Parmesh Venkateswaran, General Manager – Middle East & Africa at Stanley Black & Decker, highlights the growing demand for safer, ergonomic tools with features like auto shut-off to reduce risks and strain
Stanley Black & Decker (SBD) has enjoyed a dynamic and successful journey across the Middle East and Africa, with Parmesh Venkateswaran, General Manager for the region, proud to contribute to the company’s legacy and its role in the UAE’s growth story. Leveraging over two decades of international experience, Parmesh has used his time at SBD to navigate diverse markets, foster a culture of innovation and collaboration, and develop strategic, region-specific plans.
The MENA region continues to thrive as a hub for construction and industrialisation, driven by ambitious government visions, a robust economy, and rapid infrastructure growth. SBD serves a wide range of markets across this dynamic region, catering to the needs of diverse and discerning customers. Parmesh’s focus has been on strengthening the company’s value chain at every step to ensure consistent excellence.
SBD centres its strategy on end users, addressing their challenges by offering on-ground support, training, and education to maximise productivity. Simultaneously, the company collaborates closely with channel partners to navigate the region’s unprecedented growth, solidifying its essential role in the construction ecosystem and contributing to its ongoing development.
EMBEDDING INSIGHTS
Parmesh’s career has taught him a fundamental principle: prioritise user needs and challenges to drive product innovation. This approach has enabled Stanley Black & Decker to uncover key insights that consistently enhance end users’ safety and productivity.
One of the standout initiatives focused on safety is the DEWALT PERFORM & PROTECT™ line, which integrates advanced features to improve job site safety and efficiency. These innovations include reducing handle vibration, minimising risks of binding-related injuries, controlling exposure to airborne dust, and ensuring safer working conditions at every level.
On-ground research has been instrumental in shaping their solutions by gathering firsthand insights from users. A prime example is POWERSHIFT, a cordless tool line designed to bridge market gaps and revolutionise regional job sites. With a sharp focus on worker safety, these tools address critical needs such as battery life, tool runtime, and job site safety while eliminating cords. By disrupting traditional workflows, this innovative line meets the growing demand for tools with features like automatic shut-off systems and ergonomic designs, effectively reducing injuries and strain while transforming the construction environment.
TRENDS
- Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Solutions
The construction industry increasingly prioritises sustainability, emphasising eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient tools and machinery. This shift includes adopting cordless, battery-powered equipment to reduce carbon emissions and promote greener practices on job sites.
- Safety Enhancements
Worker safety remains a top priority, driving demand for tools equipped with advanced safety features like automatic shut-off systems and ergonomic designs that minimise injuries and strain. Companies are also transitioning to cordless tools, which enhance job site safety by eliminating tripping hazards and reducing the risk of electrical accidents associated with corded equipment. These advancements are helping create safer, more efficient work environments for construction professionals.
- Innovations at the Jobsite
DEWALT leads the way in job site innovation by actively learning from real-world conditions to refine its products for better performance, ease of use, and productivity. DEWALT integrates features like Bluetooth technology into its tools, inspired by cutting-edge technologies in space exploration and aviation. Their product innovations, such as Grabo, which is designed with a high-load capacity, pressure sensors, and powerful suction for lifting heavy construction materials, demonstrate their commitment to simplifying and enhancing the work of construction professionals, making job sites safer and more efficient.
PRODUCT INNOVATION X SUSTAINABILITY
The latest cordless tool range aligns with the sustainability objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and the UAE’s Green Economy initiatives by prioritising energy efficiency and reducing emissions. Designed to rival petrol-powered tools, these solutions deliver exceptional efficiency and productivity while minimising carbon footprints and encouraging cleaner energy practices. Additionally, they feature advanced cooling systems and protective mechanisms to ensure durability and reliability, even in the Middle East’s challenging climates. This emphasis on longevity allows construction professionals to depend on their tools for consistent performance, no matter the conditions.
THE TRANSITION
DEWALT research reveals that 73% of Middle East construction firms are shifting toward cordless tools, driven by a focus on efficiency and sustainability. This transition is fueled by the enhanced mobility and safety cordless tools provide, eliminating tripping hazards and boosting job site productivity while supporting regional goals of reducing emissions and fostering cleaner, more efficient work environments. DEWALT has been instrumental in this shift, educating end users and safety managers on the benefits of cordless solutions, leading to over 250 of their cordless power tools being widely adopted across MEP, civil, and interior finishing industries.
POWERSHIFT™ CORDLESS SYSTEMS
The POWERSHIFT™ cordless system is a groundbreaking innovation, offering consistent performance and exceptional reliability. Designed to boost construction efficiency, productivity, and safety, this versatile system supports a wide range of cordless tools. Its interchangeable battery system minimises downtime by allowing seamless use across multiple devices, enhancing job site productivity. The cordless design improves mobility and flexibility, eliminating tripping hazards and prioritising safety. Advanced battery management ensures optimal performance and extends tool lifespan, reducing maintenance and work interruptions. POWERSHIFT™ delivers a dependable, user-friendly solution tailored to the demands of modern construction projects.
POWERSHIFT™ 554Wh Battery
The POWERSHIFT™ 554Wh battery is specifically designed to tackle the Middle East’s harsh climate challenges. Its high capacity ensures extended runtime, boosting productivity in demanding conditions while reducing carbon emissions by up to 60% compared to traditional gas-powered equipment.
DEWALT’s POWERSHIFT™ system addresses three critical construction functions: preparation, placement, and coring. These tools are built to perform reliably in extreme temperatures, a common challenge in the region. Advanced thermal management technology prevents overheating, enhancing safety and durability, making them a dependable solution for tough job site conditions.
