Mineral Circles Bearings (MCB) has expanded its Middle East team from just two employees in 1984 to over 120 today, a testament to its consistent growth and strong network of partnerships across the region.
Managing Director Hassanein Alwan, with a background in aeronautical engineering from KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden and a business and marketing diploma from the University of Cambridge, has brought a holistic approach to guiding Mineral Circles Bearings.
In this exclusive Q&A, Alwan shares insights into the strategies that have defined Mineral Circles Bearings’ growth, the technological shifts reshaping the industry, and his vision for the future.
Reflecting on the company’s journey, he speaks passionately about the importance of adaptability and forward-thinking in an evolving landscape influenced by trends such as artificial intelligence and big data.
Alwan’s emphasis on structured planning and a customer-centric approach continues to drive the company forward, ensuring that MCB remains well-positioned to meet the changing needs of the power transmission industry.
Congratulations to Mineral Circles Bearings for the 40 years milestone, how does that make you feel?
This is a significant milestone for the company. We are proud of our past achievements and excited about the future. Witnessing our growth from two people in 1984 to over 120 today is remarkable. The company now impacts thousands through its sales network and partnerships, which fills us with immense pride.
Beyond business growth and milestones, what vision and values would you say got the company where it is today?
As a company, we plan and operate in a structured manner with a forward-thinking approach. We focus on planning for the future and fostering a culture that is inclusive and supports individual differences.
We call it the MCB way; straightforward and well structured, support and respect the individual differences. We are always forward thinking, reliable and trustworthy
With rapid technological advancements, how have customer expectations evolved, and what innovative approaches has Mineral Circles Bearings adopted to meet these new demands, especially in product development and customer service?
To stay at the forefront of the market, companies must continuously evolve. We have established a new Research and Innovation (R&I) department to push our limits and keep us ahead. Recognising rapid changes in customers and the market, we aim to adapt swiftly. Instead of focusing on competitors, we strive to be the best version of ourselves, ensuring continuous evolution and reinvention. The market will naturally address our competitors, so our focus remains on our progress.
How has the landscape of the industry changed since Mineral Circles Bearings was founded, and what do you believe will be the next big change?
The power transmission industry is influenced by major market trends, such as the Internet of Things, sustainability, social media, big data, and AI. These trends impact our business both directly and indirectly.
We foresee the B2B market adopting traits of the B2C market, with customers expecting more personalised and immediate interactions. This requires us to adopt agile, customer-centric approaches.
AI and sustainability will play crucial roles in shaping the industry’s future. AI will transform our processes, from product development to customer service, enhancing efficiency and anticipating market needs. Sustainability will drive responsible innovation, ensuring our growth aligns with environmental and social well-being.
As you reflect on the past 40 years, what are some lessons learned that you believe are essential for future leaders in the industry?
One fundamental lesson we’ve learned is the importance of resilience and perseverance. Don’t be afraid to take bold decisions. It is a marathon, not a sprint. Plan well, push consistently, and keep looking forward. Don’t get distracted by everything around us. Keep the focus, as small consistent steps can make a big difference over a period of time. There is no magic but to work smarter and harder than everyone else.
Another critical insight is that success is built on a foundation of strong values and a clear vision. For future leaders in the industry, embracing change while staying true to core principles is essential. The ability to adapt and pivot in response to market dynamics, techno-logical advancements, and evolving customer expectations is what will set apart the leaders of tomorrow.
How is Mineral Circles Bearings engaging with and empowering the next generation of professionals in the industry to embrace sustainability and innovation?
Maybe I have mentioned it earlier. We have the R&I team, a team full of young bright minds that are not afraid to say and do things differently. We also bring interns and young professionals to engage in our discussions and help the business evolve. Innovation and sustain-ability are just part of what we do in this department. This empowers the younger generation to grow, evolve, and bring changes. These young minds work directly with top man-agement, bridging the gap and getting things done in no time.
As the industry evolves, what do you see as the biggest opportunities for innovation within Mineral Circles Bearings, and how do you plan to leverage them?
We are working in a very traditional business that primarily operates through conventional transactions. However, digitalisation is becoming the new normal, and we aim to leverage this shift to provide customers with 24/7 support and service.
We also believe that our 40 years of accumulated data represents a veritable goldmine that we must explore and utilise. By employing advanced AI technologies, we can unlock valuable insights from this data, driving innovation and enhancing our decision-making processes. These changes will not only improve efficiency but also help us better meet the evolving needs of our customers in real-time.
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for Mineral Circles Bearings over the next decade? How do you envision the company’s role in the global market evolving?
Our main focus is on the Middle East and Africa. We aim to evolve into the leading company in the region serving the power transmission industry. We will provide state-of-the-art solutions for our customers to help them understand and select the best products to fit their applications. Additionally, we will offer personalised solutions and technical services that meet world-class standards. Our efforts will be guided by sustainability and customer satisfaction.
As you look ahead to the next chapter for Mineral Circles Bearings, what is the one message or legacy you hope will continue to inspire the team and industry partners long after this milestone anniversary?
At Mineral Circles Bearings, we don’t merely seek customers or suppliers; we have long transitioned to working exclusively with partners. Our goal is to bring them value that transcends mere price and product delivery. We scrutinise different markets with a magnifying glass to better understand the market dynamics and our customers’ needs, fostering long-term partnerships. Our approach is to engage in business with our partners in a way that makes our collaboration enjoyable and mutually beneficial.
