MUSCAT -- International Equipment and Contracting Company (IECC) belonging to Suhail Bahwan Automobiles (SBA) Group yesterday took the heavy construction equipment sector by surprise, emerging the sole distributor of the entire range of world class New Holland products in Oman. Ahmed Suhail Bahwan, Chairman of SBA Group, was present at the press conference held at Golden Tulip Hotel to announce the strategic alliance.
IECC has set an ambitious but realistic 20 per cent share this year in the Sultanate's heavy construction equipment market, which was estimated in the region of RO 40 million in 2006, accounting for about 1,000 units. The New Holland range already available in Oman include crawler excavators, wheel loaders, backhoes, skid steers, dozers, graders and tele-handlers.
IECC will set up an exclusive $5 million showroom and after sales service facility at Al Maawaleh. The new facility conforming to the latest standards of New Holland will be ready by August this year, K S Kumar, Managing Director of SBA Group, said. During the interim period, a mobile service centre will be available for customers needing assistance, he said, adding that experienced service engineers and technicians are in place and the service network stretches to Salalah, Sohar, Nizwa and Sur.
"SBA remains committed to offering the best quality products and after sales service. The New Holland-SBA alliance is a major development for heavy equipment customers in the Sultanate. New Holland offers phenomenal choice for value packages," Kumar pointed out. Roberto Camatta, Regional Manager of New Holland Kobelco Construction Machinery, said: "We are committed to developing our activities in the Middle East and this alliance is an outstanding opportunity to increase the presence of the New Holland brand in Oman. It combines the unique strengths of one of the largest, reputable customer-focused companies in Oman and a global leader in construction machinery with leading edge technology."
CNH, the parent company of New Holland, is one of the world's largest integrated manufacturers of heavy construction equipment. New Holland is a major global player in agricultural and construction equipment sectors with considerable market share, Camatta said. The brand has niche products in both the heavy and compact lines, he added.
"The distinct advantage of technology will make New Holland products a first choice in Oman. The New Holland excavators, graders and skid steer loaders in particular have a clear advantage over competitors, successfully operating in both cold and hot climate countries around the world," Camatta said. In the Gulf region, New Holland recorded double digit growth in 2006 over the previous year figures and hopes to replicate the same results in 2007 over the 2006 figure, Camatta said.
New Holland has an amazing product range and with the distributor advantage with SBA Group, the product is set to perform extremely well, John Boyd, Regional Business Development Manager, said. "We have exciting challenges in store," he said, adding that the product range of New Holland is very comprehensive, offering a competitive edge to customers. "We hope to be a key player in Oman this year," he added.
The construction sector in Oman is buoyant with new projects being launched in various segments. "New Holland offers value advantage and excellent after sales service. New Holland in particular hopes to be a strong contender in the backhoe, excavator and skid steer loader segments. IECC will also offer these equipment on hire," Kumar added.
By Ebby Chacko George
© Oman Daily Observer 2007
