Al-Futtaim Auto & Machinery Company (Famco), the commercial vehicles, construction and industrial equipment distribution arm of the UAE-based Al Futtaim, has announced the launch of its operations in Qatar.

The move comes as part of the UAE company's expansion plans for the Middle East region, said a senior official.

“While the Al-Futtaim Group has excellent historical business ties in Qatar, we felt the time is right for a dedicated operation in Qatar to service the country’s rapidly growing construction and logistics industry," remarked Paul Floyd, the managing director at Famco.

"Famco is already known as the leading supplier for construction, logistics and industrial equipment in the UAE, Oman and Saudi Arabia, and with our Qatar branch we continue our ambition for becoming the Middle East’s largest equipment distributor," he added.

Famco in Qatar, he said, will be the exclusive distributor for Linde material handling equipment, Ingersoll Rand industrial air compressors, Himoinsa generators and lighting towers, Nassau doors, Hart doors and Stertil dock levellers.

Famco has already supplied Himoinsa products to leading construction companies and Linde forklifts to Qatar Duty Free, he added.

According to Floyd, Famco will trade in Qatar under the trade license of “Hamad & Mohamad Al Futtaim-Famco."

The company is known in the UAE and the region for its customer focused approach and for the strong support it provides through its service and parts network.

It has bases in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Ras Al Khaimah, and in 2011 started operations in Saudi Arabia and Oman.

The UAE group is launching its debut operations in Qatar by sponsoring the 'Construction Week Awards' being held on Monday at the Grand Hyatt, Doha, he added.-TradeArabia News Service