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By Mike Lee
RYOBI Kiso (S), one of the largest ground engineering solutions provider in Singapore, specialises in piling for heavy foundation and geoservices.
Since its inception in 1990, it has completed more than 300 projects in Singapore. These comprise residential, commercial, institutional, industrial, infrastructure and environmental protection projects from the public and private sectors.
Some of the notable projects include the iconic Singapore Flyer and Resorts World @ Sentosa. The company has also completed prestigious condominium projects such as Draycott 8 and The Peak.
Projects completed for the public sector include numerous Housing and Development Board projects, Mass Rapid Transit Contract 909 (Downtown Line), and the widening of Seletar Expressway.
In the area of environmental protection engineering, the company has completed the pollution control project at Sungei Serangoon.
Ryobi Kiso has been at the forefront of technological prowess right from its beginnings. It was the only Singapore company then to possess large-diameter rock-boring capabilities.
Over the years, the company has built up an impressive list of capabilities.
'We have built a strong reputation as specialist contractors in the use of state-of-the-art construction methodologies and equipment such as the TRD method, Grout-Mixed Piling technique, Screwed Spun Piling technique, Press Grouted Spun Piling technique and the utilisation of large-diameter 'down-the-hole' hammers,' says Mr Ong Tiong Siew, managing director of Ryobi Kiso.
In today's environmentally conscious world, Ryobi Kiso holds competitive advantage with its strong expertise and reputation for its eco-friendly and low-pollution piling works.
'Our eco-friendly piling techniques are innovative, efficient and economical.
These have provided us with an advantage over our competitors for projects where there are low noise and vibration requirements,' elaborates Mr Ong.
'Our techniques are also suitable for projects requiring less usage of concrete produced from raw materials such as aggregate, sand and cement. Projects where soil conditions do not favour conventional bored piles also benefit,' he adds.
The company is one of the few piling companies in Singapore registered with a L6 financial rating with the Building and Construction Authority (BCA).
This allows for unlimited tender value for public projects.
'Our size makes us a preferred choice to carry out piling works for large and complex projects,' says Mr Ong.
The company pursues continual innovation to maintain its competitive edge.
'Through our constant and continuous efforts in research and development, we are able to maintain a high level of technical expertise. Our research and development efforts allow us to improve our operation methods, operational efficiency and product quality, and reduce our operational cost,' says Mr Ong.
Last year, the company achieved a revenue of $125 million, registering more than 100 per cent growth from the figure of $56 million in 2007.
More impressively, net profit tripled to $31 million in 2008.
The company has been profitable since inception, says Mr Ong.
Looking forward, the company is optimistic about its prospect, as the outlook for the construction sector stays positive.
'Construction activities in the short- and medium-term are expected to remain high with the BCA forecasting $15 to 17 billion of public-sector work each year for 2010 to 2011,' says Mr Ong. 'We believe this will provide opportunities for us in view of our strong track record of public sector projects.'
With a strong foundation in place, the company is poised for further expansion.
'We are exploring suitable opportunities to diversify into other construction- related businesses to offer a wider range of construction services,' says Mr Ong. 'We do not rule out the possibility of a listing in the future as part of our expansion plans.'
This article was first published in The Straits Times.
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