< PreviousE arly in 2020, statistics conducted by ReportLinker predicted that the market for construction chemicals would record a growth of up to $21.7 billion. In the same report, the projected compounded growth was estimated at 8.6 percent. The study paid close attention to construction chemicals such as concrete admixtures, analyzed to have a growth potential of above 10. By 2016, the UAE and by extension the GCC region had spent over $130 billion on construction projects. These ongoing developments have arguably contributed immensely to the rise of construction chemicals production. The demand and supply of these chemicals has risen tremendously, since there are more than $2.6 trillion worth of ongoing construction projects each year. The chemical construction industry has recorded its highest growth rates in Saudi Arabia. Other GCC regions where the use of construction chemicals is highly embraced are Oman, Qatar, Kuwait and Dubai. Besides concrete admixtures, other construction chemicals include coatings and paints, fl ooring and surface treatments, moisture and thermal materials. These construction chemicals play a major role in effi cient construction as well as the GCC construction industries. The use of construction chemicals leads to optimization of concrete performance. It also prolongs the lifespan of building structures and protects them from hazardous environments. Allied Market Research forecasted that by 2022, the global market will be ranging at $40.15 billion. The growth rate of this market was predicted to compound at 5.6 percent within the six years between 2016 and 2022. Many construction companies have embraced the use of construction chemicals, boosting the industry further. Other factors such as urbanisation increase, following the recommended construction standards and easy acquisition of construction chemicals have led to the growth of the construction chemicals industry. Construction chemicals have played a major role in infrastructure development around the UAE. Concrete admixtures among WHY CONSTRUCTION CHEMICALS PLAY A CRUCIAL ROLE IN EFFICIENT CONSTRUCTION other types of construction chemicals lead to strong and long-lasting building structures. They are available in diff erent varieties and varying costs according to quality. Plasticizers, also known as water reducers, are added to concrete to lower its water content to the required level to suit construction requirements. The friction within the particles in the concrete is reduced. It makes the concrete easy to work with for overall construction benefi ts. Other types of plasticizers include accelerating plasticizers, retarders and super plasticizers. All these are part of construction chemicals manufactured to boost the effi ciency of the construction, each with their own use and benefi ts. To harden the concrete, decrease its permeability and make it frost-resistant, air-entraining admixture is used. It improves the concrete quality especially when used for fi nishing. Mineral admixtures or Pozzolanic lowers the reactions caused by alkali aggregates during construction. It also minimizes thermal shrinkage and hydration heat in concrete. Increased tightness of water molecules in the mixture is another advantage of mineral admixtures. There are many diff erent types of construction chemicals, each with numerous merits. The major advantage of each of them is that they work together to maximize the workability of other construction materials. It is also a signifi cant way of cutting cost and increasing durability of the construction structure. The expenditure on construction projects has led the UAE/GCC construction sector to improve the construction market by 7 percent between 2016 and 2021. This was made possible by the reduction of oil-reserve dependency as well as diversifi cation of the economy. The move saw many GCC region, especially the UAE, raise the infrastructure and construction expenditures. Incorporating construction chemicals and modern construction technology has seen the rise of ultra-modern buildings all over the UAE. This has also translated to expansion in infrastructure as well as growth of the construction chemicals market. By Safdar Badami, managing director, Al Muqarram Group 10 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comJUNE 2021 COMMENTUPCOMING DUBAI, UAE AUCTION 28th June 2021 @ 9.00am PO Box 263536, Jebel Ali Free Zone | T: +971 4884 6880 www.euroauctions.com INTERESTED IN SELLING? CONTACT US: Unused CAT 323D3Unused Hyundai R210 2014 CAT 966H2015 JCB 8056 - choice 2016 Komatsu WA470-6 - choice Unused 2021 Pcat TW36 - choice 2013 Bobcat MX331 2008 CAT 422E2014 JCB 540 - 170Unused Apache HH30Z - choice 2018 Toyota Hilux GL - choice Unused Case 1110EX-D - choice 2006 Scania R420 4x2 Richard Sweatt: + 971 5581 303 21Rami Aljamal: + 971 5063 356 88 Kareem Dessouki: + 971 5043 922 14 Milad Akhtiar: +971 5666 558 32 Unused Case PT240 Unused Doosan DX300LCA 2009 Tando GT550EK omatsu celebrated its 100th anniversary on 13 May 2021 with commemorative activities to highlight the company’s plans for sustainable growth. Hiroyuki Ogawa, president and CEO, Komatsu, said: “Looking into the next 100 years, Komatsu will continue to move forward with its stakeholders as it creates value through manufacturing and technology innovation to empower a sustainable future where people, businesses and our planet thrive together. THE KOMATSU IDENTITY Komatsu has defi ned its corporate identity by refl ecting on its corporate growth built by forerunners and its relations with society. Specifi cally, Komatsu has articulated its mission and vision as its purpose, together with its values. The corporate identity also incorporates pieces that have been created over the company’s history: founding principles, the Komatsu Way, Komatsu Worldwide Code of Business Conduct as well as strategies including the mid-term management plan. Furthermore, Komatsu has created the brand promise (tagline) of ‘Creating value together’. ONE WORLD ONE KOMATSU Komatsu defi nes CSR as activities to respond to social demands through core business, and works for sustainable growth with society by solving ESG issues. Komatsu is launching the ‘One World One Komatsu’ employee-driven social contribution 12 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comJUNE 2021 KOMATSU LOOKS TOWARDS THE NEXT 100 YEARS WITH THE BRAND PROMISE OF ‘CREATING VALUE TOGETHER’ BRANDINGOur Capabilities include: • Quality as per VDA, ISO 22241- 1 to 4 and ISO 9001 - 2015 • National distribution network • 10 L & 20 L Can, 1000 L IBC and Bulk Trychem FZCO PO Box 263945, Dubai, UAE Email: info@trychem.com For more information, please CALL +971 4 880 7059 CERTIFICATION: • ISO 9001 - 2015 As a premier supplier of Quality AdBlue®, Trychem provides a safe and environmentally friendly solution for SCR technology www.trychem.com YOUR ADBLUE ® TOTAL PACKAGE PROVIDER project. This is Komatsu’s fi rst global platform where all Komatsu group employees around the world can join and which can consolidate the voluntary and simple eff orts of each participant under the theme of environmental sustainability into group-wide sharing. It allows for easy logins from PCs and smart phones and transcends national and linguistic barriers. It thereby connects all Komatsu group employees worldwide, nurturing a sense of unity for the Komatsu group as they work for the common goal, and promoting activities designed for a sustainable earth. KOMATSU IN 203X The ‘Komatsu in 203X’ commemorative movie portrays future worksites as Komatsu wants them to look like in 10 to 20 years by focusing on fi ve workplaces: (1) mining, (2) construction, (3) forestry and agriculture, (4) industrial machinery and (5) Komatsu’s production. By digitalizing workplaces worldwide and connecting land features, man, machinery, and materials on an open platform, Komatsu will solve on-site problems and optimize on- site operations, improve a variety of machine utilization rates, and secure a carbon neutral environment. KOMATSU-NO-MORI Komatsu will be renewing ‘Komatsu-no- mori’ in Komatsu City, Ishikawa Prefecture. Komatsu opened Komatsu-no-mori in 2011 as part of its 90th anniversary commemorative project. It is a place to develop human resources on a global scale and as a place to nurture children together with the local communities. As part of the renewal project aiming at sustainable contributions for local communities, Komatsu has taken new initiatives to open the Waku-Waku History Pavilion designed to trigger visitors to look back on Komatsu’s history and to display a unit of the PC4000 super-large hydraulic excavator next to the 930E, a dump truck of the world’s largest class, which has been there since 2011. Komatsu hopes that Komatsu-no-mori will continue to off er active opportunities to local communities by attracting many visitors, helping them become interested in manufacturing and nature, and learn about its technologies. KOMATSU'S JOURNEY IN THE MIDDLE EAST 1964: The Lebanon offi ce is established; the name is changed to Beirut offi ce in 1967. 1964 - 1974: The fi rst Komatsu machines are delivered to Pakistan, Kuwait, Saudi, Turkey, UAE, Jordan, Iran, Egypt and Qatar. 1977: The Dubai offi ce is established. 1992: The number of Komatsu machines shipped to the Middle East reaches 50,000. 1999: Komatsu Middle East FZE (KME) is established in Jebel Ali Free Zone. 2019: Komatsu Middle East opens the Dubai Training & Demonstration Centre, one of Komatsu's largest training, demonstration and warehousing facilities outside Japan. The 17,000m2 facility which includes a machine demonstration area with a viewing stand enables Komatsu to showcase its heavy machinery to customers in the Middle East and provide a high standard of training for its servicing teams, while also functioning as its regional parts distribution hub. Yoshihisa Hayashi, managing director, Komatsu Middle East, said: “We in Komatsu consider our customers as the most important stakeholders for the businesses of Komatsu Group. Even during unfavourable market conditions, Komatsu deepened its commitment to customers in the Middle East. We shall devote ourselves to providing our customers with products, services and systems that are safe, environment-conscious, innovative and of superior quality, while contributing to in- country value programmes in the region. 13 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comJUNE 2021 CRANESSWAIDAN TRADING: LEADERS IN VEHICLE BODY MODIFICATION E stablished in 1979, Swaidan Trading Co. is the commercial arm of the Al Naboodah Group, one of the UAE’s oldest and most respected family conglomerates. Today, Swaidan Trading’s Commercial Vehicles and Heavy Equipment division represents a broad range of reputed global brands including Ashok Leyland, Tatra, DAF Trucks, VDL Bus & Coach, Optare, Maxus, Sennebogen, Kaeser and more. Swaidan Trading is an integrated organisation providing a broad spectrum of mobility solutions for customers in the passenger and goods transport industry. Swaidan Trading's product portfolio includes everything from vans with seating for 7 passengers to customised buses that can carry up to 100+ passengers, as well as a comprehensive range of commercial vehicles and heavy equipment including pickups, cargo vans, light and heavy trucks, low speed special vehicles, electric trains, construction machinery and special equipment. Swaidan Trading’s major markets cover all types of mobility solutions transporting people and cargo, including public transportation, school and staff transport fl eets, heavy construction equipment, special projects, and more. Today, the company is one of the UAE’s most successful businesses in terms of the supply and maintenance of commercial vehicles, particularly trucks, buses and coaches. According to Ajit Kumar, COO – Commercial, Transport and Electrical, Al Naboodah Group, Swaidan Trading’s strength lies in its robust relationships with its principal partners. "A prime example is our highly successful partnership with the Ashok Leyland brand, which we have represented exclusively in the UAE for over 40 years now, as well as Peugeot, who we have represented since 1988,” he says. The company boasts a comprehensive after-sales and support network throughout the UAE off ering a 24x7 service, with mobile workshops deployed across the country to ensure minimal downtime for their customers’ vehicles. Their service network covers the whole of the UAE, with workshops and spare parts outlets in Al Quoz and Umm Ramool in Dubai, as well as Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Al Ain and Fujairah. These are supported by mobile workshops to assist customers’ vehicles remotely, where necessary. Manning the workshops are over 400 highly skilled technicians trained at their in-house training facilities. VEHICLE CUSTOMISATION Swaidan Trading’s fully equipped, state- of-the-art workshops also have in-house fabrication facilities for customising vehicles to meet the specifi c requirements of the end user, from mobile service centres or clinics to wheelchair access vehicles and more. One example of a major project, in 2020 Swaidan Trading modifi ed Peugeot Expert vans into Mobile Service Centres for the TAW-SEEL initiative delivering door-to- door services for the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE). This came as part of a fl eet deal to supply over 700 Peugeot Expert vans to TAW-SEEL, a programme off ering government services from the MOHRE to its customers at a convenient location and time via mobile service centres. The vans were modifi ed and fully equipped with the latest smart technologies to meet the needs of the customers. While the vehicle modifi cation business was growing steadily, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic only accelerated the process due to surge in e-commerce. “Over the course of 2020, Swaidan Trading rapidly adapted to the shift in market demands created by the global health crisis, with a strong focus on specialised projects and solutions,” explains Ajit. From school buses and chiller vans to mobile service centres and even supermarkets, Swaidan Trading’s workshop can turn a vehicle into practically anything 14 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comJUNE 2021 COMMERCIAL VEHICLESHe says that the company’s resilience during the pandemic was demonstrated by its ability to respond to unique demands created by the health crisis. “Our high levels of technical expertise and our versatile and agile scope of operations allowed us to off er specialised services to our customers without any major changes to our infrastructure. We were able to capitalise on our existing resources and skillsets to deliver unique projects that set us apart in a competitive industry.” Swaidan Trading supported community initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic by converting Ashok Leyland Falcon buses into mobile grocery outlets for the Dubai Taxi Company and the Union Coop to bring much-needed supplies to families during the lockdown periods. This year, they are converting Ashok Leyland Falcon buses into mobile grocery stores for the Al-Ain Co-op society, including shelving, chiller and freezer units, generators, air curtains and cashier counters, enabling the business to reach out to remote areas or small communities where shops aren’t located nearby. This highly specialised modifi cation contract was the fi rst of its kind in Abu Dhabi, and required a special ‘Supermarket Bus’ code to be created in the Abu Dhabi Department of Transport’s vehicle registration system. In another unique project, Swaidan Trading converted a SUNWIN high-deck coach into a VVIP luxury transport featuring a majlis, toilets, pantry, and independent crew seating. “We have always had the capability to modify vehicles upon the request of our clients,” explains Ajit. “However, over the past two years we have greatly expanded our capacity and capabilities in vehicle body modifi cation, and after many complex and unique contracts completed, we can now consider ourselves specialists in this fi eld.” Ajit Kumar, COO – Commercial, Transport and Electrical, Al Naboodah Group. 15 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comJUNE 2021 COMMERCIAL VEHICLESIVECO LAUNCHES SUCCESSOR TO THE TRAKKER, THE T-WAY I VECO has launched the T-Way truck, the successor of the Trakker model designed and engineered for the most extreme conditions with improvements in off -road performance, robustness and torsional rigidity. The T-Way carries over from its predecessors the robustness of the high- resistance steel chassis with a 10-mm-thick frame, with a rail bending moment at the top of the segment at 177 kNm. The front axle has a maximum capacity of up to 9 tonnes. Hub reduction on the rear axle is standard to maximize strength and performance. The new heavy-duty rear suspension system for tandem axles optimises vehicle weight and improves off -road performance with greater ground clearance and a better departure angle. The T-way delivers all the power needed for traction and power take-off (PTO) with IVECO’s Cursor 13 engine (13 litres) that develops up to 510 hp – exceeding the Trakker’s performance by 10 hp. For lighter-weight confi gurations, it is also available with the Cursor 9 engine. The engines are coupled with the proven 12- and 16-speed Hi-Tronix automated gearbox, which now also features new functions specifi cally intended for off -road mobility. They include a hill holder function to help departure on steep slopes, rocking mode to help recover traction in slippery conditions, and creep mode for ultra-low speed when idling. For the on-road sections of the mission, the IVECO Hi-Cruise system further enhances the transmission’s effi ciency. It includes predictive gear shifting, predictive cruise control and an eco-roll function that uses the vehicle’s inertia when travelling downhill. The T-Way has been designed for effi ciency and productivity with a lower kerb weight and new telematics features and digital services. A new fuel-saving solution – the Hi-Traction hydrostatic drive system for 6x4 rigid and articulated models – is available for missions that require an occasional all-wheel-drive (AWD) capability. The system operates at speeds of up to 25 km/h and is automatically activated to provide additional hydraulic front- 16 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comJUNE 2021 COMMERCIAL VEHICLESwheel traction when needed. The kerb weight has been reduced by 325 kg compared to the Trakker with the new design of the tandem support on the rear axles, which is now a single-piece casting component. With both rigid and articulated versions, The T-Way has a wide off ering of driveline options on the market: partial wheel drive on 6x4 rigid and articulated and 8x4 rigid models; as well as AWD on 4x4 and 6x6 rigid and articulated, and on 8x8 rigid versions. The AWD range has been extended with new 4-, 4.2- and 4.5-metre wheel base models, which can transport special loads with no modifi cation to the chassis. The new Hi-Mux electric and electronic architecture is fully compatible with the latest-generation control systems. The new PTO line-up includes a new high-performance sandwich PTO that delivers up to 2,300 Nm torque. The cab of the IVECO T-Way is available in two versions – AD short cab and AT long cab with standard or high roof. The new braking system features EBS as standard, full disc brakes are available on PWD models, and new advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) are available across the range. The IVECO T-Way completes IVECO’s full off -road line-up which includes the IVECO S-Way, S-Way Natural Power, and X-Way. Luca Sra, chief operating offi cer, IVECO Truck business unit, said: “The IVECO T-Way completes the renewal of our heavy IVECO Way range, which is now one of the freshest, richest and most innovative on the market. This extra-strong vehicle, a true champion of performance, sturdiness and durability, will further consolidate IVECO’s presence in the heavy off -road sector.” Thomas Hilse, brand president, IVECO, said: “We have shaken up the industry with the on-road IVECO S-Way. We are doing it again in the off -road sector. We designed the IVECO T-Way with the ambition to set new standards in robustness, reliability, effi ciency, handling, body-fi tting fl exibility, connected services, and design, a ‘must’ for an Italian brand. The name says it all: T for Tough!” 17 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comJUNE 2021 COMMERCIAL VEHICLESR enault Trucks has upgraded its T, T High, C and K ranges of trucks in 2021, bringing major improvements in terms of driving comfort, on-board comfort, safety and productivity. This is the most important evolution since the total renewal of the manufacturer's ranges in 2013. Renault Trucks has changed the exterior design of its vehicles, adopting a more assertive style, particularly in terms of the headlights, which have been reduced in size in order to increase the painted surface of the lower body section. A new honeycomb grille completes the more modern, sleek design of the 2021 Renault Trucks. The vehicles are fi tted with a new three- axis adjustable steering column. This enables RENAULT UPGRADES T, T HIGH, C AND K RANGES OF TRUCKS drivers to adopt the driving position that suits them best, tailored to their morphology, mission requirements or personal preferences. The column is adjusted using a single foot control to set both the position and the tilt of the steering wheel. Adjustment with both hands on the wheel and instant locking ensures both precision and safety. Renault Trucks has redesigned its range of seats and now off ers a modular range for complete fl exibility in terms of settings, choice of combinations and options. The manufacturer has also introduced new textiles, designed to withstand the many climbs in and out of the cab every day. A leather version is also available as an option. The 2021 version of the Renault Trucks T, T High, C and K also features new storage solutions. Renault Trucks has added a tablet and smartphone holder, positioned within easy reach of the driver, providing access to several devices simultaneously and charging them via two USB-C sockets. A new A4 document storage drawer has also been added. On the passenger side, the vehicles have two storage spaces with a total capacity of 7 litres (including a 2-litre refrigerated space). For the driver's well-being and increased longevity of the equipment, Renault Trucks has increased the thickness of the mattress of the ‘Serenity’ bunk by 13% and doubled the number of springs, providing optimal support thanks to a better distribution of body weight. A washable memory foam mattress topper can 18 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comJUNE 2021 COMMERCIAL VEHICLESbe added as an option. The mattress is separate from the base, allowing for the use of fi tted sheets. For added convenience, two USB-C sockets have also been added to the bunk area to make it easier to charge electronic devices, while keeping them within easy reach of the driver during rest periods. To improve sound quality in the cab, Renault Trucks has teamed up with the French manufacturer Focal for the supply of hi-fi equipment and speakers. The new Renault Trucks T, T High and C are fi tted with LED lights as standard. As it is closer to natural light, LED light gives drivers a better perception of contrasts and colours and signifi cantly improves night-time visibility. Additional LED lights have also been positioned on the inside of the doors to illuminate the door sill for increased driver safety when getting in and out of the vehicle at night. For the optimal safety of drivers, their loads and road users, a number of options are also available, including a mechanical anti- intrusion device (safety door-lock), cameras and presence sensors, as well as vision doors providing visibility of pedestrians and cyclists. The parking brake emergency application reduces the risk of unexpected vehicle movement when the driver leaves the cab, by automatically activating the wheel lock to stop the truck. The cab's aerodynamics have been improved around the front grille and wheel arch extensions have been added to improve airfl ow. The vehicles come with new technology to reduce fuel consumption, such as a new version of the Optivision predictive cruise control system and an optimised cruise control system with two selectable driving modes. The default 'Eco on' mode optimises fuel consumption by adjusting acceleration, gear shifting, cruise control and deceleration, and the ‘Eco off ’ mode allows drivers to change the driving mode. An indicator gives drivers real-time information about their driving style; the greater the number of leaves on the indicator, the more economical is the driving. A new ‘Pulse and Glide’ function improves fuel consumption by maintaining the vehicle's speed around the cruise control set point (+/- 2km/h). 19 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comJUNE 2021 COMMERCIAL VEHICLESNext >