< PreviousNEWS UPDATE 10 MEP Middle East | September 2019 www.mepmiddleeast.com Liberty Building Solutions enters fi nal phase of Dubai Expo 2020 contract DEWA publishes ‘competitive results’ in global benchmarking for 2018 EXPO 2020 Liberty Building Solutions FZE – an author- ised Middle East representative for UK-based Barton Engineering – has entered the fi nal phase of its contract to supply more than 500km of conduit systems at two fl agship Expo 2020 Dubai projects. The 130-metre diameter Al Wasl Plaza, which will host the opening ceremony for 10,000 people, includes a temperature- controlled domed trellis requiring electrical wiring within its steel structure to the height of the dome in pre-wired assemblies. Systems will facilitate the building’s light- ing and power wiring installations, as well as the dome’s advanced LED lighting and laser projection structures. Meanwhile, Barton’s systems will also be installed on the Route 2020 project, which will extend the Dubai Metro Red Line by 15km with seven new stations. Liberty Building Solutions CEO, Richard Botting, said: “With over 70 years’ collective experience working with the Barton brand, our sales, support and technical staff have proven ability in delivering Barton products and services to businesses across the UAE over the last 40 years. “These prestigious contracts to supply Dubai Expo 2020 projects are a big vote of confi dence in our ability and our pedigree. As BENCHMARKING Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA) noted competitive results in global benchmarking as it unveiled plans to build 68 132/11kV substations over the next three years. MD and CEO HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer reported reduced losses from electric- ity transmission and distribution networks to 3.3% for 2018; compared with around 6% in Europe and the US. “Water network losses were reduced to 6.5% in 2018 compared to 15% in North Amer- ica,” he added, also revealing proposals for a raft of additional substations with a budget of $2.1billion. Al Tayer explained that up until the end of last year, DEWA had established a total of 258 main substations, 18 of which were commis- sioned in 2018 at a cost of $544million. “We will continue our efforts to support Dubai and the UAE,” he said. “We have commenced building new stations in Hassyan and at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. “DEWA continuously adopts new strategies based on innovation to anticipate future chal- lenges and opportunities.” the sole remaining UK manufacturer of con- duit, Barton has been a reliable provider of cable management systems in the uniquely challenging Middle East conditions. “This has been evident through our in- volvement with these prestigious Expo land- marks and previous projects such as the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Airport expansion, Dubai Op- era House, Meydan Racecourse, Palm Jumei- rah, and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.” 500km of conduit systems will go into the site. TENDER An MEP contractor for the mixed-use Pixel project in Abu Dhabi’s Makers District Development is set to be named in September. Chinese fi rm CNTC has recently been appointed by Imkan to undertake the seven-tower, 525-property build, which includes a plaza and leisure facilities. Imkan CEO Walid El-Hindi said: “CNTC is one of the biggest construction companies in China, and their experi- ence combined with our commitment to developing research-based communities, gives us confi dence that Pixel’s seven towers will be delivered utilising some of the most innovative and diverse construc- tion solutions in the region.” The project is set for completion in the fourth quarter of 2021. CNTC vice president Xinrong Xu added: “Through this partnership, CNTC and Imkan will translate our shared foresight for Pixel into reality. “China and the UAE enjoy a symbiotic relationship that encompasses culture, investment and trade and is underpinned by a deep understanding of the important role we both play in the region’s economic development and prosperity.” Announcement of MEP contractor for Pixel project expected some time in September The Pixel project is set for completion in Q4 2021.NEWS UPDATE September 2019 | MEP Middle East 11 www.mepmiddleeast.com PROJECTS Smart4Power has been contracted to complete a retrofi t of nine buildings – one a district cool- ing plant – in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ). Part of RAZEK’s contribution towards the targets of RAK’s Energy Effi ciency and Re- newable Energy Strategy 2040, works will take place over the next fi ve years and aim to provide energy and water savings of 38.5% versus typical consumption patterns. RAKEZ CEO Ramy Jallad confi rmed that new builds at the site are already adopting Barjeel standards recently introduced by Ras Al Khaimah Municipality. “The retrofi t project shows that we are also focused on improving the energy effi ciency of existing buildings,” he added. “We hope that this project will encourage other entities to undergo similar efforts.” The project will preserve more than 25GW- hours of electricity over the duration of the contract. Additionally, over 14million imperial gal- lons of water will be saved, enough to fi ll 25 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Jesús Gutiérrez, co-founder and CEO of Smart4Power, said: “We are proud to support Ras Al Khaimah government in their ambi- tious retrofi t programme. “Smart4Power will implement a series of energy and water conservation measures, such as improvement of cooling systems, the addition of adiabatic cooling for chillers, LED light replacements, and installation of water- saving devices. “Additionally, advanced HVAC automation and controls will be installed, which will have a major contribution to the savings generated by the project.” HE Munther Mohammed bin Shekar, direc- tor general of RAK Municipality, added: “As part of RAK Energy Effi ciency and Renew- able Energy Strategy 2040, we are promoting many more projects of this type with other Ras Al Khaimah entities, and the RAKEZ example will offer encouragement for a successful rollout.” RAKEZ CEO Ramy Jallad confi rmed new builds at the site are already adopting Barjeel standards recently introduced to enhance effi ciency and sustainability Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone appoints Smart4Power for “ambitious” retrofit project According to estimates, the project will preserve more than 25GW-hours of electricity over the duration of the contract, which includes a district cooling plant retrofi t.12 MEP Middle East | September 2019 www.mepmiddleeast.com MEP Middle East is proud to recognise the leaders and pioneers who are demonstrating excellence in their fi eld. The men and women who make up this year’s MEP Middle East Top 25 MEP Contractors rankings have done themselves and their organisations proud over the past 12 months, blazing a trail at a time when global demand for construction is great but restric- tive liquidity has thrown up plenty of testing obstacles. Needless to say, those at the very top of this year’s rankings have navigated such pitfalls with aplomb. There are plenty of familiar names in 2019’s list but some new faces too, and MEP Middle East is delighted to report that this latest installment features some of the major players who are shaping the built environment across the Middle East. We’d like to thank everyone who responded to our recent survey, results of which helped shape our fi nal decision on ranking alongside input from a handful of trusted, independent third-party industry experts. The standard of some submissions was extremely high, and testament to the efforts being made across the sector despite the current climate, with the ongoing cashfl ow narrative never far from top of mind for contractors of all sizes. But the value of construction disputes is falling, and this list pays homage to those who have overcome potential hazards to establish themselves as premiere fi gures in the market. If you’d like to make a comment on this year’s rankings, fi nd us @MEP_Middle_East. Do not fear if you missed out, our annual rankings will be back again in 2020, when there will be another chance to break into the prestigious ‘Top 25 Club’. It’s never too early to start plotting your way in, and we look forward to reading your submissions next time around. Until then, allow us to unveil the MEP Middle East Top 25 MEP Contractors rankings for 2019.www.mepmiddleeast.com 14 MEP Middle East | September 2019 Revenue of $1.1billion in the fi nancial year 2018-2019 puts Voltas in a commanding position as the Indian-headquartered fi rm sets its sights on the future. The Tata-backed company is involved with notable ongoing projects across the region, in- cluding Expo 2020, Fujairah International Airport, and the Latifa Hospital extension to name just a few. Not content to rest on its laurels, and recognising the need to maintain excellence across its workforce, Voltas is utilising additional income to get the very best out of its people. Year-on-year revenue growth of 15% has allowed the company to invest heavily in its staff, signing off on training initiatives worth $850,000 over the past 12 months. AR Suresh Kumar, head of international operations – business group, and VP of operations, says specialised systems are in place to ensure staff are best equipped the carry out their roles. He explained: “Voltas has a system of competency assessment (technical, behavioural and HSE) for each employee trade/job type, and thereafter we develop the training need identifi cation (TNI) for each employee. “We have developed in-house test centres and an assessment tool on an IT platform to help us map the skill gaps for each employee against this pre-defi ned skill matrix. “Based on the evaluation results we recommend specifi c and customised training programmes for our employees, which can be taken at internal training centres or through external train- ing which we arrange for them. “After completion of training we also assess the participants on their understanding and learning gained from the pro- gramme.” Spend on technology and corporate social responsibility was a combined $3.6million ($1.8m each) in 2018, further underlin- ing Voltas’ credentials as an international powerhouse. Key digital initiatives under implementation for the coming year include automated project performance dashboards across all operations; a rollout of computer aided facilities management solutions for Voltas’ FM business; and a vendor management system for the purchase-to-pay cycle. While current choppy waters have sunk some rival fi rms AR SURESH KUMAR VOLTAS HEAD OF INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS – BUSINESS GROUP & VICE PRESIDENT OPERATIONS 1 NUMBER OF YEARS IN ROLE 31 NUMBER OF Y EA RS IN THE COMPA N Y 21 NUMBER OF YEARS WORKING IN THE MIDDLE EAST here in the Middle East, Voltas has more than just stayed afl oat, and is now charting a course into areas previously occupied by competitors. “There has been a shakeout in the MEP industry and several of the previous majors are no longer on the scene,” said Kumar. “Voltas has, however, maintained its position, resources (peo- ple and fi nancial) and engineering capability, and is well posi- tioned as MEP contractor of choice for any major development. “We are also able to contribute substantially on value engi- neering efforts for the benefi t of the project and clients.” It is safe to say Voltas isn’t taking anything for granted, par- ticularly at a time of market volatility. According to Kumar, the key to avoiding any bad weather that may be on the horizon is co-ordination and collaboration. “We fi nd that due to budget and fund constraints there are delays on decision and award of contracts, which in turn also leads to pressure both in quality and execution time,” he said. “We, however, look forward to working in a co-ordinated and collaborative way with authorities, clients, consultants and fellow contractors in the best interests of the MEP and wider construction industry.” Rev HEAD BUSINESS September 2019 | MEP Middle East 15 www.mepmiddleeast.comwww.mepmiddleeast.com 16 MEP Middle East | September 2019 Alemco loosened the purse strings to spend $7.4million on technology in 2018, and appears set to eclipse that this year with an addi- tional $700,000 in the budget. General manager Nathan Hanns says the fi rm is adopting a three-pronged approach to stay ahead of the pack. He explained: “The main focus is to choose and start the implementation of a new ERP system fi t for purpose across the entire business. A specifi c focus is to provide our on-site teams with the necessary tools in order to be more effi cient. “Data consolidation into a single database and real time inte- gration will drive decision making via analytics. “[We are also] moving our entire infrastructure into the Cloud, utilising platform as a service (PaaS) to reduce cost and improve scalability.” Investments in technology run in tandem with an extensive training programme for the 309 skilled employees and 1,883 labourers on Alemco’s books. “Our focus for 2019 will be around performance management within the business, an area where we have historically strug- gled,” said Hanns. “We have developed the ‘Performance Management Com- pass’ which is a tool, based on each designation’s roles and re- sponsibilities, used to conduct an assessment of an employee’s performance over a specifi c period of time. “By using the traffi c light system each employee is rated against specifi c measurables associated with their roles. We believe that we now have an effective and easy to use tool which supports regular feedback and allows us to build on a high performance culture within the business.” Alemco reported revenue of $80.5m in 2018, and appears set to better that with a forecast of $87.5m for this year, coupled with a backlog of $165m. Projects at One Zabeel Tower and Jumeirah Living Tow- er, where it is delivering MEP and ELV services, alongside Expo 2020 have facilitated Alemco’s predicted growth for this year. But like almost all fi rms operating in the sector, Hanns is guarded against future challenges. When asked about the obstacles facing Alemco in the coming months, he said: “The prevailing market conditions and slow- down of the construction industry in our current geographical regions of operation.” NATHAN HANNS GENERAL MANAGER 17 NUMBER OF Y EA RS IN CUR R ENT ROLE 17 NUMBER OF Y EA RS IN THE COMPA N Y ALEMCOwww.mepmiddleeast.com 18 MEP Middle East | September 2019 JLW is looking at diversifying its project base to include more infrastructure projects over the next few years. Following recent successful delivery of large scale infrastructure diversion works in Dubai, COO Ramy Boufarhat believes the company is well placed to grow its experience in this area, particularly as the UAE continues to invest heavily in the sector. “There is a great opportunity for us now to consolidate and become more effi cient in the way we work,” he told MEP Middle East. “Although our strength remains our design and build/EPC capabilities, we are looking very closely at diversifying our offer in the market.” Boufarhat says he recognises the challenges facing JLW, what with developers tightening budgets. However, he sees this as an opportunity to remove ineffi ciencies inherited during recent growth. “One of the ways we have become more effi cient has been our increased focus on prefabrication of MEP services,” he re- vealed. “In addition to high productivity, the modules have also added benefi ts such as increased quality of installation and our ability to mitigate certain delays. “We have been prefabricating MEP modules since 2015. In the past three years JLW has prefabricated, or has in production, over 20,000 off-site prefabricated MEP modules. “All our prefabrication drawings are developed in-house by a dedicated prefabrication design team. Each prefab module is generated in Revit MEP and is 100% co-ordinated with our MEP shop drawing models produced in collaboration with our central- ised MEP design and engineering team.” Boufarhat explained that JLW’s focus is on projects where there are complexities requiring contractor-led technical resolu- tions to ensure fast-track programmes are met. “If a client has a large fast-track project, a complicated or diffi - cult project, a project that requires highly technical engineering to solve issues, or a combination of the above, they would tend to use a technically apt Tier 1 MEP contractor to ensure prompt completion of the works with a quality product that fi ts the in- tended design. We compete for works in this realm. “Unfortunately, nowadays awards of projects are being fo- cused commercially and driven to a substantially low budget which for us means we wouldn’t be able to secure the project without risking potential losses.” RAMY BOUFARHAT JLW COO 7 NUMBER OF YEARS IN ROLE 10 NUMBER OF Y EA RS IN THE COMPA N Y 10 NUMBER OF YEARS WORKING IN THE MIDDLE EAST September 2019 | MEP Middle East 19 www.mepmiddleeast.com Efeco sets a very high benchmark when it comes to investment in its staff. So much so that investment in training and development topped $6million in 2018, and featured an extensive UAE national development programme (NDP). Under the programme’s umbrella, participants are recruited into grad- uate placement schemes (which run for two years), as well as internship positions and summer jobs. It represents a signifi cant step towards addressing the skills gap challenge in the region, but the preparation for the future doesn’t stop there. “We are upgrading our BIM platform across all projects, including training users for better understanding and utilisation, while using updated AI platform and interfaces,” explained Efeco MD Gavin Appleby with one eye on shifting technologies that are predicted to disrupt the sector. “We are also developing prefabrication and modularisation facilities. We have developed and introduced a fi re-rated ventilation duct and plan commercial production. It has been listed with local and internationally- recognised European laboratories. “We are collaborating with experts to comply to specially-designed requirements of seismic and structural supports to ensure the same is considered while 3D modeling, thus avoiding delays and repetitive work later.” Efeco is able to confi dently adapt for future challenges thanks to pro- jected revenues of $217m for the current fi scal year – more than half of which (52%) is already secured. Among others, recent completed projects include the AMMROC Military Airport in Al Ain, and a total of 1,057 villas in West Yas, Abu Dhabi. New additions to the portfolio include the Saudi Aramco Advance Tech Lab in the Eastern Province of the kingdom, along with full mechanical works at Midfi eld Terminal Abu Dhabi Airport. Indeed, the Middle East represents a land of opportunity for Efeco, now and looking forward. “The main [area] is the growth in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Efeco has secured three projects with Saudi Aramco and one project in the Red Sea,” said Appleby. “The future project pipeline is staggering, with Saudi Aramco, SABIC, Royal Commissions and, of course, PIF. Our biggest opportunity in the UAE is the launch of Falcon fi re-rated ductwork. “We have obtained EU approval and UAE Civil Defense approval to manufacture and supply GI fi re-rated duct – an incredible opportunity to diversify across the region as the only MEP contractor in control of cost and supply chain.” GAVIN APPLEBY EFECO MANAGING DIRECTOR 2 NUMBER OF YEARS IN ROLE 2 NUMBER OF Y EA RS IN THE COMPA N Y 11 NUMBER OF YEARS WORKING IN THE MIDDLE EASTNext >