Investment and Expansion Plans On Track
Declared National Winner at MEED Quality Awards
Riyadh-Saudi Arabia: 23 May, 2013 - Schneider Electric, the global specialist in energy management, today announced its workforce in Saudi Arabia has grown by 33 per cent bringing the total headcount to around 1,000. Nearly 30 per cent of the new recruits are Saudi nationals.
Reiterating Saudi Arabia's role as the key growth engine for Schneider Electric in the Africa and Middle East region, the company reaffirmed its investment and expansion plans for the country.
The announcements follow Saudi Arabia's robust contribution to Schneider Electric's performance during Q1 2013 that saw the nation accounting for approximately 60 per cent of GCC sales, and 30 per cent of Middle East sales.
Addressing a media briefing during the Riyadh leg of Schneider Electric's 'Xperience Efficiency', a three city exhibition showcasing the company's wide-ranging portfolio of integrated solutions and applications, Christophe Campagne, Country President, Schneider Electric Saudi Arabia, said: "2012 was a strong year for us as we grew our opportunities pipeline and made positive progress with ongoing projects. Driven by our performance last year, we are currently on the verge of inaugurating new facilities with plans in place to add more capacity later this year.
"As an organic progression, we dramatically increased our headcount by 236. This included the integration of a significant number of Saudi nationals into our team, which is a clear manifestation of our sincere commitment to Saudization."
Commenting on the exhibition, Campagne said: "Xperience Efficiency highlights our holistic portfolio, evidencing our reach and capacity as a strategic energy management partner in Saudi Arabia. Moving forward, we will further enhance our presence as an intelligent energy market leader, focus on reaching new customer categories, and maximize our market share through the offer of integrated solutions.
"Towards this end, we will differentiate ourselves from competition and leverage our vast network of offices, manufacturing plants and sales offices in the dynamic and rapidly developing Saudi marketplace."
Campagne further spotlighted the integral wins in Saudi Arabia that have set the tone for a bright outlook for Schneider Electric for 2013 and beyond. These include the ambitious Information Technology and Communication Complex (ITCC) in Riyadh, one of Schneider Electric's largest and most important on-going projects; King Khalid University (KKU) in Abha which requires Schneider Electric to deploy a fully integrated Building Automation System; Ma'aden Aluminium Refinery Project, and the Old Airport Road Extension Project - Riyadh, a first for transportation and tunnels in Saudi Arabia.
As part of the media briefing, Campagne also highlighted the company's recent success at the MEED Quality Awards for Projects. According the title "Sustainable Project of the Year' on King Saud University (KSU) Girls' Campus, the platform recognized Schneider Electric for its design, architecture, engineering and construction excellence.
Campagne added: "Our solution for KSU goes beyond the obvious, supporting the critical educational infrastructure that fosters students who will ultimately contribute to the formation of a knowledge-based economy. In parallel, the award also reflects our continued advancement in sustainable development - a key pillar of Schneider Electric's regional strategy."
Moving forward, the global pioneer in energy management will remain strongly committed to its mission of significantly reducing carbon emissions in Saudi Arabia as the country continues to register the world's highest energy consumption per capita, fueled by population growth and rapid industrialization/urbanization.
'Xperience Efficiency', which commenced in Khobar on 13 May, will conclude in Jeddah on 27 May drawing the participation of key stakeholders in Saudi Arabia including partners, distributors, system integrators, energy management specialists, consultants and contractors, as well as representatives from ministries, governments, education, and healthcare organizations.
-Ends-
About Schneider Electric
As a global specialist in energy management with operations in more than 100 countries, Schneider Electric offers integrated solutions across multiple market segments, including leadership positions in Utilities & Infrastructure, Industries & Machines Manufacturers, Non-residential Building, Data Centres & Networks and in Residential. Focused on making energy safe, reliable, efficient, productive and green, the Group's 140,000 plus employees achieved sales of 24 billion euros in 2012, through an active commitment to help individuals and organizations make the most of their energy.
With more than 30 years of active presence in Saudi Arabia, an established sales and marketing network, manufacturing facilities, strong local partnerships and outstanding references, Schneider Electric continues to serve the Saudi economy with comprehensive solutions for all its power and control needs.
For further information, please contact:
Schneider Electric
Mohammad A. Al Nahwi
Tel: +966 1 2651515 ext. 227
Mobile: +966 503439607
Email: mohammad.alnahwi@schneider-electric.com
APCO Worldwide
Mathilda Saad
M: +971 55 6999 890
Tel: +971 4 361 3879
Email: msaad@apcoworldwide.com
Razi Hassan
(T) +971 4 3613598
(M) +971 553786543
(F) +971 4 3688001
Email: rhassan@apcoworldwide.com
© Press Release 2013
