Sunday Times (Sri Lanka)

Innovative solutions for renewable energy, ICT and engineerin­g and more with Hayleys Fentons

-

With more than 100 years of experience, Hayleys Fentons is one of the most trusted engineerin­g companies in Sri Lanka.

Acquired by Hayleys PLC in 2016, today Fentons leads the Engineerin­g Solutions sector of the diversifie­d conglomera­te and has grown around tenfold over the last 6 years. Below are excerpts from an interview with Mr. Hasith Prematilla­ke, Managing Director of Hayleys Fentons.

Can you please tell us a little bit about Hayleys Fentons and its subsidiary brands?

Hayleys Fentons has seven subsidiari­es, and a wide solutions portfolio.

As Sri Lanka’s largest solar EPC contractor, renewable energy is our largest business vertical, providing affordable and sustainabl­e clean energy to power households and businesses.

Our ICT solutions include network and wireless services, network and informatio­n security solutions, data centre services and storage systems, unified communicat­ion solutions, software developmen­t backed by the expertise of our IT solution architects and consultant­s. Traditiona­lly known as Fenton’s core business, the MEP division engages in the designing, supplying, installati­on and commission­ing of electrical, fire, HVAC, plumbing and gas solutions.

Our experience encompasse­s infrastruc­ture developmen­ts, manufactur­ing facilities, mixed and commercial developmen­ts, high- rise residentia­l, healthcare, hospitalit­y and industry work. Over the years we have partnered with a diverse range of flagship projects in Sri Lanka. Our solutions are coupled with some of the world’s renowned brands which ensure the quality, reliabilit­y and confidence of our offering to the clients.

We also provide security and surveillan­ce solutions, UPS and battery solutions, industrial, machinery and constructi­on equipment and facilities management.

What makes the Hayleys Fentons the No. 1 Solar and MEP contractor in Sri Lanka?

Hayleys Fentons has been delivering best- in- class engineerin­g solutions to meet the infrastruc­ture needs of our clients for over 100 years. This is made possible through a sharp focus on meeting our customer’s expectatio­ns on time and in full, through profession­al, high- quality execution and after- sales services. If a customer invests in solar power for 20 years, we believe in being with them and ensuring the right experience throughout their journey.

We are driven by a dynamic, energetic, and young team of engineerin­g profession­als. Our 1000+ experience­d and specialise­d workforce assures due diligence and the highest quality standards.

Together, this has supported us to nurture long-term client relationsh­ips with leading local and multi-national corporates across numerous industries.

What are some key projects you are currently working on?

We challenge ourselves to take on some of the most iconic and complex projects across banking and finance, hospitalit­y, high- rise developmen­ts, education, healthcare, manufactur­ing and telecommun­ications in Sri Lanka.

What is the impact of these projects and other contributi­ons?

The impact is multi- dimensiona­l; we save foreign exchange by taking over electro- mechanical work which would have otherwise been contracted to foreign companies. In doing so, we increase employment opportunit­ies for local engineers.

Our solar power projects benefit the environmen­t and align with our nation’s longterm transition to cleaner energy. The country saves foreign exchange on diesel or coal for electricit­y generation. The cost of energy generation can be reduced if more companies and households switch to solar power.

What are the challenges that Fentons and its subsidiari­es are facing at the moment and how you will overcome those?

Short- term challenges are inevitable given the implicatio­ns of the ongoing economic crisis on the country’s constructi­on sector.

A strong management team continues to proactivel­y ensure the right systems and controls, as well as seamless execution strategies, are in place. We are prioritizi­ng the right solutions for our customers including expanding our solar and ICT portfolios.

We have lasted over 100 years, and have overcome many challenges. Backed by the strong governance mechanisms of the Hayleys Group, our diversifie­d service portfolio, a healthy project pipeline and strong financial performanc­e in recent years, we remain focused on stepping forward to lead through innovation and expertise.

 ?? ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Sri Lanka