We are delighted to present an exclusive interview with Dr. Hany Hammad, the esteemed Chairman and Managing Director of MASRIA Engineering and Contracting SAE. With a profound dedication to excellence and innovation, MASRIA has established itself as a leading provider of commercial kitchens in Egypt since its inception in 1985.

Under the late Eng. Fathy Hammad’s visionary leadership and, MASRIA has not only revolutionized the hospitality and food industry landscape but has also played a pivotal role in elevating culinary competitions through state-of-the-art tools and appliances. The leadership is currently following the same guidance of the late Eng. Fathy Hammad under Dr. Hany Fathy Hammad. As a testament to their commitment to culinary excellence, MASRIA Group has been a steadfast supporter of the Egyptian Chefs Association, enriching the competition experience for talented chefs across the nation.

In this interview,  Dr. Hammad shares insights into MASRIA’s approaches, challenges, achievements, and future plans, offering a glimpse into the company’s profound impact on the culinary scene in Egypt.

MASRIA has diversified its services over the years. Can you elaborate on the key areas of specialization, especially in commercial kitchens, bakery and pastry?

Masria Company was established in 1985 by my late father, Engineer Fathi Hammad, with a vision to produce high-quality kitchen equipment catering to the needs of restaurants, hotels, and tourist establishments. Initially focusing on neutral kitchen equipment, the company gradually expanded its product range over the years. Today, we manufacture a comprehensive array of equipment, spanning various stages of production. Our offerings include service trolleys, gas and electric cooking appliances, vertical and horizontal refrigerators, cooling rooms, rotary and multi-storey baking ovens, pizza ovens, central and wall hoods, among others.

In addition to manufacturing, Masria Company provides a range of services tailored to our clients’ needs. We offer design consultations for kitchen equipment layouts, ensuring compliance with health regulations and optimizing workflow efficiency. Our expertise extends to the installation, operation, and maintenance of equipment, with the option of doing tailored maintenance and training contracts, according to the needs of each project. As authorized agents for some of the world’s leading equipment manufacturers, we also supply top-quality products to support the projects we undertake. Our holistic approach ensures that clients receive comprehensive support from initial design concepts to ongoing maintenance and training.

How has MASRIA contributed to the growth and development of the hospitality and food industry in Egypt?

Since its inception, Masria Company has been at the forefront of hotel and restaurant equipment manufacturing, under the visionary leadership of the late Engineer Fathi Hammad. The company has consistently led the industry by pioneering the development of locally manufactured equipment that meets international specifications. This pioneering approach not only ensured high-quality products but also played a pivotal role in conserving foreign currency for investors in the hospitality sector. Masria’s commitment to innovation and excellence has set a benchmark for the industry, making it a trusted partner for hotel and restaurant ventures seeking reliable equipment solutions.

How does MASRIA stay at the forefront of technology in providing state-of-the-art tools and appliances for the industry?

Masria has consistently remained at the forefront of industry advancements by actively participating in international exhibitions and showcasing its equipment in numerous prestigious forums worldwide. Moreover, our engineers regularly attend foreign exhibitions to stay abreast of the latest developments in the kitchen and laundry equipment sectors.

Demonstrating a strong commitment to innovation, Masria has prioritized the establishment of a dedicated research and development department, alongside quality assurance departments aimed at obtaining various quality certifications. This steadfast dedication underscores our pursuit of excellence and ensures that our products continue to meet and exceed industry standards.

The Masria Group supports the Egyptian Chefs Association. How has this collaboration evolved over time, and what role does MASRIA play in supporting culinary competitions?

The company has consistently shown its support for the Egyptian Chefs Association and the culinary professionals within Egypt, including both Egyptian and foreign chefs working in the country. Over the years, Masria has actively contributed to the Association’s endeavors by providing financial support and supplying equipment for various culinary competitions hosted by the Association. Notably, our equipment has been utilized in events such as the HACE Exhibition, the Food Africa Exhibition, and other significant culinary gatherings. This ongoing partnership underscores our commitment to promoting excellence within the industry.

In what ways do MASRIA’s products enhance the competition experience for chefs, and how does this contribute to the overall culinary scene in Egypt?

Masria equipment is crafted in adherence to rigorous international standards, both European and American standards. Our versatile manufacturing process allows us to tailor our offerings to meet the unique requirements of chefs and establishments. As a local manufacturer, we benefit from direct feedback from chefs, enabling us to swiftly refine and enhance our products to better serve their evolving needs. This approach to product development underscores our commitment to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.

What challenges has MASRIA faced in the industry, and how has the company overcome them?

“Masria”, like numerous companies within the sector, has encountered various challenges over its nearly four-decade journey. These challenges include disruptions stemming from periods of halted tourism due to terrorist incidents in Egypt during the 1990s, as well as the profound impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to these adversities, we have diversified our product offerings, venturing into sectors such as food distribution lines and hospital trolleys. Additionally, we have intensified our focus on exporting to regions like Africa, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, and other Arab countries.

Amidst Egypt’s currency availability issues, Masria has redoubled its efforts to boost the local manufacturing sector, seeking to substitute imported products with domestically produced alternatives. Furthermore, we have expanded our scope to cater to the heavy-duty home kitchen segment, as well as catering to the demand for outdoor kitchen equipment tailored for villas and palaces.

What are MASRIA’s future plans and vision for the next few years, especially in the context of the evolving needs of the hospitality industry?

The company is committed to maintaining a steadfast focus on quality standards and obtaining prestigious international certifications. Our goal is to further enhance our export initiatives while continuously enhancing our production lines with innovative new equipment.

Being the Chairman and Managing Director of MASRIA and also a Professor at the German University in Cairo, how do you balance your responsibilities between the corporate world and academia?

​ I have dedicated a significant portion of my career to academia, serving as a professor at the Faculty of Engineering at the German University with a specialization in radio frequencies. My journey with the university commenced in 2005, coinciding with its establishment. Prior to this role, I spent two and a half years at another esteemed institution. Furthermore, I got my Ph.D. in 2002.

Despite the differing nature of my roles between academia and my position at “Masria” company, I have effectively managed to strike a harmonious balance. This equation has enabled me to excel both in teaching and in overseeing scientific research at the university. Notably, I have had the privilege of mentoring students who have achieved top honors in prestigious international scientific competitions within my field.

Moreover, my involvement with “Masria” has provided valuable insights that enhance my leadership capabilities in managing teams at the university. Likewise, my academic endeavors have enriched my capacity to organize and analyze information effectively within the company.