Voltamp Energy SAOG is a leading manufacturer which provides design, engineering, manufacturing, marketing, and servicing for an extensive range of power and distribution transformers, low-voltage and medium-voltage switchgears and packaged sub-stations. It also undertakes repairs and refurbishment of all types of transformers and switchgear panels.
Starting from modest beginnings, the company has completed over 90,000 installations in the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) in partnerships with best-in-class global leaders. Now one of the leading players in the region, the company operates manufacturing facilities in Sohar and Rusayl, Oman, and supplies electrical equipment to the renewable energy, power generation, transmission & distribution sectors, while also having a strong presence in the oil and gas industry.
Pioneer in the region
The Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Ajmal Basha says: “Voltamp, an Omani company, prides itself on having developed technology which brings self-reliance for electrical products in the region. After 35 years in the market with its proven supplies and services, Voltamp is committed to delivering reliable products at the best possible prices and to becoming a transformer hub in the MENA region.”
Voltamp has always been at the forefront of introducing hi-tech electrical products manufactured in the Sultanate. It was the first integrated manufacturing unit in the Sultanate to introduce LV switchgears in 1987, then later in 1992 distribution transformers and, in 2008 power transformers which were subsequently upgraded to produce up to 500MVA 400 kV Class.
The company has an enviable record for performance, reliability & customer satisfaction. About 50% of Voltamp’s products are sold into export markets, primarily to other GCC countries including UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and other MENA countries. The company is poised to deliver its first batch of transformers to its European customer in Lithuania and have established an office in Belgium and Portugal.
Voltamp stands out with its commitment to quality and reliability, delivering products in the shortest possible time frame and providing 24×7 service support. “100% of Voltamp Power transformers run without any problems, something which demonstrates our commitment,” says Mr Ajmal Basha.
Three businesses
The Group comprises three distinct companies and one fully-fledged independent division. Voltamp Energy SAOG is the parent company under which the manufacturing companies operate.
Voltamp Power SAOC, the youngest in the group, with a greenfield facility located at Sohar, manufactures power transformers up to 500 MVA and 400 kV voltage classes under technical collaboration with Tatung Taiwan. Its facility is to a global standard with a built-up area of 14,500 sq. m. on a total plot of 80,000 sq. m. The testing facilities are on par with the best in the world.
Voltamp Transformers Oman SAOC manufactures medium power & distribution transformers up to 10 MVA and 33 kV class, inverter duty transformers for solar power plants and green hydrogen plants, multi-tap and pulse transformers for the oil & gas sector and other special transformers including earthing transformers, excitation transformers and its types.
The third business, Voltamp Technology LLC, is known for manufacturing low-voltage switchgear panels in partnership with Schneider, France, EATON, USA; and medium-voltage switchgear panels in partnership with Siemens, Germany, and ABB Switzerland.
The Technology business also has a dedicated vertical for Engineering Services Division (ESD) focused on repairs and maintenance for transformers up to 500 MVA and 400 kV class. The Engineering Services Division has repaired 42 different makes of transformers including 500 MVA 220 kV class power transformers. This capability remains unbeatable in the GCC.
The group has an independent Design and R&D centre in India to establish and bring the latest technology and develop state-of-the-art product for the region. All of the Group’s manufacturing companies have achieved IMS Integrated Management system certifications as well as QMS 9001:2008, EMS ISO 14001: 2004 & OHSAS 18001: 2007, and have a high degree of localization.
Driven by people
Post-pandemic, the Group has not been spared the challenges that affect global markets. Products manufactured by Voltamp have a high content of raw materials such as copper, steel and oil, hence the commodity prices disturbance has had a major impact on profitability, admits Mr Ajmal Basha. Another continuing challenge is the infamous supply chain disruption, intensified in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, severely impacting on-time deliverability, a very important aspect for business sustainability.
Still, Voltamp is handling the challenges well. “Commodity items are either hedged or insured to mitigate the risk of drastic fluctuations in prices and we use advanced planning and project management tools to overcome the challenges of supply chain-related issues.”
He affirms that the robust position of the business, unshaken in this volatile market environment, should be credited to the employees. “Employees are key to any organization and employing the right people at the right place gives an immediate boost to the overall business position.”
Staff support and development is an ongoing process in Voltamp. “We have a comprehensive structure for our selection process, induction and skill development, and we engage internal and external experts for training, coaching and mentoring based on the skill gaps of the employees.”
Voltamp also uses AI-based programmes and techniques to evaluate individuals and plan developmental goals including regular monitoring to ensure the systematic growth of employees. “There are multiple means adopted to ensure the engagement of employees at all levels, and to share ideas and generate the collaboration and participation of employees.”
Set to accommodate increased demand
At the end of last year, the company achieved yet another milestone, announcing that it has successfully manufactured and delivered its 400kV, 500 MVA power transformers in its facility in Oman.
This is the largest transformer of its kind in GCC. Mohammed Ajmal Basha explained the significance of this product development in Oman which brings Voltamp and Oman into the league of elite large manufacturers in the world. There are around 30 countries which have such technology and Oman developing such technology – the first of its kind in the GCC and Africa – is a phenomenal achievement. This will bring Omani products to a global level with pride and recognition.
“The company is committed to bringing the latest and best technology to Oman and the GCC region,” says Mr Ajmal Basha. “Our plans for the future also include eco-friendly green transformers and renewable products for both local and export markets, with a commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of our product.”
In concluding, he outlines the company’s plans in terms of market expansion: “In a wider perspective, we are looking forward to establishing a presence in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait, in order to have a dedicated setup with a view to accommodating growing market demand with ease of supply and high-quality after-sales service. We are also focusing on the US market with a view to establishing our presence there, as we see some clear opportunities in the large transformer segment.”
