Engr. Syed Saadat Hussain shares keen insights with Engineering Post
S.M. Jaffer and Co., a name synonymous with engineering excellence in Pakistan, traces its roots back to 1949 when it was established by the visionary entrepreneurs Mr. Shams ud Din and his younger brother Mr. Kasim Ali. What began as a conventional business venture focused solely on engineering-related products has now evolved into a multifaceted engineering enterprise, thanks to the dynamic leadership and vision of Mr. Khurrum Kasim Ali, Managing Director, Mr. Kaisar Kasim Ali, Director and Engr. Syed Saadat Hussain, the company’s current CEO.
Engr. Syed Saadat Hussain, a graduate Electrical Engineer by profession joined the company in 1997. Since then, he has been instrumental in transforming it into a comprehensive and full-fledged engineering company. During a recent exclusive conversation with Engineering Post he explained “My vision was always to build a company that could offer engineered solutions under one roof, not just trade products,” said Engr. Syed Saadat Hussain. “With time and effort, we gradually expanded our portfolio and expertise.”
The core of S.M. Jaffer and Co.’s business continues to revolve around generator sets, which account for over 50% of the company’s turnover. The company has also established itself as a leading provider of Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems in Pakistan, dealing exclusively with ABB products as their sole distributor. “ABB UPS systems are a vital part of our product line. Reliability and quality have always been our guiding principles which is why we work only with the top brands in the world” added Engr. Syed Saadat Hussain.
In a bid to diversify, the company entered the solar energy sector, serving both domestic and industrial clients. “We recognized early on that the future lies in renewable energy,” said Engr. Syed Saadat Hussain. “That’s why we actively invested in solar and later even installed wind power systems.”
The company’s growth didn’t stop there. It ventured into the construction machinery business and is now the partner of the globally renowned XCMG Company in Pakistan. This was followed by expansion into busway systems, material handling equipment (MHE) such as forklifts and warehouse solutions, as well as grading equipment and world renowned cleaning equipment NILFISK. In the home appliances sector, the company has joined hands with Alpina to offer quality products tailored for the Pakistani market.
“What sets us apart is not just the breadth of our portfolio, but the thought process behind every decision we make,” explained Engr. Syed Saadat Hussain. “Only those companies that operate with a clear, long-term strategy can truly survive in today’s competitive landscape.”
A critical pillar of the company’s success has been its unmatched after-sales service. It was Engr. Syed Saadat Hussain who first pitched the idea of a strong and responsive service network. Today, S.M. Jaffer and Co. boasts a technical team of over 550 professionals who are trained to provide support around the clock. “When you’re selling high-end, high-tech equipment, service is not optional it’s essential. That’s why we’ve built one of the strongest after-sales service networks with 26 footprints across the country,” emphasized Engr. Syed Saadat Hussain.
Furthering its commitment to local industry, the company has also initiated local coupling of gensets, enhancing domestic capabilities and reducing dependency on imports.
From a modest trading operation in 1949 to a full-scale engineering solutions provider, S.M. Jaffer and Co. stands as a testament to innovation, resilience, and leadership driven forward by the vision and passion of Engr. Syed Saadat Hussain.
