REHM Grinaker Construction Co. Ltd is on a mission to leave a sustainable legacy for Mauritius’ construction industry, delivering growth for all stakeholders, employees, and communities. Remy Couve, the company’s new CEO, tells us more.
GROUNDED IN EXPERIENCE, FOCUSED ON THE FUTURE
Having undergone rapid evolution in recent years, Africa’s construction industry continues to expand at a steady pace.
Technological progress has streamlined processes and improved efficiency, whilst government initiatives have helped attract foreign investment.
Yet these changes also raise fundamental questions: how can technical skills be preserved? How will an increasingly demanding sector continue to attract young talent? How can the industry ensure that growth remains responsible and sustainable?
Leading multidisciplinary contractor REHM Grinaker Construction Co. Ltd (REHM Grinaker), present in Mauritius for 35 years, intends to address these issues through a strategy that places people, coherence, and responsibility at the centre.
“We can deliver a full spectrum of projects locally for both public and private clients,” opens Remy Couve, CEO.
“I have only recently joined REHM Grinaker, and my first priority has been to listen, observe, and understand.
“I am joining a company with 35 years of solid expertise, built by teams who have shaped parts of Mauritius’ landscape. My ambition is not to change that legacy – but build upon it.”
STANDING OUT FROM THE COMPETITION
Over the decades, REHM Grinaker has benefitted from international heritage through its long-standing association with Grinaker-LTA, now part of Aveng, which has enabled the company to develop strong technical capabilities.
“This heritage gives us a valuable foundation,” Remy explains.
“But today, we are entering a new phase. It’s still very early for me – I’m meeting teams, observing our sites, and studying our processes. What I want is to bring structure, clarity, and coherence to everything we do.”
The company operates with documented procedures and integrated digital tools across tendering, planning, and delivery.
For Remy, however, tools only matter if the people using them are empowered.
“What strikes me most is the talent within this company – people who know how to build, understand the island, and care deeply about the quality of their work,” he acknowledges.
“My role now is to create the right environment for them to perform at their best. I’m just starting to put this in place, step by step.
“Joining REHM Grinaker feels like joining a new adventure, one where long-standing expertise and renewal can reinforce each other,” Remy smiles.
“Digital tools help us WORK FASTER AND BETTER, but construction remains a human-driven activity”
Remy Couve, CEO, REHM Grinaker Construction Co. Ltd
INGRAINED SUSTAINABILITY
REHM Grinaker is strengthening its commitment to sustainability through realistic and measurable approaches.
“I believe in coherence before image,” Remy says.
“We’re at the beginning of this journey. My focus is on organising our environmental efforts properly, so that what we announce is something we truly deliver,” he adds.
Since Remy’s arrival, the company has begun implementing a new environmental committee and laying the groundwork for a five-year roadmap built around several key priorities, including environmental responsibility, innovation, and knowledge transmission.
“Education is essential if we want to build for future generations,” he explains.
“But it is only one of several challenges we must address. Sustainability and education are two important pillars, amongst others, that will shape the way we evolve. This transformation touches multiple dimensions of our work.”
Remy then goes on to emphasise the importance of consistency.
“Sustainability only makes sense when it becomes a habit, not a slogan. What matters is discipline, continuity, and long-term impact.”
The company aligns itself with frameworks such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, not for publicity but as guidance for continuous improvement.
PROLIFIC PROJECTS AND PROCUREMENT
One of the company’s recent successes is the award of the Telfair 47C contract in the dynamic new city of Telfair in Moka, a mixed-use district designed around modern urban living.
“This project is a chance to demonstrate the direction in which we want to go,” Remy explains.
“It’s an opportunity to show professionalism and discipline, and we’re using it as a benchmark for the standards we aim to strengthen,” he continues.
Indeed, Mauritius’ supply chain requires foresight and partnerships built on trust.
“Procurement is a key element in this ecosystem,” Remy notes.
“We are a small island; success depends on discipline, planning, and collaboration. Part of my work now is to organise how we approach this systemically.”
“We have 35 years of expertise behind us; now, we must build the next 35”
Remy Couve, CEO, REHM Grinaker Construction Co. Ltd
AN ONGOING LEGACY
As a 100 percent Mauritian-owned company, REHM Grinaker prioritises local employment – though workforce dynamics have shifted in recent years.
“Over the past decade, the proportion of expatriate workers has increased across the industry,” Remy notes.
“Many young Mauritians are choosing careers in other sectors. We need to show that construction is a noble profession, one that builds the country, offers stability, and carries real pride.”
Upskilling is therefore a central pillar of his strategy.
“I’m beginning to organise how we will train, support and upskill our teams. It will take time; you don’t transform a culture overnight, but we have an excellent base to build on – people with strong experience, deep know-how, and a sense of responsibility.”
“We have 35 years behind us, now, we must build the next 35. My ambition is to gradually strengthen our methods, elevate our standards, and make REHM Grinaker the best people to work with.”
Whilst technology will support this journey, Remy remains clear-eyed.
“Digital tools help us work faster and better, but construction remains a human-driven activity. The value we create comes from people, their judgement, skills, and hands,” he insights.
“We’re at the beginning, but the foundation is there – strong expertise, committed teams, and a shared ambition.
“If we continue to build with discipline, respect, and coherence, I’m convinced we can take REHM Grinaker to the next level, and we will do it together,” Remy concludes.
