(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Oman Fiber Optic Co (OFO) has completed the first stage of construction work and installation of machinery at its new factory in Rusayl Industrial Estate. This has been achieved within ten months from the date of commencement of work, following a fire that gutted its old factory in October 2012.
''The first stage includes the construction of a fibre-cable plant, stores and warehouses, with the company commencing commercial production as per our obligation made to customers, stakeholders and other parties concerned with the fibre industry,'' said Mohammed Harith al Barashdy, chief executive of OFO, addressing the media at the new factory on Tuesday.
OFO chief financial officer Mohamed Khamis al Sinaidy and plant manager Paul Welch were also present.
''The first stage involves the commercial production of cable, with plant utilisation currently running at 50 per cent capacity, and output expected to increase to 100 per cent by May,'' said Anjum Arshi, divisional head of the plant, adding, ''The second stage of the project will cover the building of the fibre-optic facilities and the administrative building.''
The tenders for the second phase have been completed and are expected to be awarded by the end of April this year, with commercial production of fibre expected to commence in March 2015, added Arshi.
Commenting on the improved fire-safety measures at the factory, Barashdy said, ''The company has installed modern safety and firefighting systems in the factory as per Civil Defense Standards, including a sprinkling hose. This system is considered one of the latest in Oman.''
The new plant will cater to both the domestic and export markets, with new achinery imported from Europe, and is capable of producing all types of cables for internal and external usage, as also specialty cables including all-dielectric self-supporting (ADSS), fire-resistant, non-metallic and metal-armoured cables, added Barashdy.
He said that business was not affected by the fire, with supplies continuing through partners, resulting in OFO getting repeat orders.
''The company has also retained all its employees for 15 months; the period extended from the day of the fire up to the completion of the construction work, and paid all their wages and salaries,'' he said.
''Omanisation is a priority for the management and we afford opportunities to Omani youth as per His Majesty the Sultan's directions. The company has an Omanisation ratio of 49 per cent in its three departments and about 70 per cent in the factory,'' added B
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