An Exclusive conversation with Reza Rehman, Director Operations
Reza Rehman, Director Operations at The Imperial Electric Company, had an exclusive conversation with Engineering Post and reflected on the impact his organization has had in Pakistan’s power and electrical sector. A graduate with a BSc in Management Information Systems, Reza Rehman spent seven years as an SAP consultant in Vancouver, Canada, specializing in medium-scale implementations for clients across manufacturing, distribution, service industries, aviation, and beverages. He joined The Imperial Electric Company 13 years ago, where he has focused on internal operations, strategic vision, growth initiatives, and expansion efforts. The Imperial Electric Company, established in 1931 and approaching its centenary, has built a formidable reputation as a trusted provider of premium electrical solutions, generators, batteries, and allied products, serving critical infrastructure and industrial needs across the country.
Reza Rehman opened the conversation by tracing the company’s evolution. “The Imperial Electric Company has historically focused on premium brands that align with the highest standards of performance and reliability,” he explained. “While there was a period of reduced marketing visibility during the 1990s and early 2000s, we have significantly ramped up our efforts over the last 15 years. This renewed focus has allowed us to maintain and strengthen our reputation for uncompromising quality while staying closely aligned with global market leaders. Our customers continue to choose us because they know that when they invest in an Imperial solution, they are investing in durability, technical excellence, and long-term value.”
One of the standout successes in recent years has been the partnership with Chint. Reza Rehman spoke enthusiastically about this collaboration. “The partnership with Chint has been highly successful for us,” he noted. “We are proud to have earned the ‘Best Seller’ award through our efforts, which reflects both the strength of the products and our team’s dedication to market penetration. What makes Chint particularly compelling is that their products have now reached parity in quality with traditional European and American counterparts. For the Pakistani market, which remains price-conscious yet increasingly demands reliable performance, this represents an ideal balance. Customers get world-class technology and engineering at a more accessible price point, and that has driven strong adoption across industrial, commercial, and residential segments.”
The long-standing relationship with Schneider Electric further underscores The Imperial Electric Company’s strategic positioning. “We have been partnering with Schneider Electric for 25 to 30 years now,” Reza Rehman says with evident pride. “This is not just a commercial arrangement; it is a partnership built on shared core values of quality, reliability, and technical excellence. Both organizations prioritize innovation backed by rigorous standards, and that alignment has been instrumental in our sustained success. Over the decades, this collaboration has enabled us to deliver cutting-edge electrical distribution and control solutions that meet the evolving demands of Pakistan’s infrastructure and industry.”
The discussion naturally turns to the rapid rise of lithium-ion battery solutions under the HiThium brand. Reza Rehman attributed this growth to deep market needs. “The success of our lithium-ion battery ventures can be credited to a market that is desperate for greater energy independence,” he observed. “With persistent challenges around electricity billing, load-shedding, and rising costs, customers across sectors are seeking dependable backup and storage solutions. HiThium has resonated strongly because it delivers exactly that. Our manufacturing partners have expanded rapidly to meet demand, and we at Imperial stand firmly behind the technical quality of these products.”
Reza Rehman elaborated on the technical edge: “These batteries represent a significant leap forward in energy density, cycle life, and efficiency compared to traditional lead-acid options. We have seen particularly strong uptake in applications requiring reliable power continuity, from commercial establishments to critical infrastructure. Our role goes beyond distribution; we provide comprehensive technical support, installation guidance, and after-sales service that gives customers peace of mind. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing our belief that lithium technology is not just a trend but a fundamental shift that Imperial is well-positioned to lead in Pakistan.”
Another pillar of the company’s portfolio is the Impac generator brand, which has carved out a dominant position in a specialized niche. “Our Impac generators continue to serve the telecommunications sector exceptionally well,” Reza Rehman stated. “We have dominated this segment for over 25 years. These generators are purpose-engineered for extreme environments, whether it is the intense heat of southern Pakistan or the freezing conditions in higher altitudes. Reliability in such demanding settings is non-negotiable for telecom operators who cannot afford downtime. The robust design, fuel efficiency, and low maintenance characteristics of Impact units have made them the preferred choice for base stations and critical communication infrastructure across the country.”
When asked about the company’s broader philosophy and operational approach, Reza Rehman emphasized internal discipline and customer-centricity. Drawing from his SAP consulting background, he highlighted the importance of streamlined processes. “My experience implementing enterprise systems in diverse industries taught me the value of operational efficiency and data-driven decision making,” he reflected. “At The Imperial Electric Company, we apply those lessons daily. Whether optimizing supply chains, enhancing inventory management, or aligning sales strategies with market intelligence, we strive for continuous improvement. This internal focus complements our external partnerships and ensures we deliver consistent quality at scale.”
Looking ahead to the company’s milestone centenary, Reza Rehman outlines a clear vision for the next five years. “As we approach our 100th anniversary, the goal is to continue growing responsibly while remaining true to our founding principles,” he said. “We will keep learning from the market, listening closely to customer feedback, monitoring technological advancements, and adapting swiftly. Expansion will be measured, focusing on segments where we can add genuine value rather than chasing volume at the expense of standards.”
While commenting on the business environment in Pakistan specifically for companies related to the power sector he said “The Imperial Electric Company has weathered economic cycles, policy shifts, and technological disruptions over nearly a century by staying rooted in quality and innovation. We intend to build on that legacy.”
Reza Rehman also touched on the importance of human capital and team development. “Our success is driven by a dedicated team that shares the vision of excellence,” he observed. “Over my 13 years here, I have seen how investing in people, through training, knowledge sharing, and empowerment, translates directly into better service for our customers and stronger partnerships with principals like Schneider and Chint. This people-first approach remains central to our strategy.”
Discussing market dynamics, Reza Rehman acknowledges the growing emphasis on sustainability and energy efficiency. “Customers today are more informed and demand solutions that not only perform but also contribute to lower operational costs and reduced environmental impact,” he noted. “Whether through efficient generators, advanced battery storage, or intelligent electrical systems, we are aligning our offerings accordingly. The lithium-ion push is a prime example: by enabling better energy management, these solutions help mitigate reliance on grid power and support greener operations.”
On the competitive landscape, Reza Rehman remained confident. “While competition has intensified, our differentiation lies in the depth of our partnerships, the proven reliability of our brands, and our long institutional knowledge of the Pakistani market,” he asserted. “We do not just sell products; we provide engineered solutions backed by service excellence. That holistic approach has earned us trust over decades and will continue to be our guiding star.”
As the conversation drew to a close, Reza Rehman reflected on the journey ahead with optimism. “The next five years will be transformative for the power sector in Pakistan. The Imperial Electric Company is ready to play a leading role by continuing to grow, embracing innovation, and upholding the quality standards that have defined us since 1931. We remain committed to supporting national development through reliable energy solutions that empower businesses and communities alike.”
