ELECTRONIC Special Equipment Company (ESE), a Jeddah-based low-current systems integrator, has provided its sophisticated services to some of the high-profile projects in Saudi Arabia over the past year and is projecting further growth, given the mega projects being unleashed by the kingdom.
ESE registered a 25 per cent growth rate despite the global slowdown, any impact of which on Saudi Arabia has been evened out by increased government spending, according to Rami Maamari, general manager.
Last year’s growth was bolstered by a 20 per cent increase in its workforce which was extensively trained in advanced technology solutions. “We also enriched our product-line with more proficient products and premier brands,” says Maamari, adding that the company’s all-round development strategy also included strengthening ties with its existing clientele.
ESE specialises in the design, supply, installation and integration of low-current systems mainly in areas of telecommunications, audio-video and security.
The company provides a comprehensive range of services including consultancy, project management, supply and testing and commissioning of audio-visual and security systems.
“We strive to be the prominent one-stop shop whether for consultants, contractors, or end-users for solutions integration,” he says.
Its tailor-made telecommunications services include systems that range from two handsets for small companies to converged systems for corporate clients and call centres, in addition to a range of other telecom solutions.
“We work with diversified PABX telephone systems including Ericsson, NEC, Panasonic, Avaya, Mitel and Nortel, and ensure not just a high-quality product but also an unrivalled customer service that starts from network services to general trouble-shooting and guidance,” he says.
ESE’s audio-video services includes incorporation of various systems to present a smart working environment with easy access to video, voice and data communication from anywhere in the world. For this, the company provides digital visual systems that offer a choice of screen sizes and types – from standard Plasma/LCD that fit in a hotel lobby to large digital screens in amphitheatres and giant outdoor screens in an Olympic stadium.
ESE’s capabilities in system integration accompanied by its strong engineering background put the company in a commanding position in the security solutions market, according to Maamari.
Its total security solutions for residential, commercial, industrial and government marketplaces include a comprehensive line of products and solutions that covers a wide spectrum, from perimeter security gates and surveillance systems to facility access control, CCTV, fire and intrusion detection.
Equipped with a large database of suppliers, technical know-how and strong engineering capabilities, ESE offers various solutions to vertical markets such as education, health and government. Smart classrooms are technologically enhanced equipped with ceiling-mounted LCD projectors and projection screens, interactive boards, computer network and video conference and sound systems. ESE’s expertise also facilitates better monitoring and assistance in hospitals by installing clock systems, nurse call and public address systems and tele-medicine.
The company also provides technological innovations in government set-ups whether utilised in submitting evidence in a courtroom, voting in a council chamber, running a distant presidential video conference, securing perimeters at the border or surveying prime locations and monitoring traffic.
ESE has been involved in major projects that demonstrate its wide-ranging services and areas of operation. Under an order valued at SR50 million ($13.3 million), the company installed security systems at the landmark King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (Kaust) campus in Thuwal, near Jeddah, which has reached the commissioning stage
Another prestigious order was the installation of security systems at 23 Saudi airports at a cost of SR21 million ($6.3 million) for the General Authority of Civil Aviation (Gaca). Having completed the original scope of works under the contract, ESE is implementing the additions works that it has been called upon to complete.
According to Maamari, this was a challenging assignment under the initial SR14.5 million ($3.87 million) contract for Gaca’s National Integrated Plan for Airport Security Project (NIPASP). It involved provision of security consultancy for all Saudi airports. An interesting aspect of the project, he says, was the opportunity to visit all airports and evaluate methods to enhance security and screening.
Other significant orders include the SR3 million ($800,000) security system installation at King Fahd Specialist Hospital in Dammam; installation of CCTV system, BMS (building management system) and public address system at Novotel Business Park worth SR1.6 million ($427,000); and setting up of distance learning studios at Dammam University’s Girls College for SR5 million ($1.3 million).
Some of its ongoing projects include:
• A SR6.5 million ($1.73 million) deal for the Novotel Hotel – which entails installation of a data system, IP telephone, interactive TV system, fire alarm system, paging system, audio-visual (AV) equipment for seven meeting rooms – scheduled for completion in July this year; and
• Setting up of interrogation room at jails including AV systems under a SR10 million ($2.67 million) contract that is also expected to be completed in July.
ESE is a corporate brand of Said A Al-Ajou Trading Corporation (SATC), which was founded in 1963. SATC is headquartered in Jeddah with main branches in Riyadh and Al Khobar.
Apart from the ESE, SATC’s diversified business portfolio includes, consumer division (JVC), Besat (OEM satellite systems), Karim El-Ajou Establishment (construction management), Music Master (music production and distribution) and real estate and investment.
