Datuk A K Nathan’s entry into the construction industry came by an accident. My brother, who lived in Singapore, actually received a contract to work on he Dayabumi project ( in Kuala Lumpur ) and he just passed it to me., ‘ he says.

At that time I knew nothing about steel construction but I secured the services of a sub-contractor. The sub-contractor started taking advantage of me. After a month I had fire to him. Then I hired a good supervisor with some skilled workers and got the job done.

Nathan says from there, he began to learn the trade from the workers he hired.

 ‘I spent a lot of time at the job site.’ Adds Nathan, who doesn’t have any formal education or training in engineering. Whatever he knows about the structural steel business he learned thorough hands-on experience and guidance from contractors like Nippon Steel Corporation (NSC).
So how did the company end up with a Japanese-sounding name like Eversendai Corporation Sdn. Bhd.?

Nathan says the “sendai” in his company’s name means ‘a thousand generations.’ It was the name of the town from which who gave him his first big break in the structural-steel business, Mr. T Yamaki, came.

 Success Comes at a price for Nathan. Having to be away from his family for long periods of time has meant missing ut on many important developments, such as childhood years of his two children. But he accepts that every successful person in any field has to pay a price.

Carles Raj and Bhupinder Singh managed to catch up with the affable and down to earth businessmen trips abroad.  

In which countries are you operating and how much does contribute to group revenue?
Malaysia is the head Office. We have offices in Singapore, The Philippines, Chennai in India, Dubai and Doha. The Malaysian operations contribute about 30% of group revenue and 70% comes from our operations abroad, primarily in Dubai and Doha, Qatar. 

What is the size of your order book?
We have about RM180 million worth of projects in Malaysia. In Dubai and Qatar, we have about RM550 million. We were awarded a project worth RM200 million in Doha but the client decided to scrap it. Our projects are fast rack, to be completed within six to 18 months. So whatever we have now will be completed by the end of next year.

Why did you sell a 30% stake in Eversendai to IJM Corporation Bhd?
I was looking at the synergy and long term advantages we could gain. Eversendai was growing too fast and I thought linking up with a big group would benefit us. Our niche in structural steel and experience abroad was attractive to IJM, it was a win-win situation. IJM is a preference shareholder with members on our board, but they do not get involved in the running of the group. 

Before that ideal, did the two companies do business?
We have done a few projects for them. The ideal was completed in 2004 and IJM paid RM12 million for the 30% stake. The stake is much more valuable today. 

The group’s turnover is growing very fast. Can you sustain it?
Yes. We are experiencing almost 100% growth in revenue every alternate year. Last year we did RM 200 million worth of business and this year, at least RM 300 million. 

Are your staf in the Middle East Malaysians?
They are from India. They adapt to the climate and it’s close to the subcontinent. It’s not easy to get Malaysians to go abroad as the lifestyle here is generally comfortable. Many other Malaysian companies also face this difficulty.

What is the size your work force?
We have about 3000 workers in Malaysia, Dubai and Doha. The figure is growing every month and we plan to bring about 500 people into Dubai and Qatar in the next few months. 

What are Eversendai’s margins like?
We make on average about 5-10%. You don’t get big margins in construction work these days, it’s all about reducing your overheads and trying to maximize your margins.

Would the new fabrication facility help your margins?
Yes, it would increase the volume of business. Erection work is about 30% of the project but now we can charge for 100% of the work. This is one reason why our turnover has grown. 

How your children involved in your business?
My son did IT and Management. He is interested in the business and has been learning the trade from the ground up for the past year. Working with people down the line has taught him more than what I have taught. He has the right attitude and approach to the business and I have spent time talking to him, motivating him, which I also do with my other staff. It takes years to gain the experience. My daughter has completed her law studies. 

There are reports that you want to get listed. Do you need to get listed?
Frankly speaking, I’m not so hungry now but I was at one time when I needed the money. Eventually in intention is that. My mindset has changed and since most of my operations are abroad, I may list my Dubai operations there. 

What kind of capex do you have?
We are investing about RM 40 million in the new fabrication facility. Apart from that, its more towards procurement of materials for construction work. The factory is needed for the execution of Contracts.

How do you relax and what are your hobbies?
I try to squeeze in some time of golf with my friends. I do not make business deal on the golf course. My golf sessions are o relax. It’s actually very difficult to talk business during a golf game. One phone call could spoil the game. But then again, a golf  session is one way to understand the person. I enjoy the game. 

You had some other businesses such as herbal body care company. What  has become of it?
That was just a passion but I have decided to concentrate on my core business, structural steel. I don’t have the time for other ventures. 

What does the ‘A K’ in your name stand for ?
They are just intials. My name is Nathan Elumaly. I believe in numerology and Elumaly can also be spelt with ‘A’. The ‘K’ initial is for my grandfather Krishnan.