KELLER Grundbau-Bahrain has just concluded a successful year, when the company not only marked the milestone of 1,000 projects completed in the country, but also received the ISO-9001:2000 certification from TUV-Nord Germany.

The Germany-based ground engineering specialist claims to be the first and only company in Bahrain to introduce the bottom feed (dry) method for ground improvement by vibro techniques, using a purpose-built “Vibrocat”.
This equipment, says an executive of the company, has been used successfully in many projects and is currently being applied at the apron works at Bahrain International Airport.

Syed ... optimistic.

Keller in Bahrain was set up in 1973 as a branch office initially to carry out driven piling and site investigation works. Its scope of activities now includes providing solutions to soil and foundation problems using bored cast-in-situ piling, mini piles, bored and soldier pile walls, ground improvement with vibro techniques, dewatering, grouting and soil/rock anchors. It also claims to have been the first in Bahrain to offer ground engineering solutions.
Some of the landmark projects completed recently in Bahrain include Al Salam Resort in Zallaq; Difaaf Development on Reef Island; Bahrain Map Junction at Tubli; Bahrain Business Park in Seef; Bahrain International Airport extension; Future Bank headquarters in Seef; Matrook Towers and Mannai Towers at various locations; Amwaj Islands Development; and 13 bridges at Durrat Al Bahrain, among others.
Other projects include Sitra Power Station (driven piles); several ministry and bank buildings (bored piles); Regency Hotel, airport extensions/aprons and Hidd Power Stations (vibro replacement); ABC building (assorted retaining wall techniques and dewatering); cavity grouting at the National Stadium; rock anchors for Alba extensions; and extensive site investigation works for the Water Supply Directorate.
Commenting on prospects for the year, Keller Bahrain’s general manager Imtiaz Ahmed Syed says: “We expect a relatively healthy construction environment for the coming year with many industrial and ministry projects to commence.”
The global economic downturn has done little to dampen the spirit of the veteran in the ground engineering sector. “It has been 36 years since Keller was established. During this period, the company experienced many ups and downs. The current financial downturn is not new for us and we have deliberated plans to sustain this difficult time,” Syed comments.

Vibrocats at work ... new method.

Keller offers many advantages to its clients, and so can win projects in this current tough market situation, he says. “This is mainly due to our new equipment, experienced construction management and design teams and strong customer relations. Additionally, Keller Bahrain has strong backing from our head office in Germany with respect to equipment and techniques.”
“Productivity with quality, engineering excellence and a commitment to continual innovation are the key drivers in Keller’s success and the reason for it being the choice of major clients, ministries, consultants and main contractors,” he stresses.
Keller looks upon each project as a fresh challenge. “This is because each project comes with its unique ground conditions, like the presence of existing neighbouring buildings and different building designs. Also, with the trend towards distinctive architectural designs, every building has very challenging pile foundation design and requires expert techniques to complete the job,” Syed adds.

Piling in progress ... at a district cooling plant in the Diplomatic Area.

Keller Grundbau has had a successful history since its establishment in 1860 and has grown from one small office set up in Germany to offices in more than 40 countries across the globe.  The Bahrain office has a competent team comprising construction and project managers, design and site engineers, civil and mechanical supervisors and technical site staff. Its main office is located in Zinj while maintenance workshop and store yard is in Ma’meer.
Over the past year, Keller has expanded its premises by modernising its maintenance workshop in Ma’meer and by relocating its design office to a separate building to provide the design and construction team with a suitable and quiet environment.
Keller also has regional offices in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and transitory offices in Qatar and Oman and Kuwait.