(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Â Belhasa Projects is all set to cash in on the boom in infrastructure spending in the region by expanding its geographic footprints in regional and international markets, its top official said.
The award-winning company, offering swimming pools design and construction services, wet infrastructure, sports and coatings, MEP and facilities management, is exploring new markets to secure more projects in coming days.
"We are keen to expand our geographical presence. We have an office in Doha and will soon set up another in Kuwait. We are also working on projects in Egypt, India and Singapore at the moment," Greg Garner, chief executive of Belhasa Projects, told Khaleej Times during an interview.
Belhasa Projects was launched in 1980 as a specialist in swimming pool construction and today it is considered one of the largest of its kind in the region. It has five diversified divisions including the newly established infrastructure and facilities management.
"Diversification has always been our key focus and we invest in newer divisions to expand our geographic footprint within the region and beyond. We see strong growth for our infrastructure division and facilities management division," he said.
Belcare, the company's facilities management division, has seen growth in business over the last one year. The strong business performance is driven by increased interest from owners of private villas in Dubai because of quality facilities management services and maintenance works for swimming pools and landscaping.
"We have constructed magnificent swimming pools for palaces, residential communities, educational institutes, private villas and hotels. We also design and construct aquariums, luxury spas and equestrian pools, in addition to water features, soft and hard landscaping, and specialist design services," Garner said.
In reply to a question about the company's business target for 2012, he said the firm seeks a 10 per cent growth a 2011. "As with many companies in the region, 2011 was relatively quiet. This continued in first quarter of 2012, however, we have noticed more market activity since then."
He said the company expected more robust business activity in second half of this year due to recovery in international markets and massive infrastructure spending in the region.
"Our infrastructure division has secured large orders in the UAE and Qatar. Our swimming pool, landscaping and sports divisions have all recently signed large orders and secured more projects recently."
To a question, he said Belhasa currently holds projects worth $120 million and the company pins its hopes on some major projects in the coming days.
"We are constantly working towards winning new projects and have submitted various tenders in the UAE and Qatar for infrastructure projects," he said.
To a question about the business environment in the UAE, he said the Abu Dhabi market is quiet for the company, however there is definite movement in Dubai and other emirates.
"Most of our business in the UAE is from Dubai and northern emirates. We have recently secured three projects, including two in Ras Al Khaimah, and the combined value of these contracts is more than $25 million."
In reply to a question about the demand for the company's services in the wake of massive investments in infrastructure and hospitality projects in the region, he said this can be "good news for our swimming pool, landscaping, sports and infrastructure divisions".
"We are in a good position to pitch for new projects in the wake of massive investments. We have a large and experienced labour force and we are well-diversified with most of the work done in house."
To a question about the exposure to Qatar and Saudi market, Garner said, "We are very active in Qatar, however we have no plans to enter Saudi Arabia as yet."
He said Belhasa Projects was the main sponsor of first Qatar International Exhibition for Pools and Spa, which concluded on Friday and attended by around 180 local and international companies.
"With the rapid growth of the Qatar economy, we are seeing an increase in demand from individuals, educational institutions, hotels and other commercial sectors for uniquely designed aesthetic and international quality swimming pools and spa."
"We are also specialists in MEP, landscaping water features and maintenance, so we can provide our customers an all in one inclusive package."
To a question about recovery in international markets and its impact on the company's business, he said it will have a positive impact and the company is likely to secure more projects.
"Yes, and we are planning accordingly to leverage on an improved economic environment. Our aquascapes division has won projects in Maldives and Erbil in Iraq. Qatar is a strong market for us and we are also working in several government projects in India," he concluded.
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