Schneider Electric, a global specialist in energy management, has announced its workforce in Saudi Arabia has grown by 33 percent bringing the total headcount to around 1,000.
Nearly 30 percent of the new recruits are Saudi nationals.
Reiterating Saudi Arabia’s role as the key growth engine for Schneider Electric in the Africa and Middle East region, the company reaffirmed its investment and expansion plans for the country.
The announcements follow Saudi Arabia’s robust contribution to Schneider Electric’s performance during Q1 2013 that saw the nation accounting for approximately 60 percent of GCC sales and 30 percent of Middle East sales.
Christophe Campagne, country president, Schneider Electric Saudi Arabia, said: “2012 was a strong year for us as we grew our opportunities pipeline and made positive progress with ongoing projects.”
He was addressing a media briefing during the Riyadh leg of Schneider Electric’s ‘Xperience Efficiency’, a three city exhibition showcasing the company’s wide-ranging portfolio of integrated solutions and applications.
Campagne added: “As an organic progression, we dramatically increased our headcount by 236. This included the integration of a significant number of Saudi nationals into our team, which is a clear manifestation of our sincere commitment to Saudization.”
Campagne said: “Towards this end, we will differentiate ourselves from competition and leverage our vast network of offices, manufacturing plants and sales offices in the dynamic and rapidly developing Saudi marketplace.”
Campagne spotlighted the integral wins in Saudi Arabia that have set the tone for a bright outlook for Schneider Electric for 2013 and beyond.
These include the ambitious Information Technology and Communication Complex (ITCC) in Riyadh, one of Schneider Electric’s largest and most important on-going projects; King Khalid University (KKU) in Abha which requires Schneider Electric to deploy a fully integrated Building Automation System; Maaden Aluminium Refinery Project, and the Old Airport Road Extension Project — Riyadh, a first for transportation and tunnels in Saudi Arabia.
As part of the media briefing, Campagne also highlighted the company’s recent success at the MEED Quality Awards for Projects.
‘Xperience Efficiency’, which started in Alkhobar on May 13, will conclude in Jeddah on Monday.
Schneider marks 33 percent growth in Saudi workforce
Schneider marks 33 percent growth in Saudi workforce
Australian minister Don Farrell launches LuLu festival
Regional retail chain Lulu Hypermarket officially launched the Australian Fest on Wednesday at its Diplomatic Quarter branch in Riyadh. The grand inauguration was led by Senator Don Farrell, minister for trade and tourism and special minister of state for Australia, as the chief guest. The event, which celebrated the rich culinary heritage and premium produce of Australia, was attended by a high-level delegation from the Australian government, alongside Mohammed Haris, director of LuLu Hypermarket Saudi Arabia, and senior LuLu officials.
The festivities commenced at the supermarket entrance, where Farrell performed the official ribbon-cutting ceremony under a beautifully designed, Australian-themed ceremonial gate. This marked the formal opening of a week-long celebration dedicated to bringing the best of Australian flavors to the Saudi capital. Following the inauguration, the minister led a guided store walk-through, exploring premium product showcases and vibrant displays in the Meat Area. A dedicated thematic showcase of fresh fruits and vegetables from Australia was also highlighted, emphasizing the authenticity and freshness that the country’s agriculture is known for globally.
The tour reached a celebratory peak at the bakery section, where the chief guest was invited for a commemorative cake-cutting ceremony to mark the launch of the festival. During his official address, Farrell shared his insights on the significance of the event, stating that it is a pleasure to witness the Australian Fest in Riyadh. He said that the event is more than just a showcase of Australian products, but rather a testament to the growing partnership between Australia and Saudi Arabia, making these high-quality products easily accessible to shoppers in the Kingdom.
Meanwhile, Haris expressed his gratitude for the visit, noting that the team is deeply honored to welcome Farrell and the Australian government delegates. He said that the Australian Fest is a cornerstone of LuLu’s commitment to offering customers global diversity and the highest quality products. He further added that LuLu is proud to serve as the bridge connecting Saudi shoppers with the authentic excellence of Australian agriculture.
The Australian Fest is offering residents an exclusive opportunity to explore and purchase a wide variety of Australian-made products at special promotional prices.
