The heavy and agricultural equipment division of Saudi-based Aljomaih Holding looks forward to better prospects for growth this year despite poor business levels in 2003.

'2002 was a good year, but last year was bad given the uncertainties in the market created by the Iraq war and the instability in the area. However, judging by our improved sales performance so far this year, we expect 2004 to be a good year,' says Abdullah S Al Ali, general manager of Aljomaih heavy equipment division.
The division, which introduced several new machines manufactured by its principals in 2003, entered into a partnership with US-based Valmont Industries for marketing and sales of the Valley Irrigation Systems in the kingdom.
Aljomaih markets a wide range of generator sets and engines, wheel loaders, dozers and graders, concrete mixers, vibratory compactors and asphalt rollers, forklifts and telescopic handlers, marine container straddle carrier and telescopic spreaders, agri-tractors and harvesters, mowers and balers, combined seed drills and fertiliser spreaders, cultivators and disc ploughs and trailers and auto-bale loaders to the Saudi market through its seven branch offices.
Its main clients include ministries and government organisations and agricultural companies.
Aljomaih Holding is a conglomerate of 12 divisions and companies with offices in Riyadh, Qassim, Hail, Shaqra, Sajer, Wadi Dawasir and Quria Olaya in Saudi Arabia. The Aljomaih heavy and agricultural equipment division has about 200 employees.
'Since the core business of our division is sales of high-tech equipment our present thrust is on upgrading the knowledge of our technical staff through training, with the assistance and support of our principals. Our focus is on improving services to our hundreds of valued customers,' says Al Ali.
In the recent past, the company has launched modified and upgraded versions of forklift trucks produced by TCM of Japan, one of the principals of the company.
Responding to the need for saving warehouse space, TCM launched the Acroba sideward-moving, space-saving I/C forklift truck in May 2000, and followed it up by unveiling the battery-powered Acroba-e forklift trucks in April 2001. In the past two years, TCM has successfully released what is considered to be the world's first multi-functional forklift trucks, the Acroba series.
Not resting on its laurels, TCM has recently released the new version of the Acroba machines - the Acroba and Acroba-eJ Series.
'Notable innovative features of the J series' electric version is its longer operating hours, smaller turning radius, easier and quicker battery change. As for the diesel J series, the machine has a high power engine, two pumps, two motors drive unit and a smaller turning radius,' says a TCM spokesman.
Last year also saw the debut of an advanced TCM forklift truck for the 21st century. 'These are powerful easy-to-operate and all-round forklift trucks, with a fresh appearance. They perform extremely well in any environmental situations,' says the spokesman.
He continues: 'Both comfort and easy handling are crucial for forklift drivers engaged in long hours of operation. Hence, the design of levers, pedals and seat has received special consideration in the new diesel and gasoline powered J Line series. New features contribute to easier operation and even inexperienced operators can safely and efficiently drive these lift trucks with greater comfort and less fatigue.'
'Breakthrough innovations of the one to three-tonne engine-powered J Line forklifts include a new electric shift lever, hanging brake pedals, compact hood release, easy-to-operate dual-purpose light switch, seat suspension system with safety belt and armrest, shock-absorbing cylinders and other features to enhance operator's comfort and machine's reliability and safety,' says Al Ali.
'These new TCM models are made with high-tensile pressed frame contributing to their light and strong body structure. An innovative aluminium radiator and larger air intake also contributes to the reliability and longer life of the engine,' he says.
Aljomaih also represents Iveco, Aifo, Merlo, Nardi and Case New Holland of Italy, Claas and MTU of Germany, Tacom of Japan, Nokka-Tume of Finland, Perkins of the UK, and Arcusin of Spain.