The Jasubhai (JS) Group, one of India's leading engineering, instrumentation and automation companies and top publishers with worldwide global connections, through their Jasubhai International FZCO division, are set to enter Oman's engineering and automation market, it was announced recently at a special 'customer meet' reception, held at the Chedi Hotel, Muscat.
The reception allowed senior officials from Oman's public and private sectors to meet up with their counterparts from JS International that included their Group CEO Maulik Jasubhai, Executive Director, Rakesh Gada, COO Shashank Siaghal and GM, Anantha Sayaram.
As part of their venture into the GCC market, the JS Group have already established themselves at the Jebel Ali free zone in Dubai, since 2001, and, similarly, are set to do the same here either individually at the Port of Sohar, or in partnership with another company. They also have a sales and service office in Bahrain and are planning to set up in Qatar by the end of this year and in Kuwait the following year.
Speaking to members of the media on the occasion, the CEO noted, their starting point in the Sultanate will be in water and water related industries along with the hydrocarbon sector, adding that, within the next 6-months they will develop a clear strategy and specialised solution for the power industry.
He said, they expect to have a full-fledged operation with engineering and engineering support services and around 100 staff based in Muscat within the year and that by the end of June JS International will be set up in Oman. Having already surveyed the Omani market over the past 6 months, Jasubhai said, they have noted that customers are primarily looking for engineering solutions providers ie people who can come in and design and commission entire engineering systems, as well as provide service and maintenance at the installation site.
With regard to manufacturing concerns, he noted, they can source automation products for any of the country's major manufacturers, although their main focus is on service and engineering. The need of the hour is engineering solutions, which India is well known for and where Jasubhai has its basis, he added.
Commenting on their entry into the Omani market, the CEO said, "this is the next logical step for them as Oman is the second largest market outside of Saudi Arabia and Iran and, hence, they think it is the right market for them to be in." He sees Oman as having very good potential and said that they are looking for strong, long-term business relations. Further, he added, they are looking to employ and work with locals, as is the case in the UAE where from the 200 staff employed only 40 specialists are sourced from India the rest all being locally sourced.
© Oman Daily Observer 2011
