Mario Alfio Sorbello: Future of SLS operations in Mongolia as we see them are fruitful

Sorbello Mario Alfio, Manager, Int’L Contacts and Technical Development Of SLS Bearings Pte Ltd

When was SLS established and what kind of operation and functions do we perform Worldwide? When was Mongolia established ?

SLS Bearings was established in 1963 and headquartered in Singapore. The company which stared with three staff, and now after almost 50 years of operation, has a staff strength of more than 1300 people throughout Singapore, East Malaysia, West Malaysia, Indonesia, China and Mongolia.

“SLS Bearings Mongolia LLC” is our most recent establishment with head office in Ulaanbaatar. Our staff are covering job functions including finance, accounting, sales, engineering, warehousing, delivery and customers service.

What is the reason that SLS Bearings has established branch in Mongolia.

We have seen Mongolia as being a destination for us, due to the activity in the mining industry as well as related industries. Since SLS has relevant experience in Mining Industry from our other regional operations, we believed our company could contribute to this industry development in Mongolia.
When we say contribute, we refer to engineering expertise, technical abilities, stocking and value added services provided to our customers. Also in Mongolia with several Power Stations in use, as well as textile, we are assisting to support with products and services.
For these industries, SLS is developing the talents of our Mongolian Staff to provide services and understand the products required to focus and contribute cost savings to the customers business.

What about the customers in Mongolia and how many customers has SLS made contact with right now?

We started with no customers when opening the branch. Now after being in operation for some time, and through constant contact with our Sales Team, we have managed to increase the list of customer to a substantial amount covering several industries.

What products do customers want most and what kind of products can SLS provide ?

Products most commonly requested from our customer are from the range we carry and promote being, Bearings and Accessories, sealing products such as Oil Seals, Sealants and Adhesives, Filters, Chain, Hydraulic Products, Drive Belts, Conveyor Belts and accessories, and Bearing Condition Tools. Majority of these items are in stock at our Ulaanbaatar warehouse.

How do you see the future of the branch in Mongolia?

Future of SLS operations in Mongolia as we see them are fruitful, since we have a lot of faith in the Mongolian Industry and the direction and strength of the Mongolian Government.
By supporting the local industries, SLS is able to make a contribution to the local economy. With the establishment of our Branch in Mongolia, we are investing in Training via increasing the competency of our Mongolian Staff, investing in stock, infrastructure as well as upholding our social responsibility to the local community. All of this we see as investing in future of Mongolia.

What do you think about Discover Mongolia expo and how will you participate in the Expo?

Actually for the past years, our company has been a spectator at this event. But this year we have decided to partake as a one of the exhibitors together with one of our Leading manufacturers, SKF. I would have to say we are very excited about Discovery Mongolia, coming up at end of August. In collaborations with our Principles, we have organized a very nice display and we have many things to show the visitors including tools, products and services.  

By participating in exhibition do you think SLS will have more customers and more companies to cooperate with ?

We certainly hope so. We believe Discovery Mongolia will attract a lot of people, coming from all over the country. Some will be our existing customers and some potential new customers. By participating we hope to expand our coverage of the customer base in Mongolia. Since we opened the Branch, I don’t think we have been able to meet everyone. So we are looking forward to this opportunity and being able to show case the latest product developments and services in the market.

About the Mongolian Branch, what do you think is the advantage of this branch comparing to the other Branchess SLS has established ?

This branch is firstly under the leadership of our Mongolian Branch Manager, Mr Batzorig who is native Mongolian and has lived here for all his life. So knowledge of the Mongolian environment and business arena is very important to us.
Secondly under his control, we have engineers who are able to provide engineering assistance and training to Mongolian customers in native language. I think that is very valuable as we are able to communicate with our customer base and share experiences about equipment they may be having and resolutions to these problems.

Thirdly we have a large investment in stock and in this business ,stock is very much important in being able to service your customers requirements. Because of this investment, we are able to support the industries in operation in Mongolia.

Fourthly, we have a experienced team of customer service offices. Customer Service is very important and being able to communicate to the customer regarding his actual requirements and needs. Once the requirement is clarified, we are able to perform the delivery service on the customer behalf.

Please give more information regarding the training provided for engineers?

SLS is renowned for it’s ability to provide training to the customers. Our training programme begins with basic to intermediate to advanced.
Secondly our training is for all the products we distribute being bearings and accessories, oil seals, filters, drive belts, chain, conveyor belt and accessories, and hydraulic equipment.
Thirdly when we deliver the training to our customers we are not only covering the new employees but also the experienced staff including engineers that have been in maintenance area for some time.
We also cover training in the commercial arena for part numbering and cataloguing. We see this as a value add to the customer.

Last question for you. How do you see and feel about trips in Mongolia and how do you feel the personality of the Mongolian people?

Personally, I am excited and happy every time I come to Mongolia. I think this is the wonderful country not only for business opportunities but you also have a wonderful environment here. The countryside is picturesque and very green in summer, very smooth and white in winter, and the culture is steeped in tradition. The travel is exciting in going to the Gobi region or north to Erdenet city or west to the Altain area. But along the way you see many wonderful things and you learn many things about the history of the country. It seems every trip I learn some new about Mongolia.

Thank you very much