At ILF, their passion is to make a contribution to a better quality of life globally. This is what drives the company and gives its work real validity. Managing director Karl Tobler explains more about the business, its philosophy, and plans for the future.
Saudi Projects: How would you describe the beliefs and values of ILF? what are your main areas of operations?
Karl Tobler: ILF is committed to achieving the highest standard of client satisfaction and thus maintaining long-term business relations with its clients. We help our clients in the sectors of energy and climate protection, water and environment, transportation and structures, as well as in the oil and gas industry, to reach their ambitious goals. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, water projects are our main business field and indeed this has been our main remit since 1977.
SP: How do you see progress over the next 5-10 years, how does ILF contribute in terms of the development of upcoming projects in the water sector, and how do you position yourself in relation to KSA’s Vision 2030?
KT: ILF has been a great witness of the history in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and a full participant in the development of its national water supply objectives. We are pioneers as designers of the first water transmission system in 1977 (Jubail – Riyadh Water Transmission System). Since then, we have been committed to Saudi Arabia, participating in more than 200 projects during the last 40 years.
We have been engaged in most of the key water transmission systems existing within Saudi Arabia. The delivery of potable desalinated water is a very important economic growth factor for the kingdom and its population. ILF has also contributed to Vision 2030 in other aspects, such as creating a comprehensive training programme for young Saudi talent. Over the years, we have trained and developed approximately 100 young graduates, taking them through to become experienced engineers. Also, as one of the first western companies, we have given Saudi women the opportunity to start a professional career.
All together, we have contributed by these measures to Saudisation and to the goals of Vision 2030. By delivering creative ideas to our clients, we have supported also the transition process of the Saudi economy diversification, participating in projects for the international tourism sector, among others.
SP: How do you see yourself in terms of your relationship with the government directives in the development of water projects?
KT: Our strongest relationship with governmental institutions has been with Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC). For more than 40 years, SWCC has been our partner in Saudi Arabian water projects. Furthermore, we have completed projects for the Ministryof Environment, Water and Agriculture,and other governmental institutions. Our history in Saudi Arabia and the relationship with the government has been based ontrust, professionalism, and commitment.
SP: what makes your products or services stand out in the industry within the KSA market?
KT: ILF is a family enterprise and sustainability is a major concern of our owners and all employees. This desire to make a better world is a fundamental ingredient in all our projects, be it the avoidance of waste, the saving of energy, or the reduction of water usage by developing innovative solutions for our clients.
SP: what is the biggest challenge that ILF faces in KSA at this stage? How do you overcome these challenges?
KT: Due to the high number of projects we are working on currently, we have to be very focused to manage the recruitment and associated visa processes. The projects are fast track, and our clients cannot afford delay, so we have to respond quickly by providing qualified people to maintain our company standards whilst retaining our core beliefs and commitments.
SP: what other objectives and projects is ILF currently working on in KSA?
KT: We have managed to prepare ourselves to take on the changing market, in particular regarding the introduction of international privatisation projects. We have been awarded two of the biggest water desalination plants, one in Yanbu and the other in Shuqaiq. In addition, we have also been awarded other prestigious waste water treatment projects.
On top of this, we are currently working on the following projects: NEOM Water Transmission System, Shoaiba Tank Farm Phase 4, Makkah Road Tunnel, Yanbu – Medina Water Transmission System Phase 4, and various other projects with clients like Metro Riyadh, Marafiq, NWC, and Al Awwal Bank.
SP: what has been ILF’s biggest achievement to date in the KSA?
KT: The first water transmission project from Jubail to Riyadh in the late 70s; this was the world’s first closed water transmission system and the longest high pressure water transmission system.
The forecast demand for water needed by Riyadh was not fully quantified. The city was clearly short of water and some areas could only be supplied during certain times of the day. Riyadh’s population had also greatly increased during the foregoing years, but no exact figures were known and a social demographic model was yet to be developed.
At this time, Riyadh obtained its drinking water from groundwater wells. However, a er the commissioning of the Jubail – Riyadh Water Transmission System, the water supply for Riyadh was secured for many years.The so-called pipelines A and B are still in operation. Currently, there are five water transmission pipelines supplying Riyadh,and two more are under construction.
SP: Have you any plans for expansion, short-term and long-term?
KT: We opened an o ice in Al Khobar in 2014. In 2015, lacking space, we changed the location of our Riyadh o ice to one of the buildings that are part of the skyscrapers of the kingdom’s capital, to the ‘Olaya Towers’. O ices in the western area will follow. Our development has been remarkable; at the moment we have in excess of 200 employees within KSA, of which more than one third are Saudi nationals.
SP: where would you like to see your company in five years’ time in the KSA market?
KT: I see our ILF as THE major engineering and consulting company in the water sector, and also in the privatisation area.
SP: Is there anything else you would like to include or highlight?
KT: During my seven years as Managing Director of ILF Saudi Arabia, I can lay claim to be part of a truly historic development within the kingdom. I feel both proudand humbled by this achievement. Our company is prepared to continue to support the Vision 2030 and all the upcoming projects. We remain highly motivated, full of energy, and intend to keep improving our services to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
