Brian Ramatally, Managing Director, Caribbean Analytical Services Limited (CASL)

Origins of the business

Caribbean Analytical Services Limited (CASL) opened its doors in 2002 by Brian Ramatally, Managing Director, and his late father, Bim Ramatally. CASL was formed as an industrial laboratory in Point Lisas with a focus on lubricants, process fluids, and wastewater. The demand for lubricant analysis was overwhelming and the company quickly grew into a lubrication support company. CASL diversified over the years and currently provides products and services in the upstream, downstream, power generation, utility, food and beverage, mining, manufacturing and marine markets.

Development and growth

Both directors had a passion for the international market. After reviewing opportunities, a business case developed in 2004 led to the opening of CASL Houston in 2006. The company worked in the downstream oil and gas sector as well as mining industries in the USA.

In 2008, CASL opened the first ParkerStore in the Caribbean, providing a self‐service store for industrial products made by Parker Hannifin Corporation. These products include hoses, fittings, compressed air pretreatment, hydraulics, filtration, pneumatics, automation, instrumentation tubing, fittings, valves and many more. As an essential provider, the ParkerStore remains open to support its clients. The store is located in the Point Lisas Industrial Estate.

The economic decline in 2008 severely affected CASL, especially its Houston office. Eventually, in 2010, the Houston office was relocated to Florida. It now supports many of the Caribbean countries using engineering, technical, and labour from Trinidad and Tobago.

CASL diversified into the hydraulics field and formed a hydraulic center certified by Parker in 2016. This program was extended to include the assembly of cylinders for the Caribbean region. The center supports repairs, refurbishment, and product conformance. CASL has partnered with many small repair workshops and provides technical support services as required.

CASL has also supported industrial companies in Suriname and Guyana since 2002. In 2015, CASL opened in Suriname and followed with another ParkerStore in 2016. In 2017 and 2020, CASL formed Jamaica and Guyana companies, respectively.

There is intense rivalry from local, North, Central, and South American companies in the markets served, but the company reamins steadfast in providing quality goods and services.

Currently CASL represents world‐leading organizations that include Parker, Repsol, Resato, Noria, Fluitec, Oil Safe, SDT, Vaughn, Neptune, and Almatec, just to name a few.

CASL maintains high risk STOW certification and is ISO 9001 certified and ISO 17025 accredited. CASL has a great team of experienced professionals trained in their respective fields who operate daily with passion, dedication, and commitment. Company events are adventurous and exciting, sometimes with competitive and fun rivalry.

Major growth Initiatives

Further growth will be developed through its Caribbean and US offices. The company will achieve this through the development of other ISO accreditations relevant to its business operations to maintain a robust HSEQ infrastructure. Efficiency development in energy and its business operations will be a significant focus using its research and development initiatives together with key strategic alliances.

Training initiatives

CASL is a franchise partner for Noria Corporation, a world‐renowned lubrication consulting company from Oklahoma, USA. Operating within the Caribbean, CASL completed Noria training and services in Suriname, Guyana, Trinidad, Barbados, Bahamas, Grenada, St. Lucia, and Jamaica and continues to support the industry throughout the region.

CASL is a sponsor for the International Counsel for Machine Lubrication (ICML) in the Caribbean. ICML is well known for its certification and standards development. CASL sponsors exams at local universities and supports the development of new standards in the field, the latest being ICML 55.1.

Due to the impact of Coronavirus, Noria and CASL has developed methodologies to support training and other services remotely. Certified live or on‐demand webinars are readily available through specific learning platforms. Basic courses assist with skills development for trainees, bridging the gap from university to actual operations and maintenance. Advanced courses are available for those who wish to specialize in the subject area. Accreditation is available for all levels through ICML.

Challenges

According to Brian Ramatally, “CASL is not immune to the economic impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Like all other companies in the sector, they are navigating through unchartered waters. The lack of foreign exchange in Trinidad and Tobago and many of the Caribbean countries compounds these challenges significantly. The effect forces CASL to redefine the company, using survival strategies to navigate the turbulence and uncertainty. CASL is exceptionally appreciative of its transparent and robust stakeholder relationships with employees, clients, banks, The Energy Chamber, and other business chambers in Trinidad and Tobago. It is our responsibility to ensure we follow the guidelines, act responsibly, and be transparent at all times. History has proven that there is recovery after every disaster. We patiently look forward to this recovery.”