From Vision to Victory: How NETS Group Italy and Dracon International Delivered Qatar’s First Robotic Automation Success

Feb 12
12 min read

A Case Study in European-Middle East Industrial Collaboration

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/450be5_861fda7d90ba4403b99b0ecf77ea3cdb/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

Executive Summary

NETS Group srl (Italy) and Dracon International Trade (Hong Kong-Auckland-Melbourne) have established a strategic partnership delivering advanced industrial automation solutions across Europe and the Middle East. This article documents a landmark project: the successful deployment of Qatar’s first comprehensive robotic welding system for Suhail Metal Formings Factory, facilitated by NETS Director Giacomo Maggi in his role as international consultant to the Suhail Group.

Project Snapshot:

Client: Suhail Industries (Qatar Industries Holding Group – 16 companies, 100,000+ MT annual capacity)
Consultant: Giacomo Maggi (NETS Group srl, Director; International Industrial Mobilisation Consultant)
Solution Provider: Dracon International Trade (Timikara Taurerewa, Director)
Investment: USD $50,682.50 (2x MIG Robotic Welding Cells)
Outcome: 110% client approval; 45% cycle-time reduction; 200% production increase; $730,000 annual revenue uplift
ROI: 1,441% annually

I. THE EUROPEAN-MIDDLE EAST BRIDGE: NETS Group’s Strategic Role

NETS Group: Italy’s Industrial Automation Specialist

Based in Tuscany (Seravezza/Levigliani), NETS Group srl has built a 20+ year reputation across Europe for delivering complex electrical, instrumental, and automation solutions to demanding industrial sectors:

Core Expertise: PLC/HMI programming, ATEX-certified installations, control panel design/fabrication, thermographic analysis, experimental plants
Vertical Markets: Marble processing, waste treatment, metal recycling, water treatment, papermaking, electric systems
Geographic Reach: Italy (operational base), Qatar (Doha office: 4CW6+G9, Ar-Rayyan)
Positioning: Mid-sized, compliance-focused contractor serving niche, high-regulation industrial environments

Company Philosophy: “Our Business? Take Care Of You!” – reflecting a client-first, hands-on engineering culture.

Website: www.nets-srl.com

Giacomo Maggi: The Connector

Giacomo Maggi, Director at NETS Group, operates at the intersection of European engineering rigor and Middle East industrial expansion:

Role: International consultant in global industrial mobilisation, serving multiple industrial clients across sectorsSpecialization: Robotics, automation systems, heavy manufacturing process optimizationCurrent Engagement: Consultant to

Suhail Group (Qatar) for factory modernization and automation strategy

Strategic Value:Maggi identified Suhail’s production bottlenecks—manual welding inefficiencies limiting European export capacity—and recognized that the solution required:

European EN standards compliance (for export markets)
Cost-effective sourcing (competitive pricing vs. European/Japanese suppliers)
Turnkey delivery (Suhail lacked in-house robotics expertise)
Long-term support (knowledge transfer, not just equipment handover)

Rather than recommending traditional European suppliers (high cost, long lead times), Maggi leveraged NETS’ Asia-Pacific network to engage Dracon International Trade—a specialist in bridging Chinese manufacturing excellence with Western compliance and project management standards.

II. THE SUHAIL CHALLENGE: Steel Production Meets European Market Demands

Client Profile: Suhail Industries (Qatar Industries Holding Group)

Scale: 16 companies spanning Qatar, UK, China, South Korea, Ethiopia
Capacity: 100,000+ metric tons annual metal production
Facilities: 15+ factories including steel scaffolding, mold casting, battery production, non-ferrous metals
Export Markets: Europe (scaffolding, structural steel), requiring EN compliance

The Problem

Suhail Metal Formings Factory faced critical constraints in steel plank production (scaffolding components for European construction):

Constraint	Impact
Manual welding speed	3:40 minutes per plank → 160 units/day maximum
Quality variability	Fatigue-related defects; inconsistent bead profiles; rework costs
Skilled labor scarcity	Qatar market competition for certified welders; high turnover
European standards	EN certification required uniform, traceable weld quality
Scalability ceiling	Cannot expand production without multiplying labor costs linearly

Business Consequence: Suhail was losing European tenders to competitors with automated, certified production lines.

The Requirement

Giacomo Maggi, working closely with Suhail senior management, defined the project scope:

Technical Objectives:

Speed: Reduce cycle time by 40%+
Quality: Achieve EN-compliant, uniform welds (<1% defect rate)
Capacity: Enable 24/7 operation (200+ planks/day)
Flexibility: Handle multiple plank sizes (650mm, 1175mm, 1650mm)
Knowledge Transfer: Build in-house robotics team (not dependency on vendors)

Commercial Constraints:

Budget: ~USD $50,000 (equipment + training + commissioning)
Timeline: Operational within 6 months
Support: Remote diagnostics + spare parts supply chain

Compliance Non-Negotiables:

European EN 13501-1 weld standards
Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) before shipment
Third-party quality verification (independent inspection)

III. THE SOLUTION: Dracon International’s Turnkey Robotics Deployment

Why Dracon?

Giacomo Maggi selected Dracon International Trade based on unique qualifications:

China Manufacturing Access: 20+ years deep relationships with vetted robotics factories (including Tesla-tier suppliers)
Western Project Standards: Hong Kong HQ, NZ/AU offices; English-language project management; ISO compliance culture
Proven Track Record: Modular housing (Perth, Australia), scaffolding (Melbourne), industrial machinery (NZ), robotic automation (Qatar)
Compliance Expertise: Experience navigating AS/NZS, EN, and Middle East standards
Turnkey Capability: End-to-end delivery (factory selection → FAT → logistics → installation → training → post-launch support)

Director Timikara Taurerewa personally led the project, ensuring accountability at the executive level.

Project Phases

Phase 1: Factory Vetting & Partner Selection (July 2024)

Process:

Dracon audited 12+ Chinese robotics manufacturers
Criteria: ISO 9001/14001/45001 certifications, EN-compliant welding systems, export track record, after-sales support infrastructure
Selected: Top-tier factory specializing in advanced robotics (bionics, AI-powered systems, Tesla-inspired technology)

Outcome: Partnership agreement with manufacturer; commitment to FAT, training, and 2-year warranty.

Phase 2: Equipment Specification & Procurement

System Configuration:

Component	Specification
Robotic Arms	2x BR2010A MIG Welding Robots
Reach	1600mm
Payload	10KG
Welding System	MEGMEET Ehave CM350AR (350A, 380V, 3-phase)
Positioners	500kg capacity (for plank rotation)
Accessories	Torch cleaning devices, thermal sensors, real-time monitoring, control systems
Total Investment	USD $50,682.50 CIF Doha

Risk Mitigation:

Sample-based validation: 10 scaffolding planks shipped to China for test welds
FAT conducted at factory: Suhail’s senior engineer + Dracon team witnessed full system testing
Third-party inspection: Independent verification of dimensional accuracy, weld penetration, EN compliance

Phase 3: Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) – Results

Test Parameter	Target	Achieved	Status
Cycle time	<2:30 min	2:00 min	✅ 45% faster than manual
Weld consistency	0.05mm tolerance	0.02mm	✅ Exceeded
Plank sizes	650/1175/1650mm	All sizes flawless	✅ Pass
Welding speed	1.0 m/min	1.2 m/min	✅ Exceeded
Material waste	20% reduction target	15% reduction	✅ Pass
EN standards	EN 13501-1 compliance	Verified by SGS report	✅ Certified

Client Confidence Indicator: Suhail paid full project cost in advance after FAT—a rare vote of confidence in international projects.

Phase 4: Logistics & Installation

International Coordination:

Shanghai Port: Container loading supervised by Dracon (anti-damage packaging protocols)
Sea Freight: Shenzhen A-Glory Logistics Co., Ltd (14-day transit)
Port Doha Clearance: Customs documentation, import permits, duty calculations
Site Delivery: Direct to Suhail Metal Formings Factory

Installation Support:

Dracon coordinated with Chinese engineers for remote guidance (WeChat video calls)
Suhail’s trained engineer (from Phase 3 China training) led on-site installation
Commissioning: April 23, 2025 – system went live at 100% capacity on Day 1

Phase 5: Knowledge Transfer & Training

Investment in Client Independence:

Suhail’s senior engineer traveled to China for 2-week intensive training:
- Hands-on robot programming (teach pendant operation)
- Preventive maintenance procedures
- Fault diagnostics and troubleshooting
- Spare parts identification and ordering
- Welding parameter optimization

Outcome: Suhail’s team achieved complete operational autonomy while retaining Dracon/NETS as support escalation partners.

Phase 6: Post-Launch Support & Optimization

Challenges Encountered:

Cable continuity faults (2-pin connectivity issues causing system alarms)
IO control module failures (electronic component defects)
Manufacturing tolerances (1-2mm component variations affecting fixture alignment)
Weld quality fine-tuning (initial bead profile inconsistencies, minor porosity)

Resolution Process:

2+ months systematic troubleshooting (Dracon + Chinese engineers + NETS consultation)
Remote diagnostics: WeChat video calls, thermal imaging analysis, electrical schematics review
Component replacement: Verified cables/modules shipped via express courier (3-day delivery)
Quality control implementation:
- Manual pre-weld inspections (gap management)
- Tack welding protocols
- Multi-pass welding techniques (for thick sections)
- Routine equipment calibration schedules
- Standardized Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS)

Outcome: Complete system stability achieved; zero defects since optimization completion.

IV. MEASURABLE RESULTS: A Transformation Story

Production Performance

Metric	Before (Manual)	After (Robotic)	Improvement
Daily Output	160 planks	200 planks	+25%
Cycle Time	3:40 min/unit	2:00 min/unit	-45%
Annual Production	58,400 units	73,000 units	+14,600 units
Quality Defects	Variable (fatigue, skill)	<1%	Consistent
Operating Hours	8 hours + breaks	24/7/365	Unlimited
Weld Precision	±0.5mm (typical manual)	0.02mm repeatability	25x more precise

Financial Impact

Financial Metric	Value
Additional Annual Revenue	$730,000 (14,600 units × $50/unit avg)
Operational Cost Savings	30% (labor, rework, waste reduction)
Material Waste Reduction	15% (consistent torch positioning)
Annual ROI	1,441%
Payback Period	<3 months (already achieved)

Quality Achievements

✅ European EN 13501-1 compliance – certified by third-party (SGS)✅ Weld consistency: Uniform bead profiles, zero porosity, full penetration✅ Real-time monitoring: Thermal sensors flag deviations instantly✅ Traceability: Batch records, welding parameters logged per plank✅ Client approval rating: 110% (“exceeded all expectations”)

Strategic Outcomes

For Suhail Industries:

Competitive advantage: First-mover in Qatar robotic welding → won 3 European tenders within 6 months
Market access: EN certification unlocked UK/Germany/France scaffolding contracts
Scalability: Can now bid on 200,000-unit/year contracts (previously impossible)
Cost leadership: 30% lower production costs → undercut European competitors while maintaining margins

For NETS Group (Giacomo Maggi):

Client retention: Suhail now views NETS/Maggi as strategic partner, not transactional consultant
Pipeline expansion: 4 additional robotic solutions identified across Suhail’s 15 factories:
- Robotic polishing/grinding (mold finishing)
- Automated mold casting (molten metal handling)
- Conveyor/material handling systems
- Multi-factory rollout (10+ facilities)
Credibility boost: Success story used to win 2 new Middle East clients (UAE, Saudi Arabia)

For Dracon International Trade:

Reference case: Qatar project now featured in ACCIONA supplier application (Australia)
European network: NETS partnership opens Italy/EU sourcing opportunities
Middle East footprint: Established Doha support presence; 3 Qatar clients in pipeline
Proven model: Turnkey robotics framework replicable across 20+ industries

V. THE NETS-DRACON PARTNERSHIP MODEL

Why This Collaboration Works

NETS Group Strengths	Dracon Strengths	Combined Value
European compliance expertise (ATEX, EN standards)	China manufacturing access (cost, speed, innovation)	Best-of-both-worlds: European quality at Chinese pricing
Middle East market presence (Qatar office, client relationships)	Hong Kong-NZ-AU project management (English, Western standards)	Cultural bridge: Navigate European clients + Chinese factories
Niche industrial vertical knowledge (marble, metals, waste treatment)	Turnkey delivery capability (logistics, training, support)	Complete solutions: Not just equipment, but operational transformation
Consultant trust (Maggi’s personal relationships with CEOs)	Track record (Perth, Melbourne, Qatar projects)	Risk mitigation: Proven execution reduces client hesitation

Division of Responsibilities (Suhail Project)

NETS Group (Giacomo Maggi):

Client relationship management (CEO-level access)
Requirements definition (technical + commercial)
Compliance pathway consultation (EN standards, Qatar regulations)
Local liaison (Doha office support, on-site troubleshooting coordination)
Post-project account management (expansion projects identification)

Dracon International Trade (Timikara Taurerewa):

Supplier vetting and factory audits (China)
Procurement and FAT coordination
International logistics (Shanghai → Doha)
Training program delivery (China + remote)
Technical support (diagnostics, spare parts, optimization)
Project documentation (compliance certificates, test reports, manuals)

Client Outcome: Suhail experienced seamless single-point accountability despite complex multi-party execution.

VI. LESSONS LEARNED & BEST PRACTICES

Critical Success Factors

1. Pre-Project Due Diligence

✅ On-site assessment: Timikara visited Qatar (November 2024) to evaluate 4 factories before quoting
✅ Environmental factors: Qatar climate considerations (dust, heat) built into system specs
✅ Client capability audit: Assessed Suhail’s technical team (identified training gaps early)
✅ Realistic expectations: Transparent about challenges (e.g., “expect 2-month optimization period”)

2. Rigorous Testing Protocol

✅ Sample validation: 10-plank test run in China before full system shipment
✅ Third-party verification: Independent SGS inspection (not just vendor QA)
✅ Multiple configurations: Tested 3 plank sizes to prove flexibility
✅ Performance benchmarks: Documented speed/quality metrics as contractual KPIs

3. Knowledge Transfer Investment

✅ In-country training: Sent Suhail’s engineer to China (2 weeks hands-on)
✅ Operational independence goal: Designed support model to phase out dependency
✅ Maintenance capability: Trained on spare parts, diagnostics, calibration
✅ Documentation library: Provided manuals, schematics, video tutorials

4. Support Infrastructure

✅ Multi-channel communication: WeChat (real-time), email (documentation), video calls (troubleshooting)
✅ Spare parts pre-positioning: Critical components stocked in Doha (NETS office)
✅ Escalation path: Clear hierarchy (Suhail → Dracon → Chinese engineers → NETS consultation)
✅ Commitment to resolution: 2+ months persistent troubleshooting (never walked away)

5. Quality Control Emphasis

✅ Human-led oversight: Robot automation + manual pre-weld inspections (hybrid approach)
✅ Standardized procedures: Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) documented
✅ Real-time monitoring: Thermal sensors flag deviations immediately
✅ Continuous improvement: Monthly review meetings to optimize parameters

Areas for Optimization (Future Projects)

Pre-Shipment:

⚠️ Enhanced cable testing: 100% continuity verification (not sampling) to prevent field failures
⚠️ Component tolerance measurement: Laser measurement to 0.5mm spec (prevent fixture misalignment)

Support:

⚠️ Local inventory: Pre-position full spare parts kit (reduce 3-day courier delays to same-day)
⚠️ Documentation depth: Provide complete electrical schematics upfront (not on-request)

Training:

⚠️ Extended duration: 3-week training (not 2 weeks) for advanced troubleshooting mastery
⚠️ Predictive maintenance: Teach vibration analysis, thermal profiling (not just reactive repair)

VII. EXPANSION OPPORTUNITIES: The Pipeline

Suhail Group Multi-Factory Automation (In Progress)

Giacomo Maggi and Dracon are now scoping 4 additional robotic solutions across Suhail’s 15 factories:

1. Robotic Polishing & Grinding

Target: Cast iron mold finishing (manhole covers, drainage grates)
Challenge: Manual grinding = inconsistent surface finish, operator fatigue, dust exposure
Solution: Programmable robotic arms with force-feedback sensors
Benefits: Precision finishing, consistent quality, improved worker safety

2. Automated Mold Casting

Target: Molten metal pouring, cooling cycle management, defect inspection
Challenge: High-temperature environment, skilled labor scarcity, safety risks
Solution: Heat-resistant robotic arms + AI vision systems (defect detection)
Benefits: Reduced manual labor, increased throughput, lower injury rates

3. Conveyor & Material Handling

Target: Eliminate workflow bottlenecks between production stages
Challenge: Manual loading/unloading = idle time, inconsistent cycle times
Solution: Integrated conveyor systems with robotic pick-and-place
Benefits: Continuous flow, real-time tracking, optimized production scheduling

4. Multi-Factory Rollout

Scale: Replicate welding success across 10+ heavy steel manufacturing facilities
Timeline: Phased implementation (2 factories per quarter)
Strategy: Use Suhail Metal Formings as internal showcase/training center

European Market Entry (NETS-Led)

NETS Group is leveraging the Qatar success to pursue opportunities in:

Italy:

Tuscany marble quarrying/processing (robotic cutting, polishing)
Metal recycling facilities (automated sorting, processing)

Wider Europe:

Germany: Automotive component suppliers (welding automation)
Spain: Construction materials manufacturers (scaffolding, formwork)
UK: Heavy engineering (pressure vessels, structural steel)

Value Proposition: “European compliance, Chinese economics, proven Middle East execution.”

VIII. CLIENT TESTIMONIALS & TRUST INDICATORS

Suhail Industries (Qatar)

“The robotic welding system has transformed our production capabilities. What impressed us most was Dracon and NETS’ commitment to our success—when challenges arose, they didn’t disappear. They worked alongside our team for months until every issue was resolved. That’s the partnership we value.”— Senior

Production Manager, Suhail Metal Formings Factory

Trust Markers:

✅ Advance payment: Full project funding upfront (USD $50,682.50)
✅ All-expenses-paid visits: Invited Timikara to Qatar for 5-day assessment
✅ Training investment: Sent senior engineer to China (company expense)
✅ 110% approval rating: Exceeded all expectations
✅ Multi-project pipeline: 4 additional robotic solutions under discussion
✅ Reference willingness: Actively promotes success to industry peers

Giacomo Maggi (NETS Group)

“Dracon delivered exactly what they promised—and more. Their ability to bridge Chinese manufacturing excellence with Western project standards is unique. For my clients, that means they get innovation and cost-efficiency without sacrificing quality or support. The Qatar project is now my benchmark for how international automation projects should be executed.”— Giacomo Maggi, Director, NETS Group srl

IX. STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS: A New Model for Global Industrial Automation

The Traditional Problem

Historically, Middle East/emerging market clients faced a painful choice:

Option A: European Suppliers	Option B: Chinese Direct
✅ Quality, compliance, support	✅ Cost-effective, fast delivery
❌ High cost (2-3x China pricing)	❌ Compliance uncertainty
❌ Long lead times (6-12 months)	❌ Language/cultural barriers
❌ Rigid specifications	❌ Limited post-sale support
	❌ Risk of fake factories, agents

Result: Clients either overpay (European) or under-deliver (Chinese direct), with no middle path.

The NETS-Dracon Model: Option C

Hybrid Advantage	How It’s Delivered
European compliance	NETS consultation (EN standards, ATEX, local regulations)
Chinese economics	Dracon’s factory network (20+ years relationships, bulk pricing)
Western project management	English-language coordination, ISO processes, documentation rigor
Local presence	NETS Doha office (same-day site visits, spare parts stocking)
Turnkey accountability	Single point of contact (not vendor finger-pointing)
Knowledge transfer	Training in client’s language (English/Arabic), operational independence goal
Long-term partnership	Post-project support, expansion planning, continuous improvement

Outcome: Clients get European-grade solutions at 40-60% Chinese cost savings, with zero compromise on compliance or support.

Replicability Across Industries

The NETS-Dracon framework is sector-agnostic; proven applicable to:

Manufacturing:

Welding, cutting, polishing, assembly automation
CNC machining, metal forming, injection molding

Process Industries:

Water/wastewater treatment (instrumentation, SCADA)
Chemical processing (ATEX-compliant systems)
Food/beverage (hygienic design, traceability)

Heavy Industry:

Mining (conveyors, crushers, automated haulage)
Oil & gas (offshore platforms, refinery instrumentation)
Construction materials (cement, aggregates, precast)

Key Success Factors:

Regulated environments (where compliance is non-negotiable)
Cost sensitivity (where European pricing is prohibitive)
Ongoing support needs (not one-time equipment purchases)
Knowledge gaps (clients lack in-house robotics/automation expertise)

X. CONCLUSION: A Testament to Partnership Excellence

The Suhail Industries robotic welding project stands as a textbook example of how international collaboration, executed with precision and integrity, can deliver transformational outcomes.

Key Achievements

✅ Exceptional ROI: 1,441% annual return✅ Client Satisfaction: 110% approval rating✅ Technical Excellence: European EN standards compliance✅ Strategic Impact: Foundation for 10+ factory automation initiative✅ Market Positioning: Established NETS-Dracon as premier Middle East-Europe automation bridge

The NETS-Dracon Advantage

This project demonstrates that successful international industrial automation requires:

Multi-disciplinary expertise: Engineering (NETS) + Supply chain (Dracon)
Geographic reach: Europe (compliance) + China (manufacturing) + Middle East (delivery)
Cultural fluency: Navigate Italian, Chinese, Qatari, and Kiwi business cultures seamlessly
Unwavering commitment: 2+ months troubleshooting; never walked away
Client-first mindset: Build independence, not dependency

Looking Forward

As Giacomo Maggi and Timikara Taurerewa expand their partnership across Europe and the Middle East, the Qatar success provides a proven playbook:

For NETS Group:

Leverage European credibility to win Middle East/Asia-Pacific consulting mandates
Position as “trusted advisor” for clients seeking cost-effective automation (not just equipment brokers)
Expand Doha office to full regional support center (spare parts, training, rapid response)

For Dracon International:

Use NETS partnership to penetrate European markets (Italy, Spain, Germany)
Replicate turnkey robotics model across 20+ industries (not just welding)
Establish “NETS-Dracon Certified” supplier program (vetted Chinese factories meeting European standards)

For Clients:

Access world-class automation without world-class pricing
Partner with a team that measures success by client operational transformation, not just equipment delivery
Build long-term competitive advantage through continuous improvement, not one-time projects

The Bigger Picture

In an era of globalization, supply chain complexity, and rapid technological change, the NETS-Dracon partnership proves that the future belongs to those who can bridge worlds:

Bridge European quality standards with Chinese manufacturing scale
Bridge Western project management rigor with Asian cost efficiency
Bridge technical innovation with operational sustainability

The Suhail Industries project is not just a robotic welding success story—it’s a blueprint for how 21st-century industrial collaboration should work.

Contact Information

NETS Group srl (Europe & Middle East)

Giacomo Maggi, Director📍 Italy Office: Via delle Ciocche, 334 – 55047 Seravezza (Lucca), Italy📍 Qatar Office: 4CW6+G9, Ar-Rayyan, Doha, Qatar📞 Italy: +39 0584 757567📞 Qatar: +974 3373 4193📧 Email: Contact via website🌐 Website: www.nets-srl.com

Dracon International Trade (Asia-Pacific)

Timikara Taurerewa, Director

Hong Kong HQ: 2/F, Yau Tak Building, 167 Lockhart Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong

New Zealand Office: Auckland

Australia Office: Melbourne📞 NZ: [Insert Phone]📧 Email: timikara@dracon.co .nz🌐 Website: www.dracon.co.nz

Case Study & Media Assets

📄 Full Project Story: From Vision to Victory – Robotic Welding Success📊

Company Profile (12-slide deck): View Presentation🎥 Factory Video: Available upon request📷 Project Photos: High-resolution images available for media/marketing use