Technology

The opening of the new office. (Image source: KROHNE)

KROHNE, a global leader in measurement technology, is enhancing its presence in the region with the opening of a new office in Expo City Dubai

The state-of-the-art facility will serve as a hub for advanced solution sales and customer-centric services, featuring training facilities and a workshop to house minor repairs for the growing Services team. It will focus on developing cutting-edge technologies that support sustainable industrial practices and will enable the company to strengthen relationships with key partners in the UAE government and the private sector, fostering collaborations across energy, water, and other critical industries.

Chief sales officer Marco Rudelli said, "This location not only enhances our ability to serve our customers but also aligns with our commitment to supporting the UAE's vision for a sustainable future. Expo City is a significant part of our legacy-building efforts, as it positions us at the heart of a vibrant, forward-thinking community. We are excited to deepen our ties with key partners in the UAE government and the private sector across energy, water, and all industries we operate in."

Frank Janssens, vice president of KROHNE Middle East and Africa, added, "Our new office represents a significant investment in the UAE. It allows us to be closer to our customers, understand their needs better, and deliver tailored solutions. We are committed to building a lasting legacy in the UAE, focusing on sustainability and innovation."

The new leadership team. (Image source: Emirates Biotech)

Emirates Biotech has formed a new leadership team following the appointment of Marc Verbruggen as CEO last month.

Joining him are François de Bie as chief commercial officer, Aman Kulshrestha as chief technology officer, and Margrete L. Wie as head of finance. This team, based in Dubai, brings exceptional expertise and vision to propel Emirates Biotech towards becoming a leader in the PLA (Polylactic Acid) biopolymer industry.

Marc Verbruggen, a prominent figure in the bioplastics sector, previously served as CEO of NatureWorks. Under his leadership, NatureWorks expanded its manufacturing capacity and built a strong global customer base. Marc’s strategic direction will be crucial for Emirates Biotech in navigating the dynamic biopolymer market.

Growth in the Middle East

François de Bie, with his extensive background in business development and marketing within the plastics industry, formerly served as senior marketing director at TotalEnergies Corbion and president of European Bioplastics. His expertise will drive Emirates Biotech’s regional sales and marketing strategy.

Aman Kulshrestha, an expert with over 12 years of experience in biopolymers, has held positions at NatureWorks and Sulzer, specializing in production, biopolymer applications, and recycling technologies. She will oversee Emirates Biotech’s technological advancements, ensuring the production of high-quality PLA biopolymers.

Margrete L. Wie, appointed as head of finance, will manage Emirates Biotech's financial operations. She has a strong background in financial and strategic management within complex technology industries, both in start-up and mature business environments.

Emirates Biotech has recently commenced operations, focusing on the production and marketing of PLA biopolymers across the Middle East, Africa, and India. These biopolymers are renewable, recyclable, biodegradable, and support the goals of a circular economy, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuel-based plastics.

Cassava Technologies launches Cassava AI unit, partnering with tech giants like Microsoft and Google to enhance AI offerings and support enterprise clients globally. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Cassava Technologies, a leading systems integrator in developing markets, has announced the creation of a new business unit, Cassava AI, to focus exclusively on its AI initiatives

This move follows the rise of Generative AI and includes strategic partnerships with major industry players such as Microsoft, Google, AWS, Anthropic, Oracle, Atlas AI, Cerebras, and Palo Alto Networks. These collaborations allow Cassava to deliver top-notch systems integration and support to enterprise clients in key international markets.

Cassava already offers a wide range of services, including data centers, cloud solutions, cybersecurity, fiber connectivity, and renewable energy, to both multinational and local businesses. The company has trained and deployed over 200 of its 5,000 employees to help customers adopt and utilise Generative AI services from leading global vendors.

Cassava, headquartered in the UK, was founded by African Entrepreneur Strive Masiyiwa and includes many leading global institutional investors. Hardy Pemhiwa, president and group CEO, said, “Cassava AI is headquartered in London and can already provide services in any of the 40-plus markets in Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, where the Cassava Technologies group companies operate. Ahmed El Beheiry, a veteran technology and telecoms executive, will lead this business unit.”

Genuine Volvo Parts are specifically developed, tested and approved to get the very best results from your Volvo machine. (Image source: Volvo CE)

Using counterfeit or non-genuine parts can seem like a quick money-saving measure, but the long-term consequences can cost you a lot more

Only genuine Volvo parts can deliver the reliable performance you expect from your Volvo excavator, wheel loader, or hauler. Key reasons why it is best to stick to genuine and avoid opting for counterfeit include:

1) Safety risks to people and equipment

Counterfeit parts are a gamble with safety. These parts are not subjected to the same rigorous testing as genuine Volvo components, making them more likely to fail unexpectedly. This puts operators, bystanders, the machine, and the overall jobsite at risk.

A single accident can lead to costly downtime, injuries, and even legal repercussions. When you choose counterfeit parts, you're not just risking your equipment; you're risking lives. The peace of mind that comes with knowing your machine is protected by genuine Volvo parts is invaluable.

2) Loss of productivity and earnings

Your Volvo machine is a precision tool designed to operate at peak performance and genuine Volvo parts are engineered to maintain this reliability and efficiency. Counterfeit parts can compromise your machine's performance in subtle yet critical ways, leading to increased downtime, lower productivity and missed deadlines.

In today’s competitive market, every hour of downtime is costly. By choosing genuine Volvo parts, you're investing in uninterrupted operation and maximising your return on investment.

3) More frequent replacements and expensive repairs

While non-genuine parts might be cheaper to buy upfront, they often lead to more frequent replacements and more expensive repairs as they are not built to last and can cause damage to your machine. For example, the cost of repairs resulting from using counterfeit filters can be up to 100 times more expensive.

Over time, the hidden costs of non-genuine parts far outweigh any initial savings. They are not covered by warranty and may invalidate your overall machine warranty. By choosing genuine Volvo parts, you're making a long-term investment in your equipment's health and your bottom line. Your Volvo machine is a significant asset, and using genuine parts helps preserve its value.

This article is authored by Volvo CE. Click here to learn more about the importance of genuine parts and expert sevice, and click here to contact your local Volvo dealer.