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We Build a Better, Stronger Future With CAT®
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By: |
Baqar Jafri |
Syed Ghazanfar Habib Director (Construction Equipment), Allied Engineering & Services Ltd.
(Authorized Dealer of CAT® in Pakistan & Afghanistan)
Hundreds of millions of people, global industrial giants,
and government institutions around the world trust Caterpillar® for its
reliable and premium machinery --(Syed Ghazanfar Habib)
TFD: Please shed some light on the partnership of Allied Engineering & Services Ltd. with the global household name in construction equipment, Caterpillar®.HABIB: Allied spearheads the dealership of Caterpillar® Construction Equipment in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Our partnership with Caterpillar commenced when the global leader in heavy machinery was on the lookout for a reliable and professional engineering company to expand its business operations in Pakistan through dealership. Allied takes pride in being associated with the most eminent construction equipment company of the world. Allied conducts overall sales and services operations through out the Pakistan to meet growing demand for construction and power generation equipment. Being the exclusive dealer in Pakistan, we ensure quality service and add supreme value to the brand name through sheer customer satisfaction.Electrify your business with allied generators
Energy crisis has paralysed the industrial growth, compelling entrepreneurs to opt for alternative means of energy generation. In view of the fact that supply-demand gap is set to pose more troubles for the businesses, a huge market for electricity generators has emerged. Allied has also tapped into this growing market by blending unrivalled Caterpillar Generators with reliable sales services of Allied. Hundreds of companies are indifferent to load shedding because of our premium generators which are not only electrifying the development of businesses but also supplementing to overall economic growth. We now take pride in introducing Caterpillar small gas generators ranging from 11 kVA to 72 kVA for prime duty. These are designed to meet your power requirements with unmatched cost-effectiveness and unparalleled Allied's service support. These highly durable and efficient generators are mobile and capable of operating on LPG and domestic Gas Pressure Line. They are designed for Pakistan's climate and run smoothly under odd conditions. Allied received their biggest single order worth $25 million for supplying a turn key power generation unit of 44 MW to Lucky Cement situated near Karachi; this demonstrates our capacity to serve big clients satisfactorily. TFD: How do you foresee the impact of 35 per cent increase in LC margin on imports on construction equipment prices?HABIB: This stance will further mount equipment prices as all Caterpillar machinery is imported. Since Caterpillar machineries are premium products, already bearing high prices, the impact of this increase in LC margin will be severe. Moreover, the prices of raw materials like steel and iron have already skyrocketed, we are facing unprecedented round of high prices backed by increased cost of production. The construction equipment sold 3 years back are offered at 40 to 50 per cent higher prices now. Nevertheless, since there is no indigenous manufacturer of construction equipment in Pakistan, buyers will have to rely on imported machinery.Political mayhem has brought economy to standstill
Political uncertainty must be eradicated if we seek strong industrial growth. Foreign investors are reluctant to put money in mega projects, which is leading to decline in construction activities and demand for construction equipment. Although there is considerable demand for our business but if political outlook does not become favorable soon, I fear the economy will become stagnant, so will be our business. We build a better tomorrow by stimulating construction activities and shaping sustainable infrastructure for future growth; if construction sector slows down, you can expect a spiral of recession in other economic activities as well. I hope that economy will soon undergo revival provided investors' confidence is restored, and it is only possible if clouds of political uncertainty fade away.TFD: Last five years are marked by mega construction projects, augmenting unprecedented demand for cement and earthmoving machines. How has Allied Engineering & Services Ltd helped cement industry keep pace with this expansion?HABIB: In the preceding years cement requirement has increased tremendously, this is not only due to the local needs for infrastructure development but also due to the huge increase in export of cement to various other countries. To keep in pace with the ever growing demand of cement, cement companies in Pakistan are either enhancing the production capacity of their existing plant or setting up an entirely new plant. Who else can fulfil this demand other than Caterpillar, the global market leader that tailors its equipment for various segments such as cement production, infrastructure, road construction and agriculture. Allied received one of the biggest single order from DG Khan Cement for Construction Equipment worth $11.67 million. We also sold the Caterpillar's Largest Front Shovels to Bestway Cement. The equipment is used as their main production equipment for new facility. Allied has also supplied various equipment to Lucky Cement for its Karachi Plant. Apart from that, other private industries heavy rely on our premium quality products. This reflects the confidence of customers on our brand "Caterpillar".CAT holds dealers in high esteem
One of the most unique things about the early Cat® Dealer network is its global scope. In the first year as Caterpillar Tractor Co., Cat Dealers had offices in 25 countries and sold equipment around the world. A team of Caterpillar managers addressed the growing dealer organisation in 1926 in a small book called 'Across the Table'. The authors described the relationship based on mutual respect, noting that, "Our dealer organisation is our chief pride, and we have good reasons to feel that Caterpillar Dealers highly regard the Company". They also endorsed the principle of mutual success, saying, "As the dealer profits - so do us".But they defined success in terms of service excellence, noting, "He profits most who serves most". The quality of our products and services reflects the power and heritage of Caterpillar; the pride we take in what we do and what we make possible. We are passionate about people, process, and product and service excellence. For us, excellence is not only a value; it is a discipline and means for making the world a better place. Integrity lay at the heart of the partnership. Integrity is the foundation of all we do. It is a constant. Those with whom we work, live and serve can rely on us. We align our actions with our words and deliver what we promise. We build and strengthen our reputation through trust. Individually and collectively, we make meaningful commitments, first to each other and then to those, with whom we work, live and serve. We understand and focus on the needs of the customers. We are global citizens and responsible members of our communities who are dedicated to safety, care for our environment and we manage our business ethically. We know it is both our duty and our honour to carry the Caterpillar heritage forward. Our greatest strength: Human Capital
If we have to win business objectives, we need every person to give hundred per cent. We need to achieve excellence in human resource development and effective mobilisation of human & financial resources to attain optimum return. For me the effect of human resource on the overall performance of the organisation by far exceeds any other resources. A wise inspection of any big company would identify some outstanding personalities leading a success story. It is therefore imperative to acquire a sustainable human resource at all levels to ensure smooth sailing.To sum up, it is about execution and being able to do things better than anyone else and that means "people", we have some of the brightest and most creative people in the industry, their hard work & dedication give us the competitive edge and human resource competence is evident in our performance. Talking generally about Pakistan, skilled human resource is scarce and talented people are attracted by companies in Middle East and Europe recurrently which results in deficiency of domestic human capital.To give you an inkling of our human resource competence, technical manager of Construction Equipment Department, Babar Zamir has the distinction of being the first in Allied Engg & Services Ltd and out of very few worldwide to achieve the Caterpillar certification. Presently, we have three Caterpillar certified engineers in my department which include Arshad Mallick from southern region & Nadeem Masood from Lahore region which makes Construction Equipment the best Caterpillar qualified department.
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