Oman Cables Industry hit the headlines in June, when it was accredited with ISO 9001 certification by TUV of Germany, recognising its product design capability.

''We are strong on quality and our products have stood the test of time,'' says A C Roy, general manager. ''We have also gained respect for our professional approach and our after-sales service.''

The company's product range includes low-voltage (LV) power cables, control cables, overhead conductors, house-wiring, flexible and instrumentation cables, among others.

Located in Rusayl, the firm has grown in turnover terms into one of the top 10 industrial companies in Oman. Sales were RO10.6 million ($27.6 million) in 1999. Starting with 10 employees in 1984, Oman Cables now has almost 200 personnel. It claims to have been the first Omani firm to have achieved ISO 9002 certification in July 1994.

In September 1997, Oman Cables became an affiliated member of the Draka Holding Group of the Netherlands following a 34 per cent financial participation by Draka.

Commenting on this year's performance, Roy says: ''This year has shown improved results over 1999 with turnover being higher. We have achieved better margins and a better volume of production with our existing set-up. The second half of this year has shown a noticeable upswing in business.''

Roy attributes these results to improved productivity. ''We have enhanced machine capability with modifications to machinery which has resulted in reduced downtimes. We have established proper machine planning and scheduling. In addition, our engineering skills have been further developed. Another key aspect of our set-up is motivating the workforce,'' says Roy.

Raw materials imported include copper from Belgium, aluminium and steel wires from Malaysia while the PVC components and wooden drums for the cables are procured from Dubai. Its client list includes industry leaders such as Chiyoda Foster Wheeler (US/Japan), Snamprogetti (Italy), Denge (UK), Siemens (Germany), Toyo (Japan), Cegelec (France), Stone and Webster (UK) and Stork Engineers and Contractors (Netherlands).

The company is currently focusing on instrumentation cables which have been approved by the independent testing laboratory Kema of the Netherlands. This new product line aims to satisfy the special cables requirements of oil-related companies and process industries in the GCC and beyond. OCI develops, manufactures and markets a totally integrated product line of instrumentation cables for a diverse variety of technological applications.

Oman Cables is also looking at expanding manufacturing capacity over the next year. Beside supplying the local market, the company exports to the other GCC countries as well as Sudan, Yemen, Pakistan, Vietnam and the UK. It is also exploring markets in Libya, Iraq and Iran. It set up its regional office in Sharjah last year to service the UAE market, which has resulted in a sharp increase in sales in the country.

''Oman Cables Industry can offer a world-class service. We take pride in the quality of our award-winning products, their superior features and functionality, and the latest and best technologies,'' says Roy.