In 1988, one of our founders, Jalu Patel accepted an offer to join a company located in the South Pacific Nation of Papua New Guinea, leaving behind his home in Kuwait. Despite the uncertainty and difficulties, Jalu braved his way and accepted the challenge with determination.
While living their humble life in the province of Madang and taking charge of the operations of the company he worked with, Jalu drew all his strength from his family. With the help of his wife, Ila, his daughter, and son, Rachana, and Dhawal, they always see through the day with hope and joy.
During those times, Jalu had a vision of becoming a successful business owner himself, aspiring to provide a better living for Papua New Guinea.
When the story of the Madang operations he was working with ended, Jalu and his family decided to spend the rest of their lives in Papua New Guinea. The family dedicated their entire life savings to make this vision come to fruition.
With the help of a friend, Ela Group of Companies started with acquiring a small building and maintenance company in Madang. It started with just seven employees, which Jalu named as his own ‘Magnificent Seven’, and became the foundation and cornerstone of the company. With this, the humble beginnings of Ela Group of Companies emerged.
On the 2nd of May 1995, Ela Group of Companies opened its doors. It started with continuous hard work, sleepless nights, and long hours in the office. In the early days, the team spent about fifteen hours a day to keep the wheels turning. Late dinners at work and breakfast before the sun rose became a normal routine for Patel family however they were determined to make their vision a reality.
The success of this company was built on the pinnacle of the Patel family’s hard work, commitment, and dedication. These have now become the work culture of the business and have brought it to where it is today.
And now, Ela Group of Companies is a multi-million-kina operation. A leader in the construction industry in the Madang Province and is progressing well in other centres, including Port Moresby.
Ela Group of Companies was only possible with the help of his family and their resilience through every storm.
