'Starting business of heavy machinery after quitting job'
Md Mozibul Haque joined a private firm in 2001 after completing his study. He then joined the state-run Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) as an assistant engineer in 2005. He was promoted to executive engineer. But he quit the job in 2017 to do something new and then found Earthmoving Solution Limited. And, his firm now sells machinery worth Tk 4.25 billion (425 crore) annually.
With the rise of construction of big infrastructures in the country, use of heavy machinery has also been expanding. Since, these machinery are solely import-based, many people are involving in business of heavy machinery. And, one such firm is Earthmoving Solution Limited.
Earthmoving Solution Limited is the sole distributor of China’s Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group (XCMG) in Bangladesh. XCMG is the third largest construction machinery company in the world and Earthmoving Solution is the largest importer of heavy machinery in Bangladesh. The firm now imports heavy machinery and truck worth more than Tk 4 billion (400 crore) annually.
There has been a widespread use of XCMG-built machinery across the country with such heavy machinery even being used for excavating ponds, road construction and land development.
Most of the heavy machinery used for constructing infrastructures in the country is used equipment. This means this machinery is imported to the country after being used in another country for the first time. Earthmoving Solution, however, imports brand new machinery only.
People concerned in the sector said price of new and used machinery varies huge. That is why demand of used machinery is more in the country. Currently, about 5,000 small and large machinery worth about Tk 20 billon (2,000 crore) are imported in the country. The figure was less than Tk 1 billion (100 crore) five years ago. And, Earthmoving Solution alone imports XCMG machinery worth about Tk 4 billion (400 crore).
Excavator for earth digging, loaders and wheel dozers for heavyweight loading, soil compactors for soil furnishing, pipe layers and backhoe loaders for pipe installing are among the types of heavy machinery being used in various government and private projects.
Let’s begin how Earthmoving Solution starts it business. Md Mozibul Haque comes from a farmer and trade family in Damurhuda Chuadanga. He enrolled in mechanical engineering at Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology (RUET) in 1993. After finishing his study, he joined Greenland Engineers and Tractors Company (GETCO). At the same time, he completed MBA from the finance department at the University of Dhaka.
Mozibul Haque joined the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) as an assistant engineer in 2005. He had opportunities to participate in various programmes and home and abroad because of his job. At one point, he started dreaming to do something new. So, he started consultancy at a relative’s business amid his job. He also helped the firm expand its business. This firm also received order to supply generators and heavy machinery to various factories. The company also received another order to supply heavy machinery for the construction of Mogbazar flyover and that gave Mozibul Haque an opportunity to think anew.
Meantime, Mozibul Haque was promoted to the executive engineer. He established a connection with Chinese heavy machinery manufacture XCMG. He quit the government job in 2017 and found a new firm, Earthmoving Solution Limited.
The frim opened its first office in Mirpur DOHS. It imported new heavy machinery worth $22 million (2.20 crore) in the first year. Currently, Earthmoving Solution sells machinery worth $50 million (5 crore) or Tk 4.25 billion (425 crore) annually. In addition, Earthmoving Solution also processes the import of big contractors, and gives service guarantee and after-sale service.
Mozibul Haque told Prothom Alo, “I have been inspired to do something new because of the opportunity that I had due to the government job. And the outcome is Earthmoving Solution.” Heavy machinery has reached not only in cities but also in rural areas. Use if these mercenary has been increasing like agriculture machinery because of availability.
Mozibul Haque said XCMG machinery are being used in construction of the mega projects including the third terminal of Shahjalal International Airport, metro rail, Rooppur Nuclear power plant and Rampal power plant.
In addition to XCMG, Earthmoving Solution is also the local distributor of Chinese company Sinotruk. Heavy machinery manufactured by Sinotruk is also being used for construction purposes in the country, Mozibul Haque said adding, they import Sinotruk machinery worth Tk 1.50 billion (150 crore) annually.
Mozibul Haque further said Precision Engineers Limited, a concern of Earthmoving Solution, also constructs steel bridge and installs machineries at power plants and cement factories. Besides, he owns a housing company and a buying house.
When Mozibul Haque was taking to this correspondent at his office at the capital’s Mazar Road recently, presence of Chinese citizens was noticeable there.
“Demand for heavy machinery is increasing day by day. Business is expanding too. So, I plan to take office for all departments. Some are getting jobs and this gives a different kind of satisfaction,” Mozibul Haque said.
*This report appeared in the print and online edition of Prothom Alo and has been rewritten in English by Hasanul Banna