Famco (Al Futtaim Auto and Machinery Company) has announced that sales revenues for the first four months of this year are already 50 per cent up on the corresponding period in 2007 – which itself was an “exceptional” year.

Sales revenues last year for Famco – the market-leading distributor of Volvo trucks, buses, construction equipment and road machinery in the UAE – reached double the levels achieved during 2005.
“Our strength in the market is built on a firm commitment to provide the best possible service levels and product support to our customers,” says managing director Paul Floyd. “In addition, the ability to minimise machinery downtime through professional and efficient service and parts operations has remained a fundamental component of our business. We focus on partnering with our customers rather than being just another supplier. With our world-class range of products, Famco is well positioned to service the rapid development of the UAE.”
In addition to its bases in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, the company now intends to open further two branches in Dubai Investment Park and in Ras Al Khaimah next year.
Famco supplies to a diverse range of industries and commercial businesses, covering the transportation, construction, oil and gas, manufacturing, warehousing and marine sectors.
“All our core products are performing extremely well and gaining in market share. We have had particular success in the high-value Volvo truck and Volvo construction equipment businesses,” says Floyd. “This clearly reflects a healthy demand for our products and services. The only limiting factor seems to be obtaining adequate supply of product from the manufacturers, but this is affecting all our major competitors too. We have also introduced several new leading products to the market across our five trading divisions, all of which have helped our growth.”
In addition to Volvo products, Famco’s five trading divisions deal with a host of other reputable manufacturers. The company has recently signed an exclusive dealership agreement with Merlo for the latter’s world-renowned telescopic handlers.
Project management plays a huge part in Famco’s operations with turnkey installations of warehouse racking and shelving systems, plus air compressor solutions for factories and industry. Major success was seen in these areas in the first quarter of this year, with high expectations for the coming years, says Floyd.
Famco has been offering a one-stop-shop solution for customers for a range of material handling needs through leading brands including Linde for material handling equipment, Dexion for industrial storage and shelving systems, Bott for storage systems and cabinets, Stertil for warehouse dock-levellers along with Hart and Nassau for industrial doors.
Apart from the above, Famco’s product portfolio also includes Yanmar marine diesel engines and generators, SDMO diesel gensets, Ingersoll-Rand air compressors, winches and industrial tools, Fenner industrial and transmission products, Stanley Proto hand tools, Global office furniture and Bruynzeel office storage systems.
The company’s storage and handling solutions (SHS) division, which was voted ‘Top Material Handling Supplier’ at the annual Supply Chain and Transport Awards 2007, has completed several prestigious projects in the region. Some of these projects include: the world’s largest multi-tier racking system at Home Centre’s distribution centre at the Jebel Ali Industrial Area, the massive air cargo automatic storage and retrieval system (ASRS) project at Dubai International Airport, the new Parts Distribution Centre (PDC), for Al Futtaim Motors, one of the largest Toyota PDC’s in the world, and a new storage and handling system for the Al Ain date harvest.
Having successfully launched the new range of Volvo trucks with ‘I-Shift’ technology at the Dubai Autodrome, the Volvo Truck and Bus Division has also delivered the first hi-loader catering truck to Emirates Flight Catering for the Airbus A380. in addition to providing Volvo trucks for DHL and the 55 Volvo luxury bus deal with the Roads and Transport Authority of Dubai.
“Famco’s outstanding performance and best-in-class customer service has come in for praise from its principals,” says a spokesman for the company. The company continues to receive performance awards including the recent awards for Middle East Branch of the Year and International Dealer of the Year from Volvo Construction Equipment in addition to awards from Volvo Trucks, Linde, Dexion, SDMO and Bruynzeel.
Famco was also presented with an appreciation award from Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for the successful completion of the delivery and installation of a fleet of Linde material handling equipment for the Al Foah Project.
Commenting on how it has been possible for the company to meet the challenges, the spokesman says: “With over 400 staff located in our three bases, Famco has been able to meet the growing needs of its customers. However, we recognise the challenges that lie ahead, and realise that we must push on and continuously raise the bar we have set for ourselves.”