CAP FRANCE, looking to position itself in the market as a specialist in electro-mechanical services in the Saudi market, 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.

“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,” says a spokesman for the company.

Cap France’s integrated audiovisual system offers 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,” says Abdul Hafiz Darwiche, CEO of Cap France.

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 has worked on some prominent projects in the Saudi market, the most recent one being Princess Nora University for Women in Riyadh.

At the university project, under a subcontract from Saudi Oger, the company has supplied, installed, tested and commissioned 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 and as well as the administration, library and conference buildings and mosques (where it is supplying audio-visual and conference equipment).

Another major project, also 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 has also been involved in the renovation of the Faisaliah hotel apartments for Rahage, worth SR25 million ($6.67 million) in Riyadh; InterContinental’s lobby, for Kocache, valued at SR15.4 million ($4.1 million) also in Riyadh; Kingdom Oasis (Kingdom Holding/Ridco) worth SR65 million ($17.3 million); private palace projects in Jeddah and Riyadh; private office renovation at the Ministry of Interior; and Al Samriyah Farm in Riyadh under a SR20 million deal ($5.3 million).

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 Darwiche.

Cap France was established in 2007 in Riyadh, which has been its main area of focus. It currently employs a total staff of 1,750 in 13 facilities. Electro-mechanical projects in Jeddah are being undertaken through a satellite office.

The company has witnessed high growth in business and expects the trend to continue. Unaffected by the financial downturn, the company forecasts an excellent future with more business amid high competition.

“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 Darwiche.

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.

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,” he says.

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.

On the quality side, 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.