Gulf Construction Online - EKE has recipe for success

The Fairmont Dubai

EKE has recipe for success

01 December 2001

Emirates Kitchen Equipment (EKE) of the UAE was involved in the design, fabrication, supply and installation of kitchen, food service equipment and cold rooms at The Fairmont Dubai.

The Abu Dhabi-based firm, which is part of the Bin Jabr Group Limited, started work on its Dh13.5 million ($3.68 million) contract in November 1999, customising work counters and sinks and sourcing equipment from the local market as well as from Europe, the US and Australia.

"The project posed its challenges, but was executed smoothly," says a company spokesman. "It was to be carried out in a single phase, however, additional outlets were required and these were completed later."

He continues: "Close co-ordination was required with the client, main contractor and various suppliers working at site for the smooth execution of work and everyone worked as a team, extending full co-operation to one another."

"The new outlets needed the equipment to be designed, supplied and installed within a very short period, but this task was met, thanks to the co-operation of our overseas suppliers and the dedicated efforts of our workers."

"Quality without compromise is EKE's philosophy and this has proved to be our formula for success," says Saeed Saif bin Jabr Al Suweidi, president of the Bin Jabr Group Limited. "What started off as a modest outfit a decade ago with just a handful of people has today turned into a major organisation of repute, arguably the best in the market, largely due to our determination and hard work that has earned us a reputation that is hard to match."

He continues: "Today, EKE is a 100 per cent locally-owned company, specialising in the supply and installation of industrial kitchens, laundry equipment, cold rooms, bakery equipment, house keeping equipment, cutlery, crockery, storage shelving units, as well as hotel design.

"One of the major factors behind our success is the people who plan and implement. EKE attaches a great deal of strategic importance to its people and the major reason for our success can safely be attributed to our proficient, experienced employees, most of whom have been with us since the company's inception.

''The management team brings a wealth of experience, with the commitment and a single-minded determination to succeed.

"Setting a standard is not easy but not impossible, whereas maintaining them consistently is what sets a leader apart. While achieving its goals, the company has crossed several milestones over the years to emerge as an entity of renown whose valuable customers know that if they want food service and laundry equipment of famous international brands, EKE is the place to turn to.

"We represent well-known international manufacturers, who have for many years been supplying kitchen and laundry equipment in the UAE to the full satisfaction of clients such as industrial caterers, hotels, oil firms, palaces, hospitals, universities and colleges, armed forces and airports.

"We have an in-house AutoCAD designing system that can prepare layouts on any size of operation for different types of institutions. Moreover, we are capable of assisting in any consultation on technical studies related to all types of projects.

"It is the endeavour of our principals to provide full technical and logistic support for all our commitments in the UAE market. We are very keen to maintain the extraordinary stature that we have been enjoying in the UAE for the past 10 years. Be it brands we supply, the back-up services we provide, or the methodology we use, the core of it all lies in one factor - quality.

"The business we are involved in is a constantly changing one. We have never believed in resting on our laurels, which is why we have always paved the way for others in the market to follow.

''In the midst of stiff competition, we continue to strive to bring newer and more advanced products to enhance efficiency and keep up with the changing demands of our customers. Today, we can proudly associate ourselves with major ongoing projects in the UAE - as one of the largest suppliers of kitchen and laundry equipment to the hotel industry."

Besides , EKE's portfolio of projects - completed and under way - includes contracts for the Hilton Jumeirah, Hilton Dubai Creek, Capitol Hotel, all in Dubai; the food court at the Marina Mall, Al Ain International Airport, Gasco Buhase residential complex, Al Jarf Hotel, Al Diar Palm Hotel and Hiltonia Beach Resort, all in Abu Dhabi; and Al Diar Siji and Ritz Plaza hotels in Fujairah.