Proudly standing as the world’s largest corrosion resistant alloy (CRA) cladding solutions provider and a leading supplier of CRA mechanically lined pipe, Christopher Kamalaraj, COO, provides us with an insight into Cladtek’s 20 years of success and subsequent goals for the future.
DELIVERING MULTIFACETED ADDITIVE SOLUTIONS
The petrochemical field supports myriad industries, making it undeniably vital to the global economy and modern society alike.
As an industry that influences so many aspects around the world, it presents companies with both a challenge and an opportunity to promote innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence.
One such company that has garnered a formidable reputation for passionately and fearlessly facing these challenges is Cladtek.
Having started from humble beginnings, the Cladtek story is one that was born from innovation and ingenuity.
Since the company’s inception in 2003, the focus has been on developing processes and technologies to provide outstanding, scalable, cost-effective solutions for the oil and gas sector.
Chris Kamalaraj, COO of Cladtek, has over 25 years of experience leading operations, planning, quality, and project management, allowing him a deep understanding of the challenges facing the oil and gas field.
“As a leader, I aim for the company to promote excellence, innovation, and safety. I aspire to lead continuous improvement, adopt new technologies, and form partnerships to improve operations and benefit stakeholders using my knowledge and expertise,” he insights.
“Petrochemical engineering is truly an exciting and dynamic field. Despite changing laws, market demands, and environmental concerns, the industry is ready for growth and an innovative approach that focuses on efficiency and sustainability.”
With a mission of delivering innovative, sustainable, and additive manufacturing solutions that extend the lifetime and value of clients’ assets, Cladtek has worked diligently over the past 20 years to become revered for its game-changing enterprise that’s willing to break new ground and develop new technologies within an expansive and ever-evolving industry.
However, while the company has pioneered and implemented new products and advances, it is equally focused on applying meticulous processes and procedures in everything it does.
This dedication and attention to detail is something that the company prides itself on, allowing it to not only celebrate two decades of business but also extend its reach to international levels.
20 YEARS OF ADDITIVE SOLUTIONS
As the world’s largest CRA cladding solutions provider and a leading CRA mechanically lined pipe (MLP) supplier, Cladtek operates three manufacturing facilities in Indonesia, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia.
With headquarters in Singapore, the company functions globally, serving clients across Asia Pacific (APAC), Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), and the Americas.
“Our strategically located manufacturing facilities and distribution centres enable us to efficiently serve our diverse client base, which includes major oil and gas operators, engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors, and fabricators,” expands Kamalaraj.
The company offers a range of standalone services, such as the cladding of products, including pipes, fittings, flanges, pressure vessels, hot induction bends, and spool fabrication services, all designed to meet the demands of corrosive service environments.
Recently, Cladtek celebrated its 20th anniversary, a further testament to its enduring ability to meet the changing needs of the oil and gas industry and adapt to new market conditions.
“Celebrating this anniversary is a significant milestone that demonstrates our resilience, dedication, and commitment to excellence in the CRA cladding and MLP market. Our team’s hard work and dedication, as well as the trust and commitment of our clients and partners over the years, have made this possible,” enthuses Kamalaraj.
As the company looks towards the next 20 years, it will continue to dedicate itself to new ideas, high quality, and satisfied customers.
Cladtek intends to focus on retaining flexibility, staying responsive to market trends, investing in R&D, and expanding its global footprint even further.
“In the end, our anniversary isn’t just a time to remember the past; it’s also a chance to start planning for the future. We’re excited about the opportunities that lie ahead, and we’re still dedicated to providing value to our clients and stakeholders, driving innovation, and going above and beyond expectations,” reflects Kamalaraj.
“With more than two decades of industry experience, we bring unparalleled expertise, advanced technology, and tailored solutions to each project. Our global presence, flexibility, and commitment to sustainability make us stand out as a reliable leader in the market”
Christopher Kamalaraj, COO, Cladtek
A CERTIFIED MARKET LEADER
Recently, Cladtek has been working hard on a number of projects that not only show its dedication to new ideas but also highlight its strategic positioning in several different markets.
“One of our most important projects to date is making the largest diameter MLP, with Cladtek’s innovative drive leading the way in improving the manufacturing process,” discloses Kalamaraj.
This project holds great significance not only because it demonstrates the company’s technical expertise, but also its ability to push the boundaries of size and complexity, establishing a new industry standard.
Over the years, Cladtek has successfully delivered approximately 717km of MLP globally, with this current project showcasing the company’s commitment to supporting infrastructure development in emerging markets and fostering long-term growth.
Additionally, the company has secured a contract for the ultra-deepwater Mero oil field, situated approximately 180km offshore Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which is the third-largest pre-salt oil field globally and the third-largest producing field in the country.
“This achievement solidifies Cladtek’s position as a market leader for producing high-specification MLP suitable for dynamic service and the Brazilian pre-salt market. Cladtek is the only local manufacturer of MLP in Brazil, contributing to the country’s economy as well as increasing local content for our partners,” elaborates Kamalaraj.
The company anticipates securing three more projects by the end of 2024, proving its reputation as a trustworthy and dependable provider. With such steady and consistent growth, Cladtek is on a clear trajectory to becoming the number one supplier of MLP and CRA cladding solutions worldwide.
All of this consistent progression is accomplished as a direct result of the company’s seven pillars – a guiding beacon that enables Cladtek to achieve its vision of becoming the world’s leading supplier of additive manufacturing solutions.
These pillars consist of business and product development, financial, people and culture, operations, the APAC region, the EMEA region, and the Americas.
“These are the foundations which govern our purpose, approach, and conduct. Each pillar represents a fundamental aspect of our business and includes both strategic and operational matters,” elaborates Kamalaraj.
Ultimately, by implementing these fundamental principles, Cladtek is able to track and win orders, execute projects safely and profitably, and deliver innovative, sustainable additive manufacturing solutions that extend the lifetime and value of clients’ assets.
“By adhering to our seven pillars, we remain committed to realising our vision and fulfilling our mission of driving innovation and delivering value to our clients worldwide,” he affirms.
BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Currently, one of the most positive and evident changes within the oil and gas industry is the emphasis on sustainability and environmental protection. With cleaner and more efficient processes, lower carbon emissions, and the exploration of other feedstocks, this push supports global environmental goals and offers new opportunities for technologies and businesses to innovate.
Cladtek is not only tackling these initiatives head-on but also leading the way when it comes to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices.
“Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a core value for us, and we’re committed to making a positive impact in our communities. Our CSR initiatives comprise various programmes aimed at education, environmental sustainability, and social welfare,” expands Kamalaraj.
These programmes include the company’s Net Zero Emission Project, which aims to reduce CO2 emissions by 30 percent by 2030; the Cladtek Academy, where educational opportunities and vocational training are provided to individuals within the community; eco-friendly practices such as beach clean-ups and the establishment of vegetable gardens; a community development initiative where 1,000 food supply packages were delivered to the community; and supporting orphanages in Batam.
“Overall, our ESG practices reflect our dedication to making a positive difference in the world beyond our business operations. Through these initiatives, we remain committed to being responsible corporate citizens and agents of positive change,” Kamalaraj continues.
In addition to its CSR initiatives, as Cladtek looks toward the future, the upcoming year revolves around driving growth and creating customer and shareholder value.
Specifically, this will manifest through the company’s commitment to expanding its market presence both regionally and internationally, prioritising innovation and product development, and optimising operational efficiency and effectiveness through fresh initiatives such as Cladtek’s newly developed iN-Shield programme, which is based on a lean manufacturing philosophy that aims to accelerate improvement processes, resulting in lower costs and higher customer satisfaction.
“Cladtek’s consistent performance over the past 20 years has established us as a reliable partner for major oil and gas companies. Our ongoing growth and capacity augmentation reflects our dedication to fulfilling escalating needs, thereby aiding in the sustainability of the worldwide energy sector,” proudly concludes Kamalaraj.
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