ABOVE THE REST
Quality, above all else, has set Metallic Equipment apart from its competitors in the last few decades.
BIOGRAPHY
Marwan Orabi, the General Manager of Metallic Equipment Co. LLC, is an engineer by profession with 30 years of rich experience. He is a versatile and skilled manager.How had your company's performance evolved over the years?
Undertaking large projects has upped the ante, and we have responded through a multi-pronged strategy of improving state-of-the-art technology, quality workforce, production standards, and the necessary certifications. Our qualified engineers with the help of proper and modern management systems have resulted in exemplary work standards and made Metallic Equipment one of the main players in the architectural metal work industry.
Metallic Equipment has become an international group. To what do you attribute your success in several locations?
Our strategy has always been to constantly look for opportunities to expand through better performance, which will always lead to better benefits. Every project we have executed demonstrates our exclusivity and perfection, be it airports in Mumbai and Saudi Arabia, presidential palaces in Africa, or large hotels in Uganda. The ease of working with us has spread via word of mouth. It is no wonder we have grown from a modest team of 14 to a robust workforce of 700 in such a short time.
What trends do you identify in the construction industry, and how do you differentiate yourselves from your competitors?
In Sharjah, we are improving in different sectors. We rely on proper management systems and utilize new technology. We are coordinating with contractors and clients that are looking specifically for our services because what we offer is different from the rest of the market. We do a wide range of architectural metal work, decorative metal casting, joinery, and special metal finishing such as electroplating, PVD coating, antique finishes, and more. We can offer all these services under one roof to our clients. We continually invest in R&D to acquire new technology, machinery, and well-trained staff to improve our business every day.
The manufacturing division of the group in Sharjah was awarded the integrated management systems certificate. What does this mean for the company?
The integrated management system contains all the required ISOs, for security, quality standards, and safety of the environment. We have held these certificates for the last seven years and renew them every year. These are the quality benchmarks for the business, and it assures clients that everything in our company is organized and meets international standards.
What measures does the factory take to build a more environmentally friendly future?
I have headed this Sharjah branch for the past 22 years. When I started, the regulatory authority was not yet ready to deal with environment issues. The system has since evolved, and it provides us with the guidelines on how to comply with international standards for the environment. We must take care of our environment by way of recycling and efficient waste management.
What technological improvements have you enacted?
In carpentry, there has been only a slight industrial improvement lately, but in metallurgy we are trying to introduce cutting-edge technology. We are now using laser-guided machines to cut metal instead of plasma and water jets, which consumed too much electricity. The new machines were expensive but will be cheaper and better in the long run. We also have new PVD technology for plating to obtain different finishes that can last longer. The PVD machine pollutes less and significantly reduces waste. We have implemented the latest technology in quality control, engineering, and human resource. Most of our plasma, water jets, LED machine, and sanding machine are operated now by AI or computer numerical control (CNC) systems.
What are your vision, goals, and priorities for the coming year?
We are always planning to expand and improve upon our human resources, our engineers, and our staff. We also must maintain quality but be mindful of costs. Maintaining good relationships with the customers is also important. Our ultimate focus is always on delivering our services to the utmost satisfaction of all our esteemed customers.
ABOVE THE REST
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Interview
Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry
The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry is encouraging firms to undergo “smart transformation" when digitalizing their operations or introducing Industry 4.0 technologies.
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Making a Difference
Sharjah has long been a pioneer in the fields of culture and education since the beginning of the UAE. Thanks to His Highness' continued focus on culture, there has been an ongoing effort to focus on educating the youth and families, encouraging greater interest in the arts, fostering social harmony, appreciating diversity, and nurturing a more mindful generation.
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Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka , Under-Secretary-General , UN & Executive Director of UN Women
Freeing women from the fear of domestic violence and opening up opportunities for them in business is not just about doing the right thing, but also serves as a potent formula for economic growth.
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Taher Abu Laila , Senior Director of Northern Emirates, Consolidated Engineering Company Khatib & Alami (K&A)
The concept of smart cities is yet to be fully realized, but K&A is pioneering the adoption of digital services and working with the public sector to move toward a smarter future in an organized way.
read articleFocus: Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park
A Walk in the Park
Working toward becoming an information economy, the UAE is cashing in on the high-tech dividend, and homing in on the Emirate of Sharjah, kudos goes to the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation (SRTI) Park.
read articleInterview
Abdulla Ali Al Mahyan , Chairman, Sharjah Health Authority & Sharjah Healthcare City (SHCC)
The digital revolution underway in the healthcare sector has not skipped over Sharjah, affecting everything from patient records and software-enabled diagnostic systems to telehealth, robotic surgery, and e-pharmacy.
read articleInterview
Khalid Jasim Al Midfa , Chairman, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA)
Niche desert lodges, water parks, huge new infrastructure projects, and a world-class architectural restoration project are but a few of the things putting Sharjah on the global tourism map.
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