TRANS Gulf Electro Mechanical is currently close to completing the commissioning of all the mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) services at the Fujairah City Centre project.

The Dubai-based company, which was responsible for the installation, testing and commissioning of the MEP services at the landmark shopping destination, is one of the leading electromechanical contractors in the UAE.

Trans Gulf started work on the Fujairah City Centre in March last year. Its scope of work has comprised testing and commissioning of all MEP-related systems for 100 shops within one year, according to V Sekhar Reddy, general manager. It was also tasked with installing 4,500 tons of cooling and distribution of 14 MW of power throughout the mall.

“Although this project was fast-track in nature, the overall project management team comprising Majid Al Futtaim (client), Mace (project manager), WSP (consultant), Khansaheb Civil Engineering (main contractor) have been very professional, well organised and supportive to move forward with a team spirit and build this project in Fujairah within the stipulated time,” Reddy comments.

District cooling plant at Burj Dubai development (above) and Harvard Medical School at Dubai Healthcare City ... key MEP projects by Trans Gulf.

Among the major challenges of the project were to build the logistics facility within a short period and the timely management of the procurement process. “At the peak of the project, we had around 60 staff and 650 artisans on site,” he says.

Another major challenge was to meet the deadline. “Given a compressed duration for the installation of MEP services, the complete works were carried out by putting in more than one-million man hours – and that too with zero accident record to date for the MEP works,” says Reddy.

Commenting on the local market, he says: “The UAE construction market has gone through a rollercoaster ride since 2009 and now appears to be settling down. Despite all the setbacks, it has always remained positive and buoyant, thanks to an excellent understanding in the market. The construction market has become more realistic in terms of commitments and deliverables, initiating corrective actions and seeking solutions, through dialogue and consultation. Overall, it has been a learning curve for the construction sector.”

He describes 2011 as a ‘sustaining period’ for stable companies with strong working principles. Over the past year, Trans Gulf has been concentrating on completing contracts won in 2010, but which got extended to 2011 for various reasons. The company also ensured that the turnover was well managed and employees were taken care of.

Reddy ... confident.

“This year looks positive and the UAE construction industry is getting back on its feet to serve both the domestic and overseas markets, especially the neighbouring GCC countries,” he says.

For Trans Gulf, the top priority now is to restructure the company and manage its finances. The company has expanded its operations to Qatar and will shortly be in India as well. “Enquiries from other GCC countries are very encouraging but Trans Gulf has adopted a policy of not rushing but handling the opportunities one at a time,” states Reddy.

“Next year can only get better and Trans Gulf is busy redrafting its strategy, keeping in view the world and GCC economic and political scenarios. Given its track record, the company is known for keeping up to its commitments and professionalism and aims to retain its position as one of the preferred electromechanical contractors for its long list of clients, not just in UAE, but other parts of the world as well.”

Established in 1972 by Saeed and Mohammed Al Naboodah Holding, Trans Gulf is one of the leading electromechanical contractors and has been associated with several villas, hotels and resorts, shopping malls, high-rise commercial and residential buildings, heavy infrastructure works, hospitals, airports, industrial installations and district cooling plants.

The dialysis centre at Khalifa City ... a Trans Gulf project.

Some of its major projects include The Westin – Abu Dhabi Golf Club Resort Hotel, Dialysis Centre at Khalifa City, Al Mafraq Hospital, all in Abu Dhabi; and the Madinat Jumeirah Resort, The Meydan, the Fairmont Hotel, all in Dubai. Other shopping malls Trans Gulf has been involved with include Mercato Mall in Dubai and Wahat Hili Mall and a hotel project in Al Ain.

The company has also been involved with the new exhibition halls at Dubai World Trade and Convention Centre; Emirates Aviation College; Al Barari luxury villas; Lime Tree Valley, Phase Two; and Dubai International Airport – runway and taxiway systems, infrastructure works and storm drainage system. It has also executed district cooling plants at Dubai Healthcare City, Burj Dubai Development and Madinat Jumeirah Resort.

Trans Gulf employs around 2,000 skilled workers and 500 technically qualified staff. Located in Dubai Investment Park-2, its head office is spread over 75,000 sq ft of custom-built premises specifically planned, laid out and built to accommodate various departments of the head office, warehouse, duct fabrication workshop and transport department.