Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T), India’s leading technology, engineering and
construction conglomerate, today inaugurated a new systems integration facility at the Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) in Dubai.

The $9.8 billion L&T Group has achieved GCC revenues close to $1 billion in financial year 2009-10 which is expected to grow at more than 40 per cent this financial year, said a statement.

The Jebel Ali facility, covering a floor space of 11,249 sq m, is a significant step 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 statement said.

L&T has applied for ‘Green Building - Gold Certification’ for this 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, it said.

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.

L&T’s president – operations and member of the board, R N Mukhija, unveiled the plaque to declare open the facility in the presence of several dignitaries and officials.

Speaking on the occasion, Mukhija said: “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. As a professionally managed Indian multinational we are committed to total customer satisfaction.”

The head of L&T’s Electrical & Automation Operating Company (EAOC), S C Bhargava, 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 globalisation 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.”

Besides strengthening its position in the existing market segments like oil & gas, water, cement and metal, L&T’s Systems Integration business also plans to leverage the emerging opportunities in the infrastructure sector such as metro rail, highway traffic management and other projects, the statement said. - TradeArabia News Service