LEO FRIEDRICH: DIVERSIFYING PUBLIC TRANSPORT WILL INCREASE THE VALUE OF OUTER GER DISTRICTS

Interview with Leo Friedrich, Country Representative of France’s POMA Group and Deputy Manager of the “Cable Car Project.”

– Have you been working on this project for long?

Since our company signed a cooperation agreement with the Ulaanbaatar City Mayor’s Office in 2023, I have been serving as the project’s Deputy Manager.

– We’ve heard that POMA Group is highly specialized and has many years of experience in this field?

Yes, our company has more than 80 years of experience in designing, manufacturing, installing, commissioning, maintaining, and providing technical consulting for cable transport systems. Safety and quality control are integral parts of cable transport. Therefore, POMA Group manages its entire supply chain at every stage of a project. All equipment and components are designed to last up to 50 years, and we aim to construct all infrastructure in accordance with international standards. This is our responsibility to our partners worldwide. POMA Group has subsidiaries in more than 10 countries, including the United States, Switzerland, China, South Korea, Vietnam, Russia, Colombia, and Egypt. Our goal is to be as close as possible to our customers while delivering services under unified standards. All operations are centrally overseen from our headquarters in Voiron, France. Mechanical subsystems are manufactured and assembled by SACMI; electrical and industrial automation equipment by SEMER; cabins are designed and produced by SIGMA; and installation and maintenance are handled by COMAG. Each partner performs its responsibilities according to group standards under unified management. Thanks to our dedicated engineers, skilled workers, and reliable team - who support each other and take pride in their work - we have earned the trust of our partners and continue to deliver successful projects. We constantly focus on upgrading our technology and improving employee expertise.

– Have you worked on cable car projects in other countries before coming to Mongolia?

Yes, I have had opportunities to participate in several POMA projects in Georgia, the Caucasus region, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Working on international projects allows you to experience new environments, meet new people, and gain valuable knowledge and experience. I genuinely enjoy such work. In many ways, POMA’s projects have allowed me to fulfill this passion.

– What are the advantages of diversifying public transport?

When public transport becomes diversified, the value of the outer ger districts increases. People can spend the time they used to waste in traffic on themselves and their families. The value of their land, plots, and homes rises. Most importantly, it improves people’s quality of life.

– Will the cable car transport system bring the benefits you mentioned to Mongolia?

Absolutely. Cable car transport is a very important and necessary project for Mongolia. It will take only a few minutes to travel from Önör District to Yarmag. It saves time. There is no traffic, no congestion - people can enjoy comfortable public transport. This project will help residents reduce car dependency. The positive effects of cable transport - reducing congestion, saving time, and improving quality of life - have already been proven in many countries. I am confident the residents of Ulaanbaatar will benefit just the same.

– What challenges have you faced while working in Mongolia?

There are challenges, of course, but maintaining a positive attitude is essential when carrying out any project. The first major challenge was bringing all stakeholders together and helping them achieve a shared understanding. Adapting to Mongolian culture and learning some of the language was necessary. It was difficult, but interesting. (laughs)
Winter air pollution, constant traffic congestion, and other issues were also challenging. However, meeting friendly, kind, diligent people and having the opportunity to learn something new every day gave me the motivation to overcome these difficulties. Sharing ideas with my team, looking at issues from multiple perspectives, and traveling across Mongolia’s beautiful landscapes have given me many unforgettable experiences.

– How is the Ulaanbaatar cable car project different from those in other countries?

It is unique because it is Mongolia’s first public cable transport project. Since we are “breaking the ice,” it is interesting both for me and for our team. To prepare the work plan, we had to explain required procedures - from obtaining administrative approvals to every project phase - to many different organizations. It required collaborating with a large number of people. Because cable transport is new to Mongolia, many parts of the process will become historical “firsts.”

– Construction work is scheduled to begin next month (March 2025). Is everything ready?

Currently, work is underway to prepare entrances and access points at the construction sites. The joint project team has prepared the sites in Yarmag and Artsat Tal and positioned equipment. We have received two containers of materials from France, and more than 40 containers will arrive soon. We have begun preparing the steel reinforcement needed for the foundations. Health, safety, and environmental protection (HSE) are extremely important during construction. We comply with all international rules and standards. We have already held initial coordination meetings with the Ulaanbaatar Emergency Management Agency regarding safety procedures.

– Briefly, what responsibilities does POMA Group carry in this project?

POMA Group is responsible for designing, manufacturing, constructing, assembling, and commissioning the cable car transport system in Ulaanbaatar. After the project’s completion, we will support and model the organization responsible for operating and maintaining the system.

Thank you. We wish you success in your work!