James L. Williams (JLW): Carving a niche in a competitive sector

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James L. Williams (JLW): Carving a niche in a competitive sector
Michael Boufarhat, Chairman and CEO of JLW Middle East

James L. Williams (JLW) Middle East remains on top as a sought-after MEP contractor in the region

by

Farhana Chowdhury

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Published: Sun 5 May 2019, 10:30 AM

Last updated: Sun 5 May 2019, 12:36 PM

With a proven record of quality workmanship, James L. Williams (JLW) Middle East has successfully established a strong foothold in the region's construction industry. Led by Michael Boufarhat, Chairman and CEO of JLW Middle East, the organisation brings in Australian expertise paired with latest practices to ensure top-notch MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) solutions.

"Since our inception in 2008, we have set our focus on the building sector. We are now focusing on infrastructure as well as oil and gas ventures, as we march towards expansion," he said.

JLW Middle East is a family business headquartered in Dubai and Boufarhat holds 90 per cent of shares. Furthermore, it serves as a regional base for Australia's largest services contractor of the same name, which has been in operations since 1875.

Enhanced In-house Facilities
JLW is renowned in the region as one of the top services contractors, said Boufarhat, notably for the in-house facilities that give it a competitive edge.

"When we started the company, we looked at what the industry was lacking. We wanted to bridge the gap between consultation, design and its execution. By far, we have the largest in-house design capability among any MEP contractor in the Middle East with 115 designers on board," he added.

In addition, JLW utilises state-of-the-art innovation, including 3D, 4D and 5D technology to allow full coordination, precision installation, time and cost control, as well as the ability to produce smart building information data and energy analysis.

Boufarhat explained that this trend has welcomed a new wave of clients, who put their faith in JLW's solutions. "Lots of clients now request us to quote a price and take care of the design and delivery method, while their consultants or operators create the brief and concept. We like those opportunities," he said.

Diversified Portfolio
According to Boufarhat, there has been a surge in upcoming projects in the region. "We have been very busy since early January. Our tendering division, is being fully utilised as the market picks up," he said. The company receives around 20 to 30 tender invitations per month, but is able to respond to around four or five requests at a time due to busy schedules.

"We're positive about the sector in 2019, and hope that it will continue to move forward," he added.

Adding to its vibrant portfolio, JLW is the official MEP Contractor for the Sustainability District at the Expo 2020 site as it works alongside Al Futtaim Construction.

JLW is also involved in the Masdar Neighbourhood Housing Project, Al Maryah Central Mall  in Abu Dhabi, ICD Brookfield Place in DIFC, The Dubai Mall - Za'abeel Expansion in Dubai and past projects include the International Humanitarian City Offices and Warehouses, Bluewaters Hospitality, and Masdar Headquarters in Abu Dhabi.   

Moving forward, the organisation is looking at opportunities to expand into Saudi Arabia, lined up in its next chapter alongside a UAE developer.

Raising The Bar
JLW Middle East has carved a name for itself as one of the top contractors in MEP services for its dedication to health and safety.

"To date, we have roughly 2,400 employees that are directly employed, and on-site we manage around 6,000 people in total to assist us, depending on the volume of work required for timely delivery. Of course, health and safety is our primary concern. This extends not only to our direct workers, but also to the sub-contractors working with us.

"We maintain the best records in the Middle East," he said, adding that the managers of these divisions hail from sectors such as oil and gas, which is known for having standards higher than what is required in the building and construction field.

Keeping in mind the welfare of its workers, JLW Middle East provides what Boufarhat referred to as "five-star camps". The venues are equipped with recreational facilities to give its workers an opportunity to engage in leisure activities.

For the staff and senior levels, JLW organises company-sponsored activities ranging from cricket, football, basketball to yoga and boot camps and encourages participation, these offer numerous mental and physical health benefits to staff as well as boosting teamwork.

On an international level, JLW actively sponsors events such as Pink is Punk, a wellness campaign centred on breast cancer; and raises disaster relief funds for affected areas, such as the recent floods in Kerala, to name a few.

"While the biggest contributions come from the company itself, our employees are also welcome to donate. These we raise and send to institutions and associations we trust," Boufarhat added.


Rewarding experience
Rewards for me come in the form of client perception and the pride my employees feel to be part of such an organisation. In most cases, if not all, people in the industry share positive feedback about our work and company. That gives me a lot of satisfaction and keeps me moving forward. The fact that JLW Middle East has achieved
the highest quality in this field in the past 10 years gives me great pride.
It is very rewarding.


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