Kentz signs deal with fuel giant Sasol

LISTED ENGINEERING and construction group Kentz has done a deal with South Africa’s biggest petrochemical group.

The company said yesterday that its subsidiary, Kentz South Africa, has signed a framework agreement with petrochemical and fuels giant, Sasol Technology.

According to a Kentz statement, the agreement consists of “predefined standard terms and conditions” that will govern engineering, procurement and construction contracts or construction management deals.

It covers all aspects of such projects from start to finish. Kentz said it will allow both parties the flexibility to engage quickly on such developments.

The Irish company said it has a 30-year relationship with Sasol, during which time it has provided it with mechanical, electrical and instrumentation services.

Kentz has its headquarters in Clonmel, Co Tipperary, and employs 10,000 in 23 countries. It floated on the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange last year. It recently reported that 2008 revenues were $643.4 million and profits before tax came to $40.7 million.

Sasol is based in South Africa but does business all over the continent. The company manufactures petrochemicals and synthetic fuels, refines petroleum and supplies natural gas.

Meanwhile, another Irish engineering group, Kirby, has won two contracts in Britain.

Siemens has hired the electrical engineering specialist to install lighting and general services at a new, gas-fired power plant in Wales. It has also been chosen to install fire alarms and closed-circuit TV systems to Bug World on Liverpool’s Albert Dock, which will be “Britain’s first insect-themed attraction”.