India’s L&T makes big entry into Jebel Ali
Larsen & Toubro (L&T), India’s largest technology, engineering and construction conglomerate, on Monday inaugurated a new systems integration facility at the Jebel Ali Free Zone.
L&T will utilise the 11,249 sq. metre facility, the largest outside India, for tapping the automation-driven business opportunities in oil and gas, power, water and infrastructure space in the GCC region that would contribute to growing L&T’s electrical and automation business outside of India.
The $9.8 billion L&T Group has achieved GCC revenues close to $1bn in 2009-10 which is expected to grow at more than 40 per cent this financial year, according to RN Mukhija, President, Operations and Member of the board, who inaugurated the facility in the presence of Indian Ambassador to the UAE, Consul General of India in Dubia and Deputy CEO and Chief Commercial Officer of Jafza.
L&T has applied for Green Building - Gold Certification for the facility to the US Green Building Council and, when approved, will be the first company to receive the Gold Certification in the Electrical, Automation and Telecom sectors in JAFZA.
Listing in the Green Building category confirms that the systems integration facility is designed and built for environment-compatibility and sustainable future, providing a healthy work environment and reducing operating costs by making it more energy efficient.
“The Middle East continues to be a focus area for us and we have enhanced our footprint in the GCC region with this new venture. Systems Integration and in-house electrical equipment manufacturing capabilities contribute to offering total integrated solutions in automation, electrical and telecom space into the region,” he said.
“Our expansion plans and creation of centres of excellence are in line with the ongoing and anticipated growth in automation and systems integration business. This facility is yet another step in the progressive globalization of L&T’s electrical business, and ensures that it has a wide footprint to service some of the fastest growing markets in the Gulf countries, parts of Africa and CIS countries,” said SC Bhargava, Head of L&T’s Electrical and Automation Operating Company.
The electrical and automation business has grown at 20 per cent annually in terms of top line and 17 per cent in terms of bottom line in the past five years in India. The company proposes to grow this business more than twice of its present size in next five years.