The chilling violence in Algeria isn’t keeping Jackson, Miss.-based Omnitech Inc., a home builder, from doing business there.
One of several companies represented on a trade mission to Algeria in August, Omnitech has signed a contract with Algerian investors to develop housing in 48 cities.
The trade mission was led by Ramtane Lamamra, the Algerian ambassador to the U.S., and accompanied by Atlanta attorney Bachir Mihoubi.
“Because of the violence very few businesses are willing to explore the possibilities in Algeria,” Mr. Mihoubi told GlobalFax. “But those that do are finding opportunities and are very well received.”
Mr. Mihoubi’s view was confirmed during a telephone interview last week by Chet Gauger, a vice president of Omnitech. “We were very pleasantly received by people who were hospitable and well educated,” he said. “We were especially pleased that they understood our concept.”
That concept was Omnitech’s proposal to set up facilities to manufacture panels from which houses could be constructed.
Omnitech executives had met with an Algerian delegation which had visited Jackson in March. At that time, they learned of the tremendous need in Algeria for more than a million homes.
The investors who will own more than 85% of the manufacturing facilities have required that Omnitech remain minority shareholders to ensure their continued involvement in the project, Mr. Gauger said.
For its part, Omni-tech, he added, will bring over Algerians to the U.S., so that they can be trained. The firm will then send its personnel to Algeria to assist in running the facilities.
Security concerns are far from Mr. Gauger’s mind, he added. “The Algerians will make sure that their investments are safe,” he said.
For more information, Mr. Mihoubi, who represents Omnitech and is acquainted with Algerian investors looking for U.S. partners particularly in construction and agribusiness fields, may be reached at (770) 452-0706.