GEC NEWS WIRELeading UAE-based smart and green facilities management company Farnek has expanded its reach in the key banking sector, with a host of new and retained contract wins, throughout the UAE, valued at more than AED 12 million annually. The company has mobilised 72 members of staff stationed in locations across all seven of the Emirates, with the majority deployed in banks in Dubai, to carry out general cleaning, AC duct cleaning, administrative assistance, data centre cleaning, security and other specialised FM services.
Farnek’s portfolio of clients in the banking sector now include Mashreq, United Arab Bank, Commercial Bank International, Bank of Singapore, Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait, and ING Bank, to name a few.
Markus Oberlin, the CEO of Farnek, said: “We have increased our market share significantly this year in the banking sector. There are two main reasons for this. Firstly, we operate in all seven emirates so that banks with branches throughout the UAE can be covered under one contract.
“Secondly FM operations in banks are far more complex than one might imagine. Quite apart from rigorous security, data centres, ATM rooms, uninterrupted power supply rooms and AC ducts require specialist cleaning and maintenance. Our staff are fully trained and certified to carry out this work.”
Farnek’s service teams are divided into cluster groups for a quick and smart response, which reduces downtime and adheres with key performance indicators. Their entire scope of work is managed by CAFMTEK a mobile-enabled, computer-aided facility management software solution, that provides their technical teams with a holistic view of their operations.
“There is special training required for each service carried out for our banking clients. Naturally the security in the banks is very strict and multiple security systems are interconnected, with a direct alarm to the police. Therefore, our technical staff must have a detailed understanding of how the system works, in case of failure or false alarm.
“Sensitive spaces such as ATM rooms and treasury lockers or vaults, are areas that require specialist maintenance and cleaning at specific times, under close observation,” added Zohaib Azhar, head of operations at Farnek.
Physical security is still an integral part of FM for the banking sector and in this respect Farnek’s trade references are impeccable. Dubai Police commended the company for its security-related practice, Abu Dhabi Police General Command recognised Farnek for its efforts and outstanding cooperation and finally, at the FM Middle East Awards, earlier this year, Farnek was named Security Company of the Year 2022.
