Tesmec, a global excavation solutions leader, is at the forefront of transforming the Middle East’s infrastructure landscape. With innovative technology, a commitment to sustainability, and a remarkable project portfolio, Tesmec is shaping the future of rock trenching and surface mining in the region.
In an exclusive interview with Francesco Morosini, CEO of Tesmec Saudi Arabia, Construction Week Middle East learns the company’s tailored approach to addressing the region’s unique challenges and opportunities.
How has Tesmec tailored its technical offerings and operations to cater to the Middle Eastern market? Could you provide a detailed breakdown of your major functions within the kingdom?
Tesmec aims to build the future landscape of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East with innovative excavation solutions. To pursue this mission, we are locally present with two companies: Saudi Tesmec in Saudi Arabia and Tesmec Peninsula in Qatar. In this way, we assist the Middle Eastern market through the supply of trenchers, consulting services, projecting, after-sales services, rental, and fleet management.
Moreover, the local availability of up-to-date spare parts storage and the presence of an experienced staff enable Tesmec to serve its customers quickly and on time. From a technical point of view, Tesmec has built hard rock trenches capable of continuously operating in extreme conditions, making them ideal for the Middle East market. Recently, in trenching machine development, Tesmec has focused on a few key factors for contractors, such as reliability, the ability to excavate economically in very hard rock, maximum productivity, and low operating costs.
How does Tesmec adapt its technology and solutions to cater to the region’s distinctive needs, particularly regarding rock trenching and surface mining?
We have noticed that the client’s needs for trenching and surface mining were continuously evolving. The primary need was related to soil characteristics. For this reason, we decided to offer cutting-edge, fast and sustainable solutions which apply to five different systems and services for pipeline excavation, heavy civil works, network laying, surface mining and earthworks. Our trenchers can cover all possible trenching scenarios, presenting themselves in four main solutions for the clients’ needs.
Our Rock saw Trenchers are designed for cutting through very hard soil and concrete, ensuring high productivity even in the toughest conditions. They are perfect for excavating cables.
For projects involving water conduits, utilities, pipelines, and cable ducts in residential areas or near existing pipe networks and urban infrastructure, our Chainsaw Trenchers are a reliable and highly productive choice. They perform exceptionally well, even in challenging conditions with hard and abrasive rocks.
Additionally, our Bucket Wheel Trenchers are tailored for jobs related to pipeline networks, agriculture, infrastructure, and utilities in long-distance interurban projects. They are the most productive machines for handling loose materials.
Lastly, our Rock Hawgs provide effective surface mining solutions for bulk rock and ore excavation. This technology allows for cost-effective excavation, even in strong and unfractured rock, eliminating the need for explosives.
Could you elaborate on the unique strengths of your trenchers, and how they differ from traditional excavation methods?
Tesmec’s trenchers are synonymous with efficiency, flexibility, reliability, and speed. They reduce operating costs without compromising on performance. The conventional ways of excavation using crawler excavators are high in expenditure, service, aftersales, use of operators and logistics. However, a singular trencher outperforms several conventional machines, reducing transportation costs and environmental impact by producing reusable material and reducing CO2 emissions.
Trenchers also eliminate the overhead cost with one machine equivalent to 15 to 45-tonne excavators, with an average 100% increase in productivity rate, reduction in expenditure and increase in capital equity. Our advanced technology enables smoother, safer site management and promotes high productivity, even in the hardest rocks. These machines operate efficiently in urban, suburban, and rural environments with minimal disturbance.
Features that allow us to differentiate ourselves from other excavation methods include automatic excavation, Techtronic 5.0 technology, more precise cutting, hydraulic improvements, and GPS control for depth and slope.
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How is Tesmec innovating its product portfolio to align with eco-friendly practices and renewable energy integration?
Tesmec exceeds the limits of innovation by focusing its mission on a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. Recently, we unveiled the new fully electric-powered e-sidecut. However, our goal is even more ambitious — in the coming years, we aim to develop an entire range of all-electric equipment. We recently introduced our latest creation, the 1875 EVO, the largest and most powerful chainsaw machine Tesmec has ever produced.
This machine offers high production performance, thus allowing us to reduce the need to use more equipment and contributing to a decrease in environmental emissions. Tesmec’s products — surface miners and trenchers — reduce, on average, 68% of emissions, preserving the environment and are aligned with the KSA’s Vision 2030 in its environment and sustainable development strategy.
Could you highlight some of Tesmec’s ongoing or upcoming projects in the Middle East that showcase your impact? Additionally, are there any collaborations or partnerships in the Middle East that Tesmec is particularly excited about, and how do they align with your mission in the region?
Tesmec Saudi Arabia aims to revolutionise the conventional methodology of excavation and trenching through its products and services, making a breakthrough not only in the construction sector but in other sectors as well.
Our existence in Saudi Arabia as a foreign investor is a key expansion to Tesmec Group’s global outreach, making Saudi Arabia a focal point to Tesmec’s strategy and vision. Our experience in Saudi Arabia renders through our involvement in vital projects with top-tier clients, such as the Riyadh Metro Project, the development of deep underground stations and King Abdullah Financial District projects, King Abdullah Air Base Projects, NEOM’s The Line project, Diriyah Gate project, Diriyah ADF Irrigation Project, King Salman Park’s Royal Art Complex, Dammam Crude and Gas Development Project, Upgrade of Uthmaniyah – Abqaig pipeline, and the Ma’aden – Baitha Bauxite mine.
Tesmec Saudi Arabia will continue to deliver its state-of-the-art methodologies through its products and services and is willing to expand in Saudi Arabia on an unprecedented scale, believing that the projects it continues to take a vital role in will enhance the kingdom’s milestones in achieving Vision 2030 closer than expected.