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THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO THE REGION'S CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS MAY 2020 S E R E N E L U X U R Y Nicholas Naples, Chief Executive Officer, AMAALA, talks to CBNME about the latest developments around AMAALA and why this project is unique
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// CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // MAY 2020 6 // EDITOR'S NOTE ABU DHABI REAL ESTATE MARKET Abu Dhabi’s real estate market witnessed marginal declines in both values and rents during Q1. This was buoyed however by a 22% increase in transactions and mort- gage values to AED19.2 billion, according to the latest research from the Chester- tons’ Observer: Abu Dhabi Market Report Q1 2020. Off-plan sales in some of the capitals most sought after locations, including Al Reem Island, Saadiyat Island and Al Reef collectively accounted for over half of the total transaction value. A range of favour- able developer-led off-plan payment op- tions, and the more recent revival of rent- to-own schemes, have piqued the interest of potential buyers. Overall, the capital’s real estate market continued to see declines in both values and rents, although at a slower pace. Average apartment sales prices declined by 1.2% and villas by 1.8% Q-on-Q. In the rental mar- ket, apartments witnessed decline of 1%, while villas fell by just 0.6% in Q1. EDITOR’S NOTE Kasun Illankoon Deputy Editor kasun@bncpublishing.net Keep up to date with all the latest news, features and much more on our website. www.cbnme.com ON THE WEB
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// CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // MAY 2020 14 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 CONTRACTS UPDATE // Etihad Rail board members con- firmed that the O&M facility in Al Faya contract, valued at AED 864m, had been awarded to a joint venture led by VINCI Con- struction France, in line with the company’s future strategy to provide a railway network that supports and strengthens the long-term growth of the na- tional economy. The decisions was made at a remote meeting chaired by H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Na- hyan, Member of the Exec- utive Council, and Chief of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court. During the meeting, H.H. Sheikh Theyab also carried out a virtual visit of the construction site in Saih Sheib region, and launched the civil works on Pack- age B of Stage Two of the UAE’s national railway net- work project, which is de- veloped and operated by Etihad Rail with the aim of placing the United Arab Emirates among the best countries in the world in terms of transport quality. Package B extends over 216 km and includes the construction of a second concrete railway sleeper factory and rail routes to Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD), Khalifa Port, and the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD). Etihad Rail has now awarded all civil works and construction contracts for Stage Two of the national railway network. The com- pany has also launched construction on Package A of Stage Two, signed a con- tract for the construction of a series of Freight Facili- ties centres, and awarded a contract for the supply of locomotives to expand the company’s fleet to 45, underlining the fact that Etihad Rail is progressing at a strong and steady pace towards completing one of the largest and most impor- tant infrastructural projects in the UAE. ETIHAD RAIL AWARDS AED 846mn CONTRACT FOR O&M FACILITY AT AL FAYA
CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // MAY 2020 // WWW.CBNME.COM 15 DIGITALISATION Eltizam announced the imple- mentation of the intelligent enterprise resource planning (ERP) system SAP S/4HANA, with an aim to transform and streamline the company’s core back-end operations such as finance, human re- sources, and procurement to keep up with the changing digital economy. As part of its USD 5mn technology invest- ment program, the next-gen- eration ERP equips Eltizam with enhanced process auto- mation, increased mobile ca- pability, productivity and flex- ibility, and real-time analysis of business data at lower cost of ownership. Through the implementa- tion of the solution, Eltizam will be able to benefit from the platform’s ability to seamlessly enable opera- tions and facilitate business growth by providing real- time analytics of large vol- umes of data, using built-in HANA Analytics. In addi- tion, it prepares companies for future development and integration with the Inter- net of Things (IoT), block- chain, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML). The ERP software package SAP S/4HANA covers all Eltizam’s core back-end operations, such as order-to-cash, procure- to-pay, plan-to-product, and request-to-service and other core capabilities. Chris Roberts, CEO, Eltizam Asset Management Group, said: “Eltizam re- mains keen to drive digi- tal transformation across various operational areas of the organization to en- hance efficiency. Adoption of technological advance- ments have become so im- portant, both for individuals and corporations, in order to fully benefit from the advantages of digitization. Eltizam remains commit- ted to staying ahead of the curve by investing in, and adopting the latest industry technologies to work better, faster and ensure customer satisfaction. Furthermore, technology is one of the six important pillars of our company’s culture, which we call ‘Get Wonky.’” “We look forward to reap- ing the benefits of SAP S/4HANA platform – from sales transactions to com- plex analytical applications – which is also set to signifi- cantly increase our produc- tivity and enhance the ser- vices that are being offered to our clients. Apart from improved customer experi- ence and productivity, the speed of SAP S/4HANA cloud will help our busi- ness arrive at better, more informed decisions thanks to its capability to process data in real-time. We are already seeing benefits of SAP S/4 HANA in allowing our teams to work remote- ly, with full system capabil- ities, which is critical dur- ing the current challenges posed by the COVID 19 virus.” added Roberts. ELTIZAM ONE OF FIRST COMPANIES IN REGION TO IMPLEMENT NEXT-GEN ERP SAP S/4HANA
// NEWS // CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // MAY 2020 16 DIGITAL As COVID-19 keeps the UAE under lockdown, it has also spurred digital transforma- tion and innovation across sectors, with Urban launch- ing a digital Landlord Dash- board, empowering land- lords to track performance of their properties, store documents and manage payments – all in one place. Unlike other services in the market which focus on a single aspect of the rent- al cycle, Urban’s landlord dashboard is the first of its kind to provide data analyt- ics across the entire rental journey to help landlords make better informed rent- al decisions and achieve optimal asset performance, from the moment a prop- erty is listed to property management. Commenting on the launch, Rashid Al Ghurair, CEO and founder of Ur- ban said: “In the current Covid-19 environment, our Landlord Dashboard em- powers landlords to make better informed rental deci- sions predicated on data-led insights, resulting in higher occupancy rates, optimal as- set performance and greater returns. Landlords need to actively manage their port- folios and our digital rental solution ensures that for the first time they have clear visibility on their portfolio and the tenant market rath- er than taking a stab in the dark on letting, pricing and management.” Urban’s one-stop platform includes real-time analytics on the landlord’s portfolio, such as the number of vis- its per property, data-driven pricing information on of- fers received, and calcula- tions on rental yields and return on investment. In the near future, Urban plans to introduce an additional feature that will allow land- lords to make data compari- sons with aggregated mar- ket data on property types, rental levels and locations. The pioneering digital rental solution comes at a time when the novel coro- navirus pandemic has cre- ated an urgent need for a tool that accommodates landlords and tenants equally to achieve their goals. Renters are still on the hunt for homes and taking the journey online in terms of viewings, negotia- tions and payments, while landlords need to innovate to market their properties in ways that are safe and accessible. URBAN LAUNCHES FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND DIGITAL DASHBOARD FOR LANDLORDS
CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // MAY 2020 // WWW.CBNME.COM 17 DIGITAL COVID-19 With the extra hours every- one is spending at home, now could be the right time to revamp your space. Want to add more colourful touches to your living room, get your bedroom more or- ganised or even make more space in your kitchen? IKEA has got you covered with its recently launched online home planning & interior de- sign services. IKEA consultants will help you create the perfect room setting and choose the right product design that suits your needs and meets your style. The platform offers free digital consulta- tion from IKEA’s experts for kitchen, wardrobe, and stor- age space planning. Mean- while, the Interior design services start at AED250 and will let you to have a one- on-one conversation with a professional to help you make your perfect home. All you need to do is visit the IKEA website or call to book a one-on-one appoint- ment with one of the design- ers, which you can do from the comfort of your home. IKEA’s priority is always the health and safety of its em- ployees and customers and during this critical time it is taking all necessary health precautions as advised by the World Health Organisa- tion to ensure everyone’s well-being is safeguarded. ACWA Power has signed an agreement with THABAT to build an integrated mobile hospital with a 100 bed ca- pacity, fully resourced with the medical equipment and supplies needed to treat CO- VID-19 cases – the hospital will provide comprehensive healthcare services and aid in handling the pandemic. The agreement was con- cluded under the patron- age, and in presence of HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Energy; HE Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, Minister of Health; and Mohammad Abunayyan, Chairman of ACWA Power. The signing was executed by Thamer Al Sharhan, representing ACWA Power, and Essam Al Mu- haidib, representing THA- BAT. Commenting on the agree- ment, Mohammad Abu- nayyan, Chairman of ACWA Power, said: “I would like to extend my deep appreciation to HRH Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Energy, for his kind support in enabling us to implement our initiative to build a mo- bile hospital for combatting the spread of COVID-19. This initiative is part of the efforts driven by the national energy sector to address the crisis in our beloved Kingdom”. The new hospital will be fully dedicated to caring for COVID-19 patients. It comes as part of ACWA Power’s commitment to reinforcing the efforts of the Saudi en- ergy sector to enhance pre- vention actions taken by the Saudi Ministry of Health dur- ing these times. As per the agreement, ACWA Power will utilize its extensive expertise and ca- pabilities in the swift imple- mentation and delivery of projects that require the high- est standards of safety and security. Upon completion of construction within 70 days, the assets and contracts will be handed over to the Minis- try of Health. IKEA LAUNCHES ONLINE HOME PLANNING & INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICES ACWA POWER AND THABAT TO BUILD A FULLY EQUIPPED 100-BED MOBILE HOSPITAL
// NEWS // CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // MAY 2020 18 PROJECTS COVID-19 The National Authority for Tunnels represented via the Arab Contractors has awarded Fugro a geophysi- cal and geotechnical in- vestigation contract for the second phase of the Cairo Monorail megaproject. The megaproject involves the construction of two mono- rail lines that will create the first public transport links from both Egypt’s as-yet unnamed new administra- tive capital (NAC) and 6th of October City to the Greater Cairo area. Drawing on their unique expertise and capabilities in land site investigation in Egypt, Fugro plans to deploy up to 15 geotechnical drill- ing rigs along the 43 km line that will connect 6th of Octo- ber City to Giza via 12 new stations, demonstrating the size of the scope of work re- quired. The advanced testing on the soil samples will take place in Fugro’s IAS-accredit- ed laboratory in Cairo. The Cairo Monorail con- tract is Fugro’s second large- scale urban project in Egypt and solidifies Fugro’s com- mitment to strengthening its Egyptian capabilities. “We are constantly striving to improve our service offering and de- liver a comprehensive range of site investigation services that allow our clients to forge ahead with the design and construction of their strategic projects,“ said Mohamed Mo- stafa, Business Line Director for Land Site Characterisation at Fugro. Dubai’s Permanent Commit- tee of Labour Affairs, PCLA, has distributed COVID-19 awareness guides to work- ers, drivers and accommoda- tion supervisors, across 500 companies in the emirate. The guidelines are part of the PCLA’s efforts to conduct awareness campaigns and initiatives on safety and pre- ventative measures under- taken to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. According to a statement by the PCLA, this latest campaign targeted companies across the Emirate of Dubai, labour ac- commodation sites and work- places, to ensure their health and safety, and raising under- standing and awareness on COVID-19 health risks, and means to prevent the spread of infection. PLCA teams carried out field visits to workers at their accommodation beginning 15th March 2020, providing individuals with educational materials and guides on pre- ventative measures to pro- tect themselves against coro- navirus, and to ensure that they are familiar with health and safety regulations. Guidelines and pamphlets were distributed in various languages, including Arabic, Urdu, Hindi and English, in a bid to encourage individu- als to commit to hygienic practices and preventative measures in dealing with the pandemic. Hygiene kits were also provided to the workers residing in the ac- commodation buildings. FUGRO AWARDED CAIRO MONORAIL MEGAPROJECT SITE CHARACTERISATION CONTRACT DUBAI LABOUR AFFAIRS COMMITTEE DELIVERS COVID-19 AWARENESS GUIDELINES FOR WORKERS
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// NEWS // CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // MAY 2020 20 COVID-19 PH Real Estate brokers is reacting to the ongoing pan- demic with the offer of sup- port, advice and free services. Established in 2008, the leading broker is offering free Ejari registration to help lighten the greater financial burden experienced by most of us this year. PH Real Estate is also offering free tenancy contract renewal to further help ease the stresses and strains for frontline doctors and nurses in Dubai. Despite the extraordinary era, PH Real Estate is prag- matic and prepared to con- tinue driving its success in these troubled times. Managing Director Nick Grassick says: “We are speaking to tenants where we manage their properties and tenants who are consid- ering moving but are now looking to re-negotiate their existing rent. During these troubled times we are able to double check with the property owners and negoti- ate a rental payment hiatus or renegotiate the entire rent for the upcoming term. “There are a variety of ways in which our sales, leasing and property man- agement teams can help you – so reach out today if you need help.” PH REAL ESTATE BROKERS OFFERS FREE SERVICES DURING COVID-19 OUTBREAK FOR FRONTLINE DOCTORS AND NURSES
// CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // MAY 2020 22 // EXPERT INSIGHT Ammar Kaka, Provost at Heriot-Watt University Dubai, tell us how Industry and Academia Can Come Together to Drive Smart Construction in the Middle East DRIVING SMART CONSTRUCTION FORWARD
CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // MAY 2020 // WWW.CBNME.COM 23 Shortly after I took up the professorial appointment at Heriot-Watt University in October 2000, I gave my inaugural speech which highlighted some of the major challenges facing the construc- tion industry; low productivity and profitability when compared to other manufacturing industries, vast amounts of carbon emission attributed to the construction and occupancy of built assets, in addition to reputational chal- lenges as a result of frequent delays, cost overruns, health and safety and workers’ welfare in general. I strongly believed that for the in- dustry to make a step change, collabo- ration and partnering were necessary. Today the productivity gap has wid- ened – industries such as automobile, shipping and aerospace have managed to double their productivity rates ow- ing to their adoption of technology. By contrast, construction productivity re- mained static at best and carbon emis- sions reached unprecedented levels. Yet, demand for construction will continue to rise. Around the world, 200,000 people a day are migrating to urban areas, requiring significantly more shelter and infrastructure. A report by ReportLinker states the con- struction industry in the Middle East & Africa alone is expected to reach USD 822.1 billion by 2024. Digital transformation is therefore the way to go. It calls for a shift in mindset, requires project teams to collaborate, enables transparency and more. It also requires joint investment in research and development. By em- bedding digital technology into design, construction and occupancy of built infrastructures, we can ensure that customers get value for money and be willing to pay for it. Both clear vision and implementa- tion are both needed, and these must be led by people who understand both the technology and the indus- try. In other words, R&D must come together with the appropriate talent to take this forward. Heriot-Watt University Dubai’s Centre of Excellence in Smart Construction (CESC) is one such joint initiative by industry and academia set up with the sole purpose of driving digital transfor- mation in the construction industry. In- dustry possess the context and practical experience, but most importantly they are also the ones with the challenges for which they are seeking solutions. They seek competitive advantage which could limit collaborative research and knowledge exchange. Academia on the other hand, employ and have access to talent with significant expertise in specific disciplines as well as experi- ence in undertaking novel research and advancing knowledge. However, there is also a gap between the two in some ways – industry wants quick solutions and academics prefer new approaches that advance knowledge. CESC therefore fills this gap perfectly. Industry partnership succeeds only when both parties have a shared goal. In this case, CESC will do this by undertaking research aligned to the needs of industry and underpinned by leading academics at our global cam- puses. It also builds required skillsets in the construction industry – several partners are employers of our gradu- ates, and this linkage with industry helps students learn and grow. This, in turn, also provides industry with access to talent. And finally, CESC can support the government in the development of innovative policies and legislation for the benefit of all stakeholders in the construction sector.
// CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // MAY 2020 24 // TALKING POINT By Chris Aird, Director, JLL ENERGY RETROFITTING Improving the energy performance of existing buildings may not be the highest profile trend in the UAE real estate sector right now, but I would argue it is one of the most important. Similarly, the work the Regulatory and Supervisory Bureau (RSB) is doing to create an operational energy rating system for existing buildings, may be one of Dubai’s best kept secrets. There is a recognition that more needs to be done to improve the en- ergy efficiency of buildings in the UAE. It is estimated that around 40% of the world’s carbon emissions emanate from buildings (and construction there- of) and this figure would be higher in the UAE given its dependence upon air conditioning for much of the year. Recognizing the problem, the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy is targeting a 30% reduction in emissions from real estate by 2030. While there has been much discus- sion on how to improve energy ratings in new buildings (e.g. Abu Dhabi’s Estidama program), there has to date been far less focus on improving the energy efficiency of existing buildings. This gap is counterproductive given the fact that the vast majority of build- ings in the UAE are existing and not new. With the exception of residential villas, we estimate there are around 30,000-35,000 existing buildings in the UAE, compared to just 3,500-4,000
CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // MAY 2020 // WWW.CBNME.COM 25 that are added to the stock each year. In other words, if the energy council targets are to have any chance of be- ing met, far more attention needs to be given to the energy efficiency of existing buildings. Against this background, it is good to see that RSB continues to make good progress behind the scenes in establishing an operational energy rat- ing system for existing buildings. The rating system analyses actual data from a range of existing residential, hospi- tality and commercial buildings, and assesses this against the most suitable benchmark data for that type, size and activity of building. It will then apply a rating to that building against preset criteria, allowing both owners and ten- ants to benchmark their space against their competitive set. Owners of poorly ranked buildings will then be able to identify areas in which they need to invest to increase the efficiency of their assets to an acceptable level. This may require modifications to the building’s energy infrastructure to bring it in line with current best practice standards. Data has been collected on around 175 apartment buildings, 69 office buildings and 50 hotels across Dubai. This data will allow the RSB to set rating thresholds (an essential starting point for the future rating system). The next stage of the process will involve the selection of a number of pilot buildings where the rating schemes and processes will be tested more fully, allowing any necessary modifications to be made to the initial rating assessment. The launch of the pilot phase of the project is currently scheduled for Q4 2020, but this deadline looks unlikely to be met, due to additional modifica- tions, tweaking and adjusting of the software taking longer than expected. We would envisage this assessment method being launched in its full ca- pacity to the market in Q3 2021, with the results of the initial tests being available very soon afterwards. The resulting energy assessment applications are likely to be one of the most important software tools available to existing building owners in the next ten years. To maximize the benefits of these tools (and reduce overall en- ergy consumption) far more building owners must come to recognize the importance of improving the energy efficiency of existing building. There are multiple methods being applied to help owners tackle the inefficien- cies of existing buildings, with some contractors offering to undertake en- ergy retrofits for building owners with zero upfront investment required, on the basis of a shared savings scheme contract which typically last 5-7 years depending on the level of retro fit needed. The benefit of the proposed energy efficiency improvements are not con- fined to meeting environmental targets. There are also clear financial benefits for individual building owners and tenants. In an increasingly competitive and oversupplied market, where ten- ants are ever more concerned about energy efficiency (for both moral and financial reasons), owners run the risk of losing tenants to more energy ef- ficient buildings. The creation of a transparent and widely publicized operational energy rating system is an essential prerequi- site for demonstrating that a building is more energy efficient than its com- petitors. Owners should therefore be doing all they can to support the work of the RSB and ensure that the result- ing operational energy rating system is completed and applied without further delays. Tenants will also benefit from access to information on the energy efficiency of alternative premises. Not only will this information help them reduce their energy bills but will also contrib- ute to a more employee pleasing work environment, a major objective of most occupiers. Chris Aird, director, JLL
// CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // MAY 2020 26 // COVER STORY S E R E N E L U X U R Y Nicholas Naples, Chief Executive Officer, AMAALA, talks to CBNME about the latest developments around AMAALA and why this project is unique
CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // MAY 2020 // WWW.CBNME.COM 27 OVERVIEW OF AMAALA AMAALA is an exclusive offering, set within the Prince Mohammad bin Salman Natural Reserve, which epito- mises serene luxury. AMAALA seeks to strike an emotional chord with guests, crafting a comfortable, relaxed, and unhurried atmosphere, that touches upon the senses, attracting both re- gional and international visitors. Built with sustainability at its core, AMAALA’s trio of communities – Triple Bay, The Coastal Development and the Island – will represent three different sets of experiences for visitors. • Triple Bay will be the world’s most comprehensive wellness retreat sup- ported by top-tier luxury medical and integrative wellness resorts, and numerous recreational activities. Triple Bay will also be home to a sports performance academy, an equestrian resort and polo acad- emy and world-class sports facilities including golf, tennis, equestrian, polo, camel and falconry • The Coastal Development will be home to leading arts and cultural events, and feature a cultural district comprised of a museum of con- temporary art, a film festival venue, performing arts venues and a bien- nale park • The Island will become one of the world’s most exclusive enclaves, offering exquisitely designed Arabic botanical gardens showcasing works of art, sculptures and breath-taking landscapes, surrounding beautifully appointed private residences Starting with Triple Bay, we aim to have the entire project completed ahead of the realisation of Saudi Vi- sion 2030. UNIQUENESS OF AMAALA First and foremost, it is a fresh, new concept – not just in Saudi Arabia but within the region. AMAALA will be a one-of-a-kind destination serviced by its own airport, with state-of-the-art housing, sporting, yachting, and diving facilities. Each community within the AMAALA fold will represent world- class standards in innovation, design,
// CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // MAY 2020 28 // COVER STORY and service delivery. Secondly, as part of the Prince Mo- hammad bin Salman Natural Reserve, we are set amidst a rich biosphere. Maintaining the integrity of our sur- roundings is critical to the project, with sustainability underpinning our design as well as our operations. Sustainability has never been in- corporated on a project of this scale before - existing properties’ sustain- ability aspirations largely involve playing catch up to balance offsets, but AMAALA will be meeting these standards from the ground up, creating a coastal oasis that elevates the role of responsible tourism globally. SUSTAINABILITY Sustainability is one of the corner- stones of AMAALA and given the scale of the project, we have been diligent and meticulous in embedding sustain- able practices into our design, opera- tions, and overall culture. We have been net carbon neutral from day one of our operations. We have about fifteen criteria for sustain- ability, covering everything from the use of full solar fields to waste man- agement and recycling. An example of this is the plans for water production: there will be a dedicated desalination plant that has zero impact on the coral reefs. All wastewater will be treated and reused in agriculture, while all organic waste will be used in agricul- ture, including Triple Bay’s organic farm. Only biodegradable materials will be used within the resort, while energy requirements will be met by using renewable sources, with the entire AMAALA development having a zero-carbon footprint. FEATURES OF THE COMMUNITIES Our three communities were con- ceived following extensive market research into our target clientele and what was important to them, i.e., Arts & Culture; Wellness & Sports; and Sun, Sea & Lifestyle; all rooted in philan- thropy. Triple Bay will represent the world’s most exclusive wellness retreat. Here, guests will be able to immerse themselves in a fully holistic wellness retreat, featuring state-of-the-art diag- nostic medical facilities, and authentic treatments designed to reflect the local environment. The Costal Develop- ment will cater to the arts and culture aficionado, featuring contemporary art museums and a cultural district. Last but not the least, The Island will func- tion as a haven offering exquisitely designed Arabian botanical gardens showcasing works of art, sculptures and breath-taking landscapes, all sur- rounding elegant private villas. As with any project of this scale, development will be rolled-out in key phases. With the Master Plan approved by our Board of Directors, an extensive feasibility has just been completed, with contractors already on-the-ground conducting the necessary assessments and ground works. Starting with Triple Bay, we aim to have the entire project completed ahead of the realisation of Saudi Vision 2030.
CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // MAY 2020 // WWW.CBNME.COM 29 TOURISM BOOM The tourism sector is one of the most promising parts of the King- dom’s diversification efforts and AMAALA is part of the drive towards advancing the tourism sector and attracting 22.1 million international visitors by 2051. A transformative idea, AMAALA is a new project on situated on the Red Sea, , which aims to establish a unique tourism ecosystem, in support of the kingdom’s economic diversification and the creation of high-value job op- portunities. Within the Kingdom’s growing tour- ism portfolio, AMAALA has carved out a unique positioning, catering to those select travellers looking for innova- tive experiential escapes, individually crafted to the needs of each guest. Featuring over 2,500 hotel keys and 700 residential villas, AMAALA opens numerous opportunities for tourism and as well as the real estate sectors. From apartments to estate homes to high end retail establishments, we will partner with private sector companies, world- class operators and market investors specialised in hospitality to provide a bespoke experience for guests. REAL ESTATE IMPACT Through the development of com- munities built to the highest interna- tional standards, we are creating an active pipeline of projects for the real estate and construction industries. Spanning 4,155 sq.kms in area across land and ocean, this development will be helmed by world-class architects, elevating the calibre of both sectors within the nation. Foster + Partners have been appointed as the executive architect for the masterplan, inter- national design firm HKS Architects have been appointed as master plan- ners for Triple Bay, and The Coastal Development while Denniston, led by internationally renowned multi-award- winning French-Belgian architect, Jean-Michel Gathy, will be master planners of The Island. The project will also act as a key driver of Vision 2030’s objectives, cultivating investment opportunities, supporting economic growth with a focus on the development of new economies, driving employment in new economic sectors such as well- ness, healthy living and sports, art and culture; and sea, sun, and lifestyle. Nicholas Naples, Chief Executive Officer, AMAALA
// CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // MAY 2020 30 // OPINION BLOCKCHAIN IN CONSTRUCTION “Huge strides have been made in digitising the construction industry already, but an uptake in blockchain technology is poised to be a game-changer in the built environment.” says Andrew Skudder, CEO of CCS
CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // MAY 2020 // WWW.CBNME.COM 31 The fourth industrial revolution and the paradigm-shifting effect it will have on all industries has been a hot topic for years. While there have certainly been skeptics, some of the digital tech- nologies that have emerged promise to unlock profound efficiencies, transpar- ency and competitiveness. Huge strides have been made in digitising and transforming the construction industry already, but an uptake in blockchain technology is poised to be a game-changer in the built environment. UNDERSTANDING BLOCKCHAIN Blockchain shot to prominence through Bitcoin, as it is the platform that en- ables the crypto currency. However, innovators have found creative ways to leverage the powerful potential of blockchain in various industries.At its simplest level, blockchain is a distrib- uted ledger, or database, on multiple computers at the same time. It grows continuously as new blocks are added, and each new block contains a time- stamp and link to the previous – hence the second part of the name: chain. In essence, blockchain can enable a registry and a sequence of smart con- tracts that are all traceable and almost impossible to manipulate because of the distributed nature of the infrastruc- ture. POTENTIAL PARADIGM SHIFT In the construction context, it could well represent a paradigm shift by unlocking immense efficiency in aspects such as contract process- ing and payments, as well as supply chain management. Smart contracts represent a fundamental shift for the industry. Automated contracts reduce the necessity for intermediaries, who would have to be paid. The system of smart contracts, built into the block- chain, will automatically enforce the rules such as regulations, deliverables or penalties. Besides the efficiency, the real-time nature means discrepancies or anomalies will be flagged much earlier and disputes resolved faster. In terms of payments, blockchain enables streamlined moving of money and enhanced security, with traceable transactions. TRACEABILITY OF MATERIALS Another exciting use is in supply chain management. Here, traceabil- ity of materials is paramount. For example, in boiler manufacturing - where the steel and welding mate- rial used is critical to meet perfor- mance and quality standards - these materials need to be traced from source to application. The block- chain provides an interesting tool to manage, trace and pay all along the supply chain. Beyond enhanced efficiency, it can help improve transparency, which keeps all parties abreast of projects in real-time and mitigates against potential oversight. Merged with Building Information Model- ling (BIM), blockchain is poised to take construction a few more leaps forward into the digital age. Ultimately, technology’s promise is to improve every aspect of a business and industry, and in this case the potential blockchain has to fundamentally improve con- struction across the entire value chain is very exciting.
// CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // MAY 2020 32 // PROJECT H.E President AbdelFattah El Sisi has officially inaugurated Al Mahsamma ag- ricultural drainage treatment, recycling and reuse plant in Ismailia Governorate today. The project has a capacity of 1 million m3/day and is built in an area of 42,000 m2, making Al Mahsamma the largest plant of its kind in the world. The project worth USD100 mil- lion has been developed by the joint venture (JV) comprised of Metito, the multinational global provider of intel- ligent water management and alterna- tive energy solutions, and Hassan Allam Construction, Egypt’s leading engineer- ing, construction and infrastructure company, under the supervision of the Armed Forces Engineering Authority. The JV scope of work for this flagship project includes the engineering, con- struction, operations (EC&O), commis- sioning and operation and maintenance (O&M) for a period of five years. Al Mahsamma is part of Egypt’s progressive and multipronged approach to ensure the country’s water security through wastewater treatment, desalina- tion, and preservation of natural water resources. The plant’s daily capacity will contribute to the conservation of the natural ecology of the Al Temsah Lake, located west of the Suez Canal, which has been impacted by wastewa- ter disposal. Commenting on the official inau- guration of Al Mahsamma plant, Eng. Karim Madwar, Managing Director at Metito Africa said: “Metito is honored to play its part in this world-class mega national project located in the highly strategic east of the Suez Canal area. In this project, we make use of the latest Egypt builds the world’s biggest agricultural drainage treatment, recycling and reuse plant. The project is developed by Metito-Hassan Allam joint venture AL MAHSAMMA PROJECT
CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // MAY 2020 // WWW.CBNME.COM 33 technologies for the treatment of agri- cultural drainage to produce suitable water for irrigation and land reclama- tion, following the highest quality standard and specs set by the Egyptian government.” Madwar also highlighted Metito’s commitment to utilize state-of-the-art technology and systems across its proj- ects and in the various stages of water treatment, coupled with the integration of advanced digital and information technology. The IT system used aims to monitor the effectiveness of the site operations and to ensure the qual- ity of water remains compliant with industry standard and client specifica- tions. Madwar further explained that all Metito project sites are equipped with laboratories for on-site water analysis and quality testing round the clock supervised by dedicated experts. “We are extremely proud to have been selected to contribute to the de- velopment of a project of such strategic importance, which we have been able to complete in a fast track record of ten months, amounting to 2.5 million man hours with no injuries or time lost – a testament to the state’s confidence in our capabilities,” said Hassan Allam, Chair- man at Hassan Allam Construction. “Al Mahsamma plant will significantly contribute to combating water scarcity in the country and will have a resound- ing impact on Egypt’s water security agenda, transforming the scope of wastewater treatment across Africa. We are extending our efforts to provide the latest solutions that solve water poverty, one of the major regional and global concerns,” Hassan Allam added. The plant will contribute to the ir- rigation of 70,000 acres of land in the Sinai, as part of the government’s ef- forts to develop the region by creating sustainable urban communities and job opportunities in the area. The water is transferred to the plant from Ismailia ir- rigation drainage canal, located west of Suez Canal, using two individual pump stations crossing underneath the Suez Canal into Srabuim siphon. The water is further pumped through the plant’s pump station via eight vertical turbine type pumps - six working pumps and two on standby - with each pumping at a speed of 7000 m3/hr. As the global economy navigates its way through the adverse impact of the coronavirus pandemic across all businesses, the Al Mahsamma project marks a significant achievement for the Egyptian government and the wider African region, demonstrating sustained commitment to development in the water sector. The project was named ‘Infrastruc- ture Project of the Year’ at Dubai's 2019 Construction Innovation Awards and has been shortlisted for the ‘Wastewater Project of the Year’ award at the Global Water Awards, with results set to be an- nounced at the Global Water Summit in Spain on a future date.
// CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // MAY 2020 34 // COVID-19 Dubai Chamber launches ‘Business Connect’ to assist the private sector BUSINESS CONNECT Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry announced the launch of an innovative information platform to fol- low developments and impact of Coro- navirus (Covid-19) on the economy and business sector in Dubai. The new platform, called “Business Connect”, aims to help companies and institutions in Dubai to overcome the economic repercussions of the spread of the virus. The page includes news, economic and educational resources and various economic viewpoints related to the existing challenges and ways to confront them. In addition to this, it also contains short promotional videos on various topics related to the business sector, some of them from representatives of the private sector on the Chamber’s campaign #BeSafe #WorkSmart His Excellency Hamad Buamim, President & CEO, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry pointed out that the information platform will contribute in guiding the private sector towards making informed practical decisions based on reliable data. It will also help companies to overcome challenges and enhance their competi- tiveness based on their ability to keep abreast of all developments related to the business environment, indicating that this platform will benefit com- panies in managing its activities and operations. His Excellency pointed out that the Chamber is committed to playing its strategic role in supporting the busi- ness sector, preserving its interests, and keeping it up to date with the current developments. He stressed that the availability of reliable and accu- rate information is an essential part of plans to confront and overcome these exceptional circumstances. The platform also includes interac- tive questionnaires for readers about the economy and the effects of the current crisis on their work, and pro- posals to confront them, in addition to providing a comprehensive guide that is constantly updated on the various incentive packages announced by the UAE and Dubai for the private sector. It provides a guide for companies on the National Disinfection Program program and the excluded vital sec- tors. This guide will be regularly up- dated according to developments an- nounced by the relevant government authorities, which makes the “Business Connect” platform, a primary source of information, articles, analysis and documented news. This platform has been launched in cooperation with Entrepreneur Middle East, and also provides advice for entrepreneurs and SMEs on how to deal with the current situation, remote working in addition to information on the Community Solidarity Fund. The platform can be accessed by visiting the following link https:// www.dubaichamber.com/covid-19
CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // MAY 2020 // WWW.CBNME.COM 35 His Excellency Hamad Buamim, President & CEO, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry
// CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // MAY 2020 36 // MACHINERY With up to 37% footprint reduction and higher power density, Al-Bahar introduces updated CAT® C18 Diesel Generator Set CARBON EFFICIENT GENERATOR Al-Bahar announced the availability of the new power-dense Cat® C18 Diesel Generator Set, enabling its customers to meet power needs and emission targets with greater precision. The new C18 will deliver the benefits of high power density to customers across the Al-Bahar territory, which includes UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar markets. Designed to meet challenging restrictions on capital, site size, emis- sions, and cost, the new power-dense C18 requires less overall space for installation. Engineered to maximize power out- put and reliability, the new C18 ratings are 706 to 850 kVA at 50 Hz. It features a smaller footprint of up to 37 percent and offers more power density than competitive power solutions in the market today. It significantly decreases customers’ installed and ancillary costs through reduced overall footprint and weight. With this newly uprated Cat C18 diesel generator set and other similar power-dense models, Cater- pillar is reaffirming its leadership in delivering a full range of dependable, space-conscious power solutions that makes power solutions increasingly cost-effective. Talking about the highlights of the new C18 generator set, Mr. Ahmed Mo- hamed Kamal, Power Systems EPG Re- tail Sales Manager, Al-Bahar said, “With its reduced installation costs and low fuel consumption, C18 brings down the total cost for our customers1. Moreover, with a range of highlights like Advanced Fuel system, Improved Combustion system, Better Thermal management, High Spec Core Compo- nents, and Next Generation Air system, the new C18 maximizes the return on investment for our customers, whilst offering proven power solution.” The generator set meets NFPA 110 loading requirement and meets ISO 8528-5 transient response require- ments. The EMCP controller features the reliability and durability one
CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // MAY 2020 // WWW.CBNME.COM 37 expects from a piece of Cat equip- ment. The EMCP4 included in the new C18 is a scalable control platform that ensures reliable generator set opera- tion, providing extensive information about power output and engine opera- tion. Moreover, customers can further customize the EMCP4 systems to meet their needs through programming and expansion modules. Other highlights include higher flow rate injectors with improved fuel de- livery control and pressure, enhances power output. The new high-efficiency parallel turbo allows for increased air- flow and achieves high boost pressure delivering higher power density with faster response. Improved combus- tion chamber design allows fuel to burn more efficiently, extracting more energy from the fuel. Higher specification pistons rings and valves sustain higher operating temperatures, which minimize oil consumption for longer engine life at higher output ratings. Higher specifica- tion advanced core components en- sures improved component durability while the engine delivers more power. Adding to the C18 narrative, Mr. Mo- hamed B. El-Kaddour, Vice President – Energy & Transportation, Al-Bahar said, “Caterpillar always thinks more than the equipment they’re designing. They think about the people they are designing the equipment for, which includes the person who needs their backup power to perform flawlessly.” “Fewer units offering more power – is the ideal situation. Our custom- ers are always looking for more power from an existing engine, and C18 promises exactly that at lower fuel consumption. Its smaller size and lower weight make it a smaller displacement engine, lowering ship- ping costs as overall packaging size reduces. Further, it demands lesser oil and coolants, leading to reduced maintenance costs, and environmen- tal impact, all adding more value to the bottom-line. In the end – lower shipping costs, lower fuel consump- tion and lower maintenance costs, all add up to savings, making it an ideal engine for varying requirements,” added Kaddour. Caterpillar has always delivered in- novative power systems engineered to provide exceptional durability, reliability, and value. The region-wide product support, with parts and service available globally through authorized service and dealer network like the one offered by Al-Bahar, makes C18 a complete pack- age for mission-critical applications.
// CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // MAY 2020 38 // MACHINERY Ayad El Hage, QHSE Manager, NFT, tells in detail to CBNME the full measures taken by the company to combat COVID-19 NFT DEFENSE AGAINST COVID-19 At NFT, we are committed to our customers, employees and communi- ties. The biggest challenges faced by companies during this crisis is ensur- ing business continuity while ensur- ing, with equal weight, the safety of its employees. During this global pandemic we are united as business owners, employees, clients, suppliers, government entities, to combat the spread of the COVID-19. At NFT, we are a big believer that Knowl- edge and we share through through our BLOG the latest publications regard- ing the effects on the pandemic on the construction sector as well as business and safety measures to consider during this crisis. Our QHSE department has been monitoring with full devotion the developments around the COVID-19 pandemic and strictly NFT is imple- menting all the recommendations from trusted sources who are experts in the field, such as Department of Health in the UAE, World Health Organization (WHO), or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The health and safety of our employ- ees and customers are and have always been our number one priority. By default, our occupational activi- ties are relatively safe and in line with provisions taken to combat spread of COVID19. We work with steel structures in open spaces that are exposed to the sun and high heat, which makes it resis- tant to the spreading of the virus. From the very early stages, we set up Crises Management Committee formed from out top management, QHSE, Administration, Operations, and HR departments. The job of this com- mittee is to follow up on the current situation, development of COVID-19, contact with UAE officials, contact with our sister companies overseas, and come up with measures in line with the official recommendations. The second step was for NFT to conduct awareness sessions and NFT ran more than 15 dissemination and educational sessions about the virus and methods to control its spread to different groups in all employee languages. We made sure that the sessions were tai- lored to each vocation. Special attention
CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // MAY 2020 // WWW.CBNME.COM 39 sessions and trainings were conducted with sanitation people, drivers, or the more vulnerable groups who can be more exposed as per our risk assess- ment surveys. In addition, flyers, posters, videos, and publications were circulated wherever possible inside the offices, workshop, vehicles, and even labor camps dormitories. COMMUTING AND TRANSPORTATION We adjusted our modus operandi and adopted several work procedures according to International Recom- mendations and mitigation measures mandated by the UAE Government, starting with vehicles. The highest risk of transmission occurs while commut- ing to work or living in labor camps that have high concentration of people. Commuting to work according to the UAE authorities’ directives, follows 30% occupancy in the vehicles. Effectively it means, we tripled our bus trips to labor camps, we increased our fleet of small vehicles and mini- buses. In addition, we added separate plastic sheet inside the bus in order to separate the driver from the passengers. Each vehicle carrying more than the driver, is disinfected at least twice a day or as necessary. The labor camps posed as a threat to the spread of the pan- demic. However, thanks to the extraor- dinary efforts of the health Authorities in the UAE, we managed to screen all our working force and implement extra precautions in collaboration of labor camps management. On site and in our workshop, all teams were divided into segregated groups that work in isolation from each other. QHSE team is closely monitoring all laborers in our work- shop by testing their temperature and ensuring they are wearing full PPE. In case any symptoms appear on any of the team members, the one with symptoms would go for testing, while the others in the same team would be sent to self-isolation until further veri- fication. Meanwhile, the job would be carried out with another group, hence keeping workflow uninterrupted. OFFICE In parallel, the same measures were conducted to maintain social distancing in the head office, when possible the employees could carry out their jobs without the need to come to office. In case coming to office is essential, we restruc- tured the office distribution as to maintain necessary social distanc- ing as recommended. An infrared gun thermometer was placed at the reception for all those entering to voluntarily check their temperatures. A special team is deployed for disin- fecting all surfaces, office appliances, doorknobs, handles, restroom facilities, round the clock during working hours. Paper circulation was reduced to mini- mum, and when necessary special disin- fected plastic files were used to carry the papers. Masks and gloves are distributed in different types and frequency accord- ing to the risk analysis. Special awareness sessions and measures are put in place for the more Vulnerable people (by virtue of their age, underlying health condition, clinical condition or are expecting). They follow the highest strict precau- tions. Fingerprinting for sign in/out were temporarily deactivated and replaced with web sign in/out. The hallways and entrances have been equipment with hand sanitizing stations. ON CLIENT PROJECT SITES All our technical teams received dissemi- nation on how to take precautionary measures against COVID-19; and they were instructed to take extra vigilance to their surroundings while being full equipped with the PPE as required. Because a full mechanical team is composed of 4-5 members, we have increased our fleet to dispatch the same number of teams as usual in order to ensure we continue to service our clients as per their schedule. Tower Crane Operators, by nature of their occupation, are in isolation in the Cabin from other workers. However, they were provided with instructions and disinfection material to be applied in case there were rotation in the Cabin. The advice is not to have rotation of shift in one Cabin. If necessary, the cabin should be deeply disinfected after old operator use and before new operator use. It is our social responsibility to prevent the spread of the virus while ensure business continuity in support of the economies we are contributing to. Therefore, in these unprecedented times, NFT will continue to offer its products and services in a safe, responsible man- ner as long as we are able to do so. Our commitment to our clients and to our employees is uninterrupted.
// CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // MAY 2020 40 // TRUCKS Renault Trucks prepares a gradual and safe restart of its plants in France GRADUAL RESTART Disinfection of machinery, worksta- tions and work tools, the wearing of masks, gloves and overalls, social dis- tancing rules, organised movement in shared areas... Production has been at a standstill since 18 March, but Renault Trucks is now preparing for a slow, gradual and safe resumption of activ- ity in its production sites, constantly following the same baseline approach, namely to protect the health and safety of its employees. Since the start of the lockdown and despite the temporary interruption in production, Renault Trucks has car- ried on serving its customers, as far as reasonably possible, by continu- ing in particular to supply spare parts and repair trucks. These activities are essential to ensure the continuity of vital services to society, especially to transport and deliver basic necessities, medicines and food. However, although some employees have carried on working, production, sales and R&D have come to a halt and the vast majority of employees have been in short term layoff for almost a month. Concerning Renault Trucks in France, an agreement has just been unanimously signed by trade unions to ensure fair compensation for these staff members in short term layoff. Applying until July 3, 2020, the agreement erases the disparities between the different categories of employees, resulting from the legal provisions and the Metallurgy collec- tive agreement, protects the lowest wages and aligns compensation for all employees at 92% of their usual net pay thanks to the solidarity of managers, and thanks to an additional contribution from the company. “This agreement allows all employ- ees to be treated fairly during this unprecedented crisis period. It enables all employees to get close to 100% of their usual remuneration through a va- cation buy-back plan, while safeguard- ing the company's future," empha- sises Bruno Blin, president of Renault Trucks. “In addition to the employees' solidarity, the company is contributing around 8% of the total payroll."
CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // MAY 2020 // WWW.CBNME.COM 41 Renault Trucks is planning to re- sume its activity. Factories in France will be restarted gradually, from April 22, 2020, starting with Lyon-Venissieux Engine Plant. Other Renault Trucks production sites, such as Bourg- en-Bresse and Blainville-sur-Orne assembly plants, should gradually resume their activity in the following weeks. The restart of industrial activ- ity is planned, for all plants, at a very low level. Ramp up will be slow and be spread over several weeks, in line with customer demands, the ability of suppliers to deliver the required provi- sions, and in synchronization with the other Volvo Group plants. The industrial restart will be con- ditioned by the implementation of reinforced health protocols adapted to each site, in consultation with the trade unions and employee represen- tatives. Drawn up by the company's occupational physicians based on the precise route taken by employees, from the cloakroom to their worksta- tion, they aim to eliminate the risk of coming into contact with the virus. “We will only resume activities if health and safety conditions are exem- plary – there will be no compromises. This is why we are envisaging a grad- ual restart, involving an initial period during which we will be testing the health protocols, as well as the supply chain and logistics, before considering a ramp-up" explained Bruno Blin. Measures to be taken in Renault Trucks plants include: • Applying social distancing rules and protective measures, • Widespread use of alternative masks, • Wearing FFP2 masks with goggles or visors and gloves when the one-me- tre distance cannot be respected, • Keeping doors open (except fire doors) to prevent contact with handles, • Cleaning of workstations, work tools, logistics equipment, changing rooms and canteens, • Organising movement in all com- mon areas, changing rooms, cor- ridors and canteens, extending the opening hours and limiting the number of people present at any given time, • Introducing a special seating plan in transport shuttles to guarantee space between passengers. For sales and research & development entities, the company will favor home office for employees who will have to resume their activity. In a parallel move, the company's management is examining requests from its customers, dealers and body- work partners and analysing market trends to adjust production rates for the coming months. Bruno Blin, president of Renault Trucks
// CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // MAY 2020 42 // MATERIAL HANDLING NEW TRUCKS, SAME YALE PROMISE Yale Europe Materials Handling launches the ground-breaking expansion of its product range with the introduction of four new trucks for low-intensity appli- cations. After researching current market trends, Yale uncovered a demand for materials handling products that are engineered to provide high levels of efficiency and productivity, yet are only used for short periods at a time. Yale has identified the specific chal- lenges that customers with these applica- tions face, and has now introduced new solutions to complement its existing product range. In a first for the materials handling company, Yale will now offer equipment designed for intermittent use or low-intensity applications. These additions are ideal for custom- ers focused on applications requiring intermittent use, and yet still demanding a truck that is capable of undertaking high priority tasks. For operations that necessi- tate a forklift or warehouse truck to move loads, but are not used for many hours per day, the new Yale® trucks offer a solution to fulfil customer’s needs. Although these new trucks are de- signed for low-intensity applications, they stay true to the same Yale philoso- phy. The high standards of dependabil- ity, serviceability, ergonomics, productiv- ity and low cost of ownership associated with the Yale® brand are all carried through this product range expansion. Iain Friar, Yale Brand Manager, said: “We’re very proud to add four new trucks to our growing range of materials handling equipment. As part of our peo- ple, products and productivity concept, we are always talking to our customers about the challenges they face and how we can best meet their requirements. By extending our product offering, we can now provide solutions for a broader range of lower intensity applications at an affordable price to customers.” SIMPLY EFFICIENT TRUCKS The MS15UX and MP20XUX trucks extend the Yale warehouse range, with both offering high performance in confined areas. The MS15UX is a highly controllable and agile pedestrian stacker with lift capability suitable for a range of operator heights and experience levels, while the MP20XUX is ideal for produc- tive horizontal transportation and vehicle loading and offloading. Engineered to deliver high produc- tivity in general purpose applications, the GP20-35UX has an ergonomically designed operator compartment with easy reach controls and a clear 3.5 inch LCD display. The GP20-35UX offers reli- able operation and efficient filtration and cooling. It provides easy maintenance thanks to a 70° opening engine cover and quick floor plate removal. No spe- cial tools or diagnostic tools are required for servicing which makes this truck ideal for self-servicing. The truck further benefits from high visibility masts and highly responsive steering. The ERP15-35UX is an energy-efficient electric fork lift truck with highly responsive steering, which optimises manoeuvrability for confined spaces. The operator compart- ment is ergonomically designed to offer all-round visibility and a practical and comfortable working environment for the driver. AC Controllers optimise battery power, which is particularly helpful on ramps and long runs as well as high lift usage. Iain Friar, Yale Brand Manager, said: “The introduction of our new trucks for low-intensity applications further enables every customer to find the right Yale forklift for their precise requirements. At the core of these new trucks is the same Yale philosophy of high standards of de- pendability, serviceability, ergonomics, productivity and low cost of ownership, which is the essence of our entire range. We are pleased to offer a simply efficient solution to our customers.”
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