Chairman’s Message
Have you ever wondered how companies calculate the value of their employees? It is a question I have often pondered upon. Interestingly, I soon realised that, in the business world, there are numerous theories which are supposed to help work this out. Does this sound odd? Well it did to me, because I believe we must place importance on employee intangibles whenever one tries to value the worth of his staff. However I never forget that such an assessment is a two-way exercise. It is equally crucial to accept that my employees are free to assess and express what they think of our Company. Attitude, passion, creativity and knowledge are all qualities which give an indication of intangible staff values which apply equally throughout our Company.
As Chairman I consider it important to promote an environment where we provide opportunities for all my staff to feel valued and part of a caring community. Gone are those days where productivity was calculated only in terms of numbers. Working, without passion, is what machines do. As real people, it’s our emotional and intellectual qualities which make a fundamental difference. It is these traits which enables our Company to achieve distinction above others. We all need a workplace where we enjoy attaining our dreams. Enlightened by these thoughts my managers understand why “pushing the boundaries”, within their domain, enables all of us to feel valued because our passions and skills are all brought into play. This results in actions which stimulate our sense of adventure, whilst building on the tried and trusted. Discovering and learning new ways that work, and those which don’t, keep us on our toes. Such invigoration makes for a meaningful and exhilarating workplace where we use our intangible attributes to stimulate innovation and growth. It is this ethos which interactively unites us all; where the real value of employees and our Company, is truly determined.
C
Onam is the largest festival in the Indian state of Kerala. It falls during the first month of the Malayalam calendar which is Chingam (August–September) and marks the homecoming of the legendary King Maveli. The festival lasts for ten days and is linked to many elements of Kerala’s culture and tradition.
The Projects, Oil & Energy division of CSS Group recently moved 1200 CBM of air cooler units and accessories from a supplier’s yard in Malaysia to the port of Alexandria which is on the West Verge of the Nile Delta between the Mediterranean Sea and Mariut Lake in Alexandria, Egypt.
Gihan Nanayakkara, FPS Chairman, Advisory Board gives a hint of the delights that await all those who attend this year’s AGM with the theme of “Building on a Strong Foundation,” which his company is hosting in Colombo, Sri Lanka, “My country, Sri Lanka, is often described as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, and for good reason. I count myself extremely lucky to live and work in such a beautiful place, with its history dating back to the birth of time. I and my team look forward very much to the honour of hosting this year’s AGM. We are proud of our beautiful country, and very much hope to share it with you.”
C
P
Jebel Ali Port has seen a steady growth in volumes since its inception. As a key contributor to Dubai’s economic growth and diversification the port witnessed a surge in volumes over the past decade which has resulted in a continual requirement of capacity expansions. It was during this period that the Journey to develop Container Terminal 2 commenced.
The development of Container Terminal 2 was a response to our customer’s requirement to increase capacity and efficiencies for the shipping lines to be able to bring in mega vessels into Jebel Ali. The works also involved deepening the channel up to 17 meters Container Terminal 2 is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and machinery, including 29 mega Quay Cranes capable of lifting two 40 foot containers or four 20 foot containers in one move from ship to quay or quay to ship. The tandem lift cranes have a capacity of 80 tonnes and when commissioned had the widest outreach in the industry, i.e, they were the largest in the world. The terminal is also equipped with 60 rail mounted gantries (RMGs) rather than the conventional rubber-tyred gantries (RTGs). Jebel Ali Port was the first within the wider region to have this unique capability all increasing handling efficiencies and turnaround time of vessels.
UK member F.S. Mackenzie has promoted Lloyd Smith to the post of Managing Director. Lloyd was previously a director of F.S. Mackenzie, and has been with the company since 2005.
As part of our continuous commitment to the freight forwarding fraternity, CSS initiated a thank you scheme over 5 years ago, whereby one lucky name out of the scores of business cards that are dropped into the raffle bowls placed at the D/O counter at the CSS Corporate Office and CSLC-1 in Jebel Ali will be rewarded with a gift.
Aravindan P, aged 62, passed away on Friday, August 23, 2013.