The company was incorporated in 1971 as a joint venture between Ishikawajima Harima Heavy Industries Co., Ltd, (now known as IHI Corporation), Jurong Shipyard and The Development Bank of Singapore. In 2005, IHI Corporation became the majority shareholder.
JEL is involved in every aspect of every project executed by the company. It provides a full spectrum of services including engineering, construction, project management and maintenance solutions. By working closely with clients, the company continues to successfully deliver turnkey projects around the world.
“Our strengths as a construction company are founded on our engineering capabilities and superior problem-solving skills,” says Masao Akamatsu, Managing Director and CEO of JEL. “We are always seeking new ways to innovate and improve our capabilities to perform and deliver.”
The company’s diverse, competent and highly-motivated workforce of 23 nationalities from key disciplines consistently provide solutions that exceed customer expectations through 25 overseas companies and offices.
“We are the service provider to solve problems,” says Akamatsu. “We are ready to face challenges as a team and we communicate in a direct manner to coordinate effectively with our clients. Each project we take on is a collaborative effort and we are confident in our abilities to execute projects effectively from start to finish.”
JEL’s ambitious 2018 project in Myanmar is a good example of the company’s commitment to delivering projects in challenging environments. JEL participated in and successfully completed a 225-megawatt gas-fired combined-cycle power plant in a remote area of the country.
Equipment for the project had to be transported almost 800km to the site. The power plant, which has commenced full commercial operation last year, is one of the most efficient and largest of its kind in the country. This year, JEL is focused on delivering more turnkey projects across Southeast Asia.
“Our vision is to be the leading engineering and construction service provider in Asia,” says Akamatsu. “We aim to become the partner of choice in the region by earning the trust of our clients and strengthening our long-term working relationships.”
“Southeast Asia is a huge market and we want to capitalize on the region’s economic growth. Southeast Asia will remain our area of focus,” says Akamatsu.
“The volume of business we do in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam is increasing and we are penetrating countries such as Myanmar. In addition, we are diversifying to markets including the Philippines, Bangladesh, the Middle East and countries in Africa such as Mozambique.”
With an extensive global network, JEL works closely with its customers including Japanese companies in global markets.
“We are able to maximize our resources by strengthening the construction divisions of our subsidiaries,” says Akamatsu. “We intend to secure larger power plant projects in the region while focusing on renewable energy solutions, developing non-energy projects and strengthening our maintenance services.”
JEL continues to enhance its operational efficiency and project management capabilities while expanding its global footprint.
“We aspire to improve our existing business through technology and innovation,” says Akamatsu. “In addition to upholding the highest safety standards, we will strive to be lean, flexible and responsive to changes in the market.”
While renewing its corporate brand image this year, the company will retain its core values of diligence, continuous learning, shared ownership, customer satisfaction and respect.
“The keyword for us is ‘change’,” concludes Akamatsu. “In order to remain fresh and competitive in a rapidly changing industry, we are embracing changes and will integrate our resources to ensure the future growth of the company.”
