AS A premier electromechanical contractor, Cap France Bat is currently engaged on its most challenging project yet – the Princess Nora University for Women in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

At the university project, the company is responsible for the supply, installation, testing and commissioning of various high and low-voltage electrical systems. Cap France has also been tasked with supplying to the site, installing, testing and commissioning the required equipment and materials for the plumbing, fire-fighting system and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) system.

The project, worth over SR400 million ($106.66 million) to Cap France, covers electromechanical works at the colleges of social service and human welfare, family and consumer science, and medical and research centre as well as the administration, library and conference buildings and mosques (where it is supplying audio-visual and conference equipment).

Riyadh landmark ... Cap France was involved in the renovation of the Al Faisaliah hotel apartments.

Another major project for Saudi Oger was the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (Kaust), worth SR525 million ($140 million), which it carried out in joint venture with Al Fayhaa.

Cap France’s collaboration with Saudi Oger dates back to its very inception in Saudi Arabia in 2007, although through its affiliate Al Fayhaa Company this relationship has extended over two decades.

Over this time, the company has nurtured a sound relationship with Saudi Oger, having worked on 10 projects with the leading Saudi construction contractor.

Cap France’s main sphere of activity comprises electro-mechanical works. To meet the various demands of its customers, the company has split its business activities in the electrical sector into high and low-voltage segments, the latter also covering audio-visual integrated systems. Its mechanical division also offers specialty services, through its recently created sections focusing on sanitary and safety works to encompass public health engineering and fire-fighting systems, respectively.

“To fortify its presence in Saudi Arabia, Cap France had affiliated its engineering construction force with Al Fayhaa Company,” says Abdul Hafiz Darwiche, CEO of Cap France.

Abdul Hafiz comments that Saudi Oger has maintained an outstanding track record in Saudi Arabia, providing general contracting services for iconic VIP projects. “The company’s remarkable achievements have been in keeping with the ruler’s trust in its ability to undertake all aspects of projects, starting from design, execution and testing to maintenance of buildings throughout the kingdom,” he says.

Cap France was established in 2007 in Riyadh, which has been its main area of focus. It currently employs a total staff of 1,400 in 13 facilities. Electro-mechanical projects in Jeddah are being undertaken through a satellite office.

The company has witnessed very good business levels over the years and expects the trend to continue. “We have seen year-on-year growth due to the extensive volume of work launched on the market. We are targeting a growth rate of at least 15 per cent per year over the next 10 years and aim to be among the top 10 in our field,” says Abdul Hafiz.

Cap France has customised its services to meet the requirements of its clients. This has involved carrying out redesigned engineering works, adopting a customer-focused approach to material specification requirements and ensuring customer satisfaction.

COO, Abdullah Darwiche elaborates: “Having carried out technically sound engineering designs, Cap France has been called upon to cater to major design modifications that were required after construction had commenced. Project modifications in the midst of the construction process are difficult as these directly affect the entire engineering process – the construction schedule, engineering drawings, execution and manpower needs. Cap France took on such challenges with a positive approach to meet the project deadlines.

“We also have a customer-focused approach to material specifications, and realise the importance of establishing good communications with the consultants and contractors to keep track of the changes in material orders. Also as technology is constantly evolving, Cap France always keeps an eye on varying material demands especially with a view to meeting sustainability issues and maintains close ties with vendors.”

“Cap France has strengthened its relationship with customers by capitalising on the feedback from consultants and clients, meeting stakeholders to answer queries, and addressing issues with new solutions.”

Given the bright prospects for the future, the company has expanded its services to meet demand. While keeping abreast of the latest technology in its field, Cap France has recently introduced audio-visual integrated systems to the low current sector of its business. This new division has completed various projects worth millions of riyals and has proven its capability by handling the stage sound system of Roman-style amphitheatres, transforming both light and sound into dynamic waves, according to Naji Kassir, general manager.

“This has required stage lighting to be aesthetically positioned and fastened to overhead trusses, offering the ability to obtain the precise wavelength in order to produce the desired stage ambience with modulated stage sounds,” Kassir explains.

Cap France offers an integrated audiovisual system, with a central automated control on multiple control functionalities covering lighting, sound, temperature, curtains, humidity, fountains, remote live conferencing, remote TV control, and foreground music in foyers or corridors. “This operation is made possible through six-inch wall-mounted wireless colour touch panels,” he says. “The company can also offer monitored and controlled entry for high-security areas using cameras and biometric readers installed on entrance and exit doors and in elevators.”

Cap France is looking to position itself in the market as a specialist in electro-mechanical services offering technologically-advanced audio-visual integration systems. Towards this end, it is upgrading its ERP (enterprise resource planning) system, quality management systems to align with ISO 9001:2008 guidelines, and its organisational structure. It is also focusing on rewarding its proactive employees and enhancing their skills through external or in-house training.

Apart from the projects carried out for Saudi Oger, Cap France has been involved in the renovation of the Al Faisaliah hotel apartments (for Rahage), InterContinental’s lobby (Kocache), and the Kingdom Oasis (Kingdom Holding/Ridco).