Mohiudeen Wood Works Co. completes 25 years of growth
Mohiudeen Wood Works Co. LLC (MWW), the oldest sawmilling company and the largest importer of round logs and sawn timber in the Middle East is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. This is an important landmark in the company’s phenomenal growth from a new sawmill back in 1993, to one of the largest importers of round logs, sawn timber and other forest products in the Arabian Gulf region.
Mr. B.M. Ashraf, Founder and Managing Director of MWW said that the company’s success has largely been possible because of its passion for doing things differently. “Back in 1993 when we set up a saw mill in the middle of the desert, it seemed odd to many people. But in the process we created a new paradigm and celebrated success after success, reaching where we are today,” he said.
His travels in the early 1980s to source timber from remote corners of globe helped Mr. Ashraf establish numerous supply chains worldwide, at the same time helping him gain invaluable knowledge about the characteristics of various timber species and their applications. It is the insight thus gained that differentiates MWW in the industry.
MWW is sponsored by H. E. Sheikh Dr. Majid bin Saeed Al Nuaimi, Member of the Ruling Family of Ajman and Chairman of The Ruler’s Court of Ajman. Mr. Ashraf remembers the government’s support with gratitude. “We have been able to position ourselves as the leaders of timber and allied products, evolving as the most popular supplier of dimensioned timber and natural forest products in the Gulf region, today. We take pride in the fact that we are largest sawmill in the Middle East as well one of the biggest importers of round logs from all over the world,” he said.
MWW’s expertise has been built on decades of experience and the ability to cater to rising demands of the market, making the company a name synonymous with wood in the region. Growing from strength to strength, MWW’s portfolio of clients currently includes top government entities, the largest oil and gas field development firms, leading ship building companies, the biggest marine dry docks, renowned multinational heavy construction fabrication yards, and landmark infrastructure development contractors.
Sourcing and supplying timber for highly specialized requirements is one of MWW’s many unique strengths and their ability to supply exotic species of timber to many historic landmark projects and traditional dhow builders in the Gulf is second to none. At the same time, MWW also advocates the usage of alternate timber species, refusing to be driven by commercial factors alone. Further, they emphasise sustainable practices in sourcing timber, maintaining a healthy balance of the natural forest ecosystems.
The reputation and expanse of MWW built over the years have not only positioned them as a global player in timber trade, but has also opened up countless employment opportunities for skilled professionals in the timber industry. Over the years, a key focal point of MWW’s business strategy has been to develop and maintain long term supply partnerships. For twenty five years now, MWW has been the preferred supplier of special dimensioned timber and allied products in the Gulf. Mr. Ashraf says that while the 25th anniversary is an opportunity to revel in past achievements, it is also an occasion to set new sights and pursue new ambitions of growth and success.
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MP HC sets up judicial commission to probe water contamination in Indore
Indore (PTI): The Indore bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court on Tuesday set up a commission of inquiry comprising a former HC judge to probe the issue of water contamination in city's Bhagirathpura, saying the matter requires probe by an independent, credible authority and "urgent judicial scrutiny".
It also directed the commission to submit an interim report after four weeks from the date of commencement of proceedings.
A division bench of Justices Vijay Kumar Shukla and Alok Awasthi constituted the commission while hearing several public interest litigations (PILs) filed simultaneously regarding the deaths of several people in Bhagirathpura due to the consumption of contaminated water.
The HC reserved the order after hearing all the parties during the day, and released it late at night.
The state government on Tuesday told the HC that the deaths of 16 people in Indore's Bhagirathpura area was possibly linked to a month-long outbreak of vomiting and diarrhoea caused by contaminated drinking water.
The government presented an audit report of 23 deaths from the current gastroenteritis epidemic in Bhagirathpura before the bench, suggesting that 16 of these fatalities may have been linked to the outbreak of vomiting and diarrhoea caused by contaminated drinking water.
The report, prepared by a committee of five experts from the city's Government Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College, stated that the deaths of four people in Bhagirathpura were unrelated to the outbreak, while no conclusion could be reached regarding the cause of death of three other people in the area.
During the hearing, the high court sought to know from the state government the scientific basis behind its report.
The division bench also expressed surprise at the state government's use of the term "verbal autopsy" in relation to the report, sarcastically stating that it had heard the term for the first time.
The HC expressed concern over the Bhagirathpura case, stating that the situation was "alarming," and noted that cases of people falling ill due to contaminated drinking water have also been reported in Mhow, near Indore.
In its order, the HC said the serious issue concerning contamination of the drinking water supply in Bhagirathpura area allegedly resulted in widespread health hazards to residents, including children and elderly persons.
According to the petitioners and media reports, death toll is about 30 till today, but the report depicts only 16 without any basis or record, it said.
It is averred that sewage mixing, leakage in the pipeline, and failure of civic authorities to maintain potable water standards have led to the outbreak of water-borne diseases. Photographs, medical reports, and complaints submitted to the authorities prima facie indicate a matter requiring urgent judicial scrutiny, the HC said.
"Considering the gravity of the allegation and affecting the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution of India and the need for an independent fact-finding exercise, the Court is of the opinion that the matter requires investigation by an independent, credible authority," it said.
"Accordingly, we appoint Justice Sushil Kumar Gupta, former judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, a one-man commission of inquiry into the issues relating to water contamination in Bhagirathpura, Indore, and its impact on other areas of the city," the HC added.
As per the order, the commission shall inquire into and submit a report on the cause of contamination -- whether the drinking water supplied to Bhagirathpura was contaminated; and the source and nature of contamination (sewage ingress, industrial discharge, pipeline damage etc).
The panel will also probe the number of actual deaths of affected residents on account of contaminated water; find out the nature of disease reported and adequacy of medical response and preventive measures; suggest immediate steps required to ensure safe drinking water as well as long-term infrastructural and monitoring reforms.
It will also identify and fix responsibility upon the officers and officials found prima facie responsible for the Bhagirathpura water contamination incident, and suggest guidelines for compensation to affected residents, particularly vulnerable sections.
The commission shall have powers of a civil court for the purpose of summoning officials and witnesses; calling up records from the government department, hospitals, laboratories and civic bodies; ordering water quality testing through accredited laboratories; conducting spot inspections.
All state authorities involving district administration, Indore Municipal Corporation, public health engineering department and Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board shall extend full co-operation and provide records as sought by the commission, it said.
The state government shall provide office space, staff, and logistical support to the commission, it said.
During the hearing in the day, the state government also presented a status report to the court in this matter.
According to reports, a total of 454 patients were admitted to local hospitals during the vomiting and diarrhea outbreak, of whom 441 have been discharged after treatment, and 11 are currently hospitalised.
According to officials, due to a leak in the municipal drinking water pipeline in Bhagirathpura, sewage from a toilet was also mixed in the water.
