and lighting towers with factories
across the world, can now produce an extra 3,000 generator sets between 8kVA
and 175kVA per year. The generators will be wholly manufactured in Argentina
and sold both there and in Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Bolivia.
Himoinsa’s new factory is said to be equipped with the latest technology, includ-
ing components from Cramaco alternators, to canopies, control panels, automatic
transfer switches, and parallel operating systems. Himoinsa has fully integrated
the manufacturing of alternators with a frequency of 50Hz or 60Hz ever since it
purchased Cramaco in 2004.
Rafael Acosta, business unit director, Americas, said: “We have completed the
vertical manufacture of generator sets in Argentina. We are now able to offer
the same quality for which our manufacturing process is renowned throughout
the world, with a more flexible local service adapted to the idiosyncrasies of the
markets in Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay.”
Himoinsa’s Argentina and Cono Sur operations employs some 120 people
in the region.
Leminar Air Conditioning Company has signed a memorandum of understanding
(MoU) with Canada-based Flo Fab for the distribution of a range of its products in
the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait.
With the signing of this new agreement, Leminar’s portfolio now includes 20
unique brands and consolidates its market-leading position as the supplier of the
widest range of HVAC offerings for the region’s MEP industry.
Leminar will supply Flo Fab’s comprehensive range of pumps, heat exchangers,
suction diffusers, expansion tanks, hydraulic separators, air separators, and Vari-
able Frequency Drives (VFDs) to the market.
Marc Gauvreau, president, Flo Fab Inc, said: “Over the years, Flo Fab has steadily
engineered new solutions and improved its existing products through meaningful
acquisitions and investments. As a result, we have some quality products to offer
to the commercial building projects in the region. Leminar, with its technically
competent team and clear understanding of market needs, will be the key driver
of our success in the region in the coming years.”
Pramodh Idicheria, chief operating officer, Leminar Air Conditioning Company,
said: “We are a hardworking team and believe in giving our best to both our part-
ners and clients. Flo Fab’s expertise in the commissioning of the complete chilled
water system, in particular, will offer greater cost efficiencies for our clients, in
addition to its range of products.”
Established in 1981, Flo Fab products have been supplied to several major proj-
ects in the region including the Pearl Qatar, Saudi Jeddah Port, Princess Noura
University in Saudi Arabia, and for several water stations under Egypt’s National
Organisation for Potable Water and Sanitary Drainage (NOPWSD).
Himoinsa launches factory in Argentina
Leminar, Flo Fab ink MoU for product distribution
Cranes
Italian tower crane special-
ist, Raimondi Cranes, com-
menced the global sales
of its newest heavy-lifting
tower crane, the flattop
MRT234, which features a
maximum lift capacity of 12
tonnes and a maximum jib
length of 70m.
The new model was first
presented to the company’s
exclusive
agent
network
earlier this year and began
shipping in September to
fulfil agent pre-sell orders. It
has now launched for wider
purchasing, said a statement
from Raimondi.
Domenico
Ciano,
tech-
nical
director,
Raimondi
Raimondi launches MRT234 flattop tower crane
ductivity and reducing mar-
gin of error. The MRT234
integrates optimal mechani-
cal, structural, and electronic
control design for increased
productivity, safety, and bet-
ter user-interface.
Remarking on some of the
MRT234’s design advance-
ments, Ciano said: “Rai-
mondi’s newest product is
heavily geared towards user
experience, and these UI/UX
centric features pioneered
by Silicon Valley’s technolo-
gy companies, when applied
to heavy lifting machinery
result in a high-performance
product that boasts extreme
operator ease onsite.”
Cranes, said: “We are thrilled
to launch the MRT234 after
months of preparation. Rai-
mondi’s R&D team worked
with various suppliers for
four months to build the
prototype, erected in beta
in August 2017 at our head-
quarters in Italy. The final
stage of testing took three
months,
including
preas-
sembly of the crane, evaluat-
ing many different types of
configurations, and all of the
model’s structural tests.”
The MRT234 has a maximum
jib length of 70m and a maxi-
mum capacity of 12 tonnes
with four falls configuration.
At the maximum radius, it
can lift 2.25 tonnes in ultralift
mode. Eight different jib length
configurations, from 70m to
28m, satisfy all needs in terms
of specific jobsite configura-
tions. The MRT234 may be
equipped with two different
hoisting winches: standard in-
stalled power of 45kW or the
more powerful 55kW.
Raimondi has also worked
to increase the speeds of the
slewing and trolley move-
ments in the MRT234, both
of which have been im-
proved by approximately
30%. Smoothness of motion
and heightening accuracy
have also been enhanced,
ultimately increasing pro-
Page 68
// construction business news me // December 2017
68
// Editor's pick
Saudi Aramco's decision to establish a construction arm dedicated to non-oil infrastructure
will present a formidable competitor to companies seeking to benefit from the Kingdom's
diversification agenda
Diversification agenda
Saudi Aramco has announced its
intention to establish a state-owned
construction firm in conjunction with
the Kingdom's sovereign wealth fund
and several private sector construction
companies. The proposed company
will focus on non-oil infrastructure
projects, according to the latest re-
search report by BMI Research.
On the one hand, this announce-
ment solidifies the expectation that
infrastructure assets aimed at diver-
sifying Saudi Arabia's economy will
be a key area of government focus in
the years to come; on the other, the
report cautions that the establishment
of such a company may limit the op-
portunities for international and private
companies to win contracts in Saudi
Arabia, given the government's well-
documented tendency to favour large
domestic firms like Saudi Oger and Bin
Laden Group to deliver projects.
The proposed entity will be sup-
ported by Saudi's Public Investment
Fund (PIF) and is expected to eventu-
ally have employees numbering in the
thousands. A geographically diverse
array of private sector firms has
expressed interest in partnering with
the new venture, including domestic
companies like Nesma & Partners, Al
Rashid Trading & Contracting Co, Az-
meel Contracting, and El Seif Engineer-
ing; Turkey-based Tekfen; and South
Korea-based Posco, Daewoo, and
Samsung C&T.
The announcement aligns with
the view that efforts to promote an
expansion of non-oil infrastructure will
continue to gain momentum in the
coming years, as the government seeks
to broaden the country's infrastructure
base in order to facilitate the sweeping
economic diversification agenda out-
lined in its 'Vision 2030' programme.
Placing the economic heft of the
country's sovereign wealth behind a
specialised construction company will
add further impetus to this trend.
The announcement follows a similar
announcement in May 2017, in which
US-based Jacobs Engineering indicated
that it would form a management
company in partnership with Ar-
amco to oversee the implementation.
Furthermore, the breadth and quality
of private sector partnership interest
reported thus, far augurs well for the
future company's technical and op-
erational capacity to deliver the kind
of high-value infrastructure projects
envisioned under 2030.
In this vein, Aramco's recent conclu-
sion of joint development agreement
with the National Shipping Company
of Saudi Arabia, UAE engineering
firm Lamprell, and South Korean firm
Hyundai Heavy Industries to develop
a maritime yard at Ras Al-Khair as rep-
resentative of the kind of projects the
newly-created company may tackle.
Though a state-owned, non-oil
focused construction firm under
Aramco's umbrella will aid in deliver-
ing the government's infrastructure
agenda, it may have the unintended
consequence of diminishing contract
opportunities for the private sector
as a whole. The degree to which the
lower oil prices and resultant fiscal
consolidation would add greater ur-
gency to government plans to bolster
the role of the private sector and
incentivise the increasing use of public
private partnerships (PPPs) as means
of delivering the country's ambitious
infrastructure agenda.
This view will play out over the
course of the last year, with declin-
ing government revenue straining the
country's state-led development model
and translating into missed payments
to key contractors like Oger, which in
turn, has stalled progress on key proj-
ects. Having said that, the proposed
establishment of a state-owned com-
pany casts a pall over the view that
Saudi Arabia will more fully embrace
a growing role for the broader private
sector in delivering big-ticket infra-
structure assets central to the country's
economic diversification plans.
Though the proposed company has
yet to announce a specified policy
with regard to PPPs, the fact that it
will fall under the purview of Aramco
signals that Saudi Arabia will be re-
luctant to relinquish control over key
projects and may revert to the kind
of less competitive tendering process
that has characterised government
policy in the past. For those private
sector companies left on the outside
of Aramco's umbrella, the presence
of a large, state-owned, and well
capitalised company will likely prove
a formidable competitor with regard to
contract allocation and may ultimately
impede the ongoing diversification of
the Kingdom's competitive landscape
in the construction space.
Page 69
www.cbnme.com
FIND OUT MORE AT MENA.PROJECTS.THOMSONREUTERS.COM
PROJECTS
NEED PROJECTS
INTELLIGENCE, INSIGHT &
DATA ANALYSIS?
Page 70
// construction business news me // December 2017
70
// Save the date
Mark your calendar
Save the date
HVAC R Saudi
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
FM Expo Saudi is the country’s new
exhibition and congress dedicated
to the facilities management indus-
try. With major new infrastructure
projects, higher rates of outsourcing,
coupled with the ambitious regulatory
plans, Saudi Arabia’s FM services mar-
ket is quickly evolving. As awareness
levels, particularly in the government
sector, increases, the FM industry in
Saudi Arabia is projected to grow at a
staggering rate. Featuring a high-level
congress programme, and co-located
with Saudi Clean Expo, FM Expo
Saudi will bring together key deci-
sion makers to network and will offer
all those involved fantastic business
development opportunities.
Intersec
Dubai, UAE
Intersec is the leading trade fair for professionals in
the safety, security, and fire protection industries.
For the last 19 years, it’s been the most important
business platform in the MENA region. The 2017
edition saw more than 1,300 exhibitors gathering at
Dubai World Trade Centre, and more than 32,000
visitors passed through the event’s doors. At the
2018 edition, one of the major topics of the event
will be safety design in buildings, and people will
be able to visit the third edition of the smart home
pavilion. The exhibition’s job and career section
will be even larger, as will the live demonstration
area for drones. There are set to be even more
exhibitors than the last event, showcasing the latest
developments in security technology.
Safety Design in Buildings
Conference
Dubai, UAE
The Safety Design in Buildings conference is a
GCC-wide initiative to debate safety standards
and practices in the built environment. Experts
are invited to share insights through presenta-
tions and panel discussions for an improved
protection of people and assets in the Gulf.
The campaign is open to contributions by
regulators, construction and safety profes-
sionals, and periodically facilitates conference
platforms in all GCC capitals and major cities.
The campaign continues to build a pool of
local and international experts who commit
to unbiased presenting and consulting to their
best knowledge and ability. All experts are
dedicated to continuous professional educa-
tion and to striving for highest quality stan-
dards in their respective disciplines.
Indian Property Show
Dubai, UAE
Representing the largest diaspora of
nationals around the globe, the Indian
Property Show is one of the most
anticipated events on the property and
real estate circuit. Established in 2006,
the show has garnered a reputation
for providing sound investments and
opportunities for NRI’s embarking on,
or adding to their property portfolio,
whether residential or commercial.
Held in several countries across the
globe, the exhibition enjoys an elevated
reputation as the destination for buyers
and sellers in a controlled, professional,
and sound environment.
January
January
January
December
14-16
21-23
21-23
7-9
Page 71
www.cbnme.com
Page 72
Introducing the new F-series
B877F backhoe loader
The revolutionary
approach to reliability!
Our new
F-series backhoe:
The Reliability
Revolution
The new B877F backhoe loader builds on the SDLG reputation for reliability,
adding versatility and superb operational control.
When using the excavator, the front bucket of the B877F is put to work as a
stabilising ground support. Cab ergonomics have been optimised for visibility,
operator comfort and efficiency. A powerful AC system is offered as standard,
while a powerful new 70 kW engine and a 55º steering angle add to the versatility.
Reliability is key with SDLG, so access for regular servicing and inspection has
been made really easy with everything necessary in comfortable reach. All filters are
located centrally and a large rear-hinged hood offers swift access to the engine.
The SDLG Reliability Revolution is an ongoing process – but our message
never changes: SDLG reliability brings you profitability.
facebook.com/sdlgcm