VISHANNA PHAGOO
THE I Love Tobago sign on the Scarborough Esplanade has become an attraction for locals and visitors eager to take pictures celebrating their favourite island. But what do you know about the company, Rojas Engineering Ltd, responsible for the now famous sign?
Rojas Engineering Ltd (REL) is run by managing director Deon Rojas and his wife Josanne who is the manager of administrative affairs.
REL, located at Cove, Canoe Bay, has been around since 2013 and has created unique pieces out of metal with the aim of becoming the number one creative hub for innovation in metal fabrication and finishing. The managing director said the I Love Tobago sign was actually the workmanship of two signs.
"We were happy to prove to the marketplace that the word local does not mean sub-standard. A BMW is a local product to Germans but it is renowned as a top-class brand around the world. We need to also start believing in our local brands, businesses and men of skill as being world-class.
"The sign for us is a proud symbol of our brand and what we as a company aim to represent to the world. We believe the sign has proven to be a successful tourism attraction for Tobago and is definitely value for money."
[caption id="attachment_970366" align="alignnone" width="1024"] The I Love Tobago sign at the Scarbough Esplanade was built by Rojas Engineering Ltd. - Ayanna Kinsale[/caption]
As for REL, Rojas said the vision for the company came to him at the age of 23 and it was registered in 2009 but only formally began operations in June of 2013 when he was 36. Since then Rojas said he believes in doing nothing traditional and is working towards enhancing the REL brand.
"All items fabricated must stand out as a one-of-a-kind, fabri-crafted, and high-quality product. We specialise in bespoke, ornamental, and architectural fabrication and also metal repairs allowing us to collaborate with leading companies, government officials, architects, homeowners, contractors, interior designers and artists."
The 45-year-old has managed projects such as security doors, staircases, security grills, fire escapes and platforms, fencing, railings, recycling bins, donkey carts, wall shelving and custom projects. REL is now looking to broaden its horizon by launching product lines such as modern metal furniture and finishings, security doors, gym equipment and multi-cook pits.
Rojas was given the opportunity to pursue an academic scholarship in electrical engineering at Arcadia University in Pennsylvania, US but chose to study performing engineering operations at Lewisham College in the UK.
"In my gut, this felt like the better choice. Somehow, I knew that this step was a part of destiny. This course allowed me to be qualified in welding, mechanical fitting and turning, fabrication, electrical skill and drafting alongside other areas of skill. To date I have furthered my studies in a wide cadre of skills such as AutoCad (commercial computer-aided design and drafting software application), CNC (computer numerical control) machin
