Samsung Engineering, which has emerged as a major player in the Gulf’s construction industry, donated a major dining facility in Jubail for children suffering from disability disease called “down syndrome”. “Doing business in a different way by contributing positively to our community and environment is important for Samsung,” said S. Y. Kang, vice president & resident director of Samsung Saudi Arabia Ltd., which represents Samsung Engineering. He said “it is my company’s philosophy to contribute to the local society and share moments of happiness with everyone. We work together on a daily basis with society, partners and suppliers to help create a more sustainable approach”, he said. Speaking on behalf of the center, Ahmed Izelddien, center’s manager, thanked Samsung Engineering for this noble gesture. “Samsung has been involved in several such projects,” said Samsung Corporate Administration Manager Sung Jin Park, while referring to the recent beach cleaning campaign launched by this Korean company. He said that the company is also in the process of setting up a “Safety Training Center” to help young Saudi engineers and technicians to learn about safety rules and practices. It will help the Kingdom to cut reliance on foreign workers”. The company‘s commitment to business excellence is demonstrated, on a day-to-day basis, by a focus on innovation, quality, results, and respect for the highest standard of business ethics. Samsung strives to reduce the environment, health and safety impact of its activities and products, to value people, develop talent and promote diversity within its workforce. “We are also currently building the world’s largest ammonia plant for Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden with a capacity of 3,300 tons a day. It would be completed by December 2010. “We have also won a SR1.12 billion contract from Saudi Basic Industries Corporation a few months back,” Park said.
Subaru Impreza
Along with the redesigned Impreza WRX, Subaru is also launching redesigned versions of the regular Impreza hatchback and sedan for the 2008 model year. Like the new Tribeca, the Impreza gets more conservative styling upfront and a refreshed look at the rear. The new Impreza, which was launched by Alyemni Motors Co. at the Jeddah Raceway on Sunday, has a longer wheelbase, creating more interior space. Subaru used new materials and styling to improve the look and feel of the interior, too. The 2.5-liter Boxer engine has been modified to improve emissions and fuel efficiency. It also has improved mid- to low-end torque. The 2.5-liter SOHC normally aspirated engine adopts a new intake port and other design changes that improve low-end torque and fuel efficiency. Incorporating a newly designed intake manifold, intercooler and turbocharger, the 2.5-liter DOHC turbocharged also delivers improved torque and fuel economy. Transmissions, both manual and automatic, have been modified for faster, more responsive shifting, a senior management executive of Alymeni Motors Co. said.
Electro
Electro, Riyadh’s major specialty electronics and home appliance superstore, celebrated the opening of its first Jeddah outlet at Al-Andalus mall recently. The new outlet is Electro’s first store in the Western Province, with more stores to come in 2008. Yaser Abdulwahed, board member and founder of Electro’s first store in Riyadh, hosted the opening, with guest of honor Adel Faqeeh performing cutting the ribbon along with Electro CEO Scot Sheeler. In his address, Yaser expressed his appreciation to Electro associates. He outlined Advanced Electronics Equipment Company’s (AEEC) plans for rapid expansion of the Electro mega store concept throughout the GCC. Sheeler called on the Electro team to provide “best in class product assortments, especially service and value for money.” He urged the customers to take advantage of the services offered at the Jeddah location including a business-to-business center, a supervised play center for the kids and the new demonstration center. “We want this to be your favorite place to shop and are committed to earning your loyalty.” Electro, located in Dammam, is owned by AEEC and has emerged as a specialist in home electronics, appliances communication and computer services.
Starbucks
Starbucks, which has several outlets across Jeddah and elsewhere in the Kingdom, has offered complimentary used coffee grounds year-round for gardens and compost bins as its contribution toward protecting the environment. “Coffee grounds can be a valuable source of nutrition for the garden,” said Antoun Abou Jaoude, marketing manager for Starbucks-Middle East. “At Starbucks, we strive to find innovative and creative ways to positively contribute to a healthier environment. Reusing coffee grounds in the garden is a great way to nourish your plants and recycle this rich resource from Starbucks stores,” he added. “Customers who enjoy the Starbucks Experience can now take it home for their plants to enjoy with our ‘Flowers Love Coffee .... too’ program,” Abou Jaoude added. In 1997, the grounds for your garden initiative began at a grass roots level by Starbucks partners in North America. The partners saw a need in their communities and identified an innovative solution that leverages Starbucks core business, which is coffee. This program involves packaging coffee grounds — brewed beans in reused whole bean coffee bags — and sealing them with a Starbucks coffee grounds sticker, and distributing them to customers and communities for use in gardens and compost piles.
McDonald’s
McDonald’s Saudi Arabia is collaborating with King Fahd and King Abdul Aziz hospitals to raise awareness in the community about breast health and breast cancer. While mothers attended a forum about the awareness program at the hospitals, McDonald’s hosted more than 500 kids offering them a wonderful time through characters, face painting, meals and prizes. “McDonald’s restaurants and the local communities they serve have a mutually dependent relationship. Its restaurants depend on their communities for business. They in turn give back to their communities by supporting local programs and charitable cause,” a spokesman for McDonald’s said. This is part of McDonald’s commitment to care about customers and the issues that matter to them. Across the years, McDonald’s has shown its support for breast cancer education, services, and research through a number of activities at the regional and international levels.
Renault GCC
Renault GCC has launched a new website exclusively for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the aim to provide useful information to existing and potential Saudi customers. The website provides commercial information on Renault such as its new and existing lineup, its dealer network, service centers and information on its recently set up call center. It also provides corporate information on Renault group and regional initiatives being implemented by the brand across the region. Nicolas Guiochet, GM-marketing, Renault GCC, said: “Having a well-designed website is essential for any company that wants to reach out to its audience, especially in today’s world where everything needs to be at the click of a button. Renault already has an excellent global website. However, we felt it necessary to launch a local website specific and relevant to residents of this country. In addition to the website for Saudi Arabia, Renault GCC has also launched a website for the Middle East and individual websites for other GCC countries.
Charriol
Al-Hussaini Trading Company opened its exclusive Charriol Boutique at Tahlia Mall, Jeddah. Al-Hussaini Trading and Philippe Charriol are two leading companies sharing one strategic partnership and a success story that sums up several years of diligent work and a fervent passion for leadership. Al-Hussaini is Philippe Charriol’s sole agent in Saudi Arabia, noted for its elite watches and accessories. “The inauguration of Charriol Boutique is another milestone in the company’s pledge to offer its clientele a wide array of top-quality Swiss made watches, luxury leather goods and accessories all under one roof,” company owner Mohammad Al-Hussaini said. The boutique boasts a collection of jewelry sets, a limited edition of timepieces, leather goods, pens and cufflinks carrying the Charriol signature and touch.
