ATLAS PANTOU GROUP

Credibility Built

on Solid Foundations

Steady progress and the hard work of its people have made ATLAS PANTOU one of the leading construction companies in Cyprus, with a significant presence abroad.

Credibility built on solid foundations

Boasting a history of more than 80 years, ATLAS PANTOU has become a synonym for innovation, reliability and productivity. It is the nucleus of a dynamic Group that includes 12 companies active in Cyprus and abroad.

Panayiotis Toumazis

Firm steps forward and its work ethic have made ATLAS PANTOU not just one of the leading construction companies in Cyprus, but a historic chapter of the country’s construction sector..

In its long-standing history, with more than 420 completed projects and over 250 permanent employees, the Group has left its mark across Cyprus and overseas, with milestone projects, pioneer approaches and innovative techniques.

The origins of ATLAS PANTOU and the early creative decades

Panayiotis Toumazis was born in 1912 at Agios Memnon, in the Famagusta district.
He was an excellent student, so in 1930 he was admitted to the Civil Engineering School of the National (Metsovion)Technical University of Athens (Athens Polytechnic), the oldest and most prestigious educational institution of Greece in the field of technology.
Returning to Cyprus in 1936, he was appointed assistant Municipal Engineer for the city of Famagusta. In 1937 he founded his first technical office in Famagusta, marking the beginning of his professional activity.

Tonis Toumazis, the son of Panayiotis took over in 1987 as CEO of Atlas Pantou Co Ltd and gradually forges the establishment of the ATLAS PANTOU Group and at a later stage, the ATLAS PANTON Group.

In 1940, Panayiotis Toumazis achieved his first major collaboration, working with Zinonas Pierides on the construction of the Dhekeleia base. The first residential building he designed and built was the house of the Archimandrite of the Alexandria Patriarchate.

His attention and interest focused mainly on construction, so, in 1942, he formed the partnership “PANTOUMAZIS CONSTRUCTIONS.” In 1957, along with his brothers, he founded the “ATLAS CONSTRUCTIONS LTD,” and in 1963 the company “PANTOUMAZIS LTD.”

A number of awards grace the Group’s showcase. This photo is from the INTERNATIONAL CONSTRUCTION AWARD ceremony, Paris, 1989.

The invasion and reactivation of business

The Turkish invasion and occupation of Famagusta forced all companies to cease their operations.
Panayiotis Toumazis and his brothers, Yiannis and Charalambos, settled in Limassol and used the office of their friend and civil engineer Andreas Papadopoulos as their temporary premises.

In 1975, Atlas Pantou Co Ltd was founded and undertook (as part of a joint venture) its first project, the 7th High school of Limassol. The company sought ardently opportunities overseas and before long it undertook, along with its affiliate company P&CH TOUMAZIS, its first projects abroad, namely several technical and construction contracts in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In 1979, ATLAS PANTOU acquired its privately-owned Head Offices in Limassol, on Yiangou Tornariti st., no 8, at the “ILIA” apartment building.

The First Major Project

Efforts by Atlas Pantou Co Ltd at landing big contracts start to yield fruit and the results are visible.
In the 1980s, the company undertakes (in joint venture), its first major project, the Dhekelia power station B, which was completed in 1983.

A few years later, the first major change in the leadership of the company took place: the shareholders, Panayiotis Toumazis and his brothers decided to part ways.

The company entered a new era in 1987, when Tonis Toumazis, son of Panayiotis, took over as CEO and gradually moves towards the founding of the ATLAS PANTOU Group and later on the ATLAS PANTON Group. Both Groups, along with 12 other companies associated with Tonis Toumazis, now have business activities both in Cyprus and abroad.

In June 2005, Panayiotis Toumazis passed away without fulfilling his yearning to return to his beloved Famagusta.

Tonis Toumazis – Founder of the ATLAS PANTOU & ATLAS PANTON Groups

Tonis Toumazis, son of Panayiotis Toumazis and Ioulia Dimitriou Kempelidou, was born in Famagusta in 1952.

He served as second lieutenant in the artillery and, right after his discharge from the army in 1972, he moved to London for his university studies. In the summer of 1974, as a young student, Tonis Toumazis was on the front line of the tragic Turkish invasion events, fighting against the Turkish army. He is one of the few Cypriots that took part in the famed ELDYK battle.

In 2020 Tonis Toumazis won a Business Leader award by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Construction and Land Development category.

He graduated with a BSc in Civil Engineering from UCL and then received an MSc in Structural Engineering, as well as a D.I.C. (Diploma of Imperial College) at Imperial College. He also completed postgraduate studies in Architecture at the “Bartlett School of Architecture” of the University of London (MA Advanced Architectural Studies).

Following his academic studies, he worked in London for three years, as an engineer of offshore oil platform design at Matthew Hall Engineering, and as a structural engineer at Lloyd’s Register of Shipping. He was also certified as a Chartered Engineer and a MIMar.EST.

Returning to Cyprus

Tonis Toumazis returned to Cyprus in 1981 and worked at Atlas Pantou Co Ltd until 1987 when he took over as CEO and General Manager. Tonis Toumazis’ leadership launched a new era, as well as a new philosophy, enabling the company to face the new challenges, higher demands and fierce competition.

He gradually created the ATLAS PANTOU group of companies and, later on, the ATLAS PANTON group (parent company of the Atlas Pantou Co Ltd). The Group currently consists of 12 sector-related companies, and there are 12 more, in which Tonis Toumazis is either the founder and/or the major stockholder. Among them:

  • Telmen Group, including Telmen Ltd, one of the biggest electromechanical companies in Cyprus;
  • IFM Ltd, specialising in Integrated Facilities Management;
  • Conagro Ltd, importing construction, farming and specialised machinery;
  • E.L. Ltd, a quarries company;
  • Asber Removals Ltd, an asbestos disposal company;
  • Conbuilt Ltd, specialising in building renovations;
  • Atlas Pantou Properties Ltd, a properties management and developing company;
  • Atlas Pantou Hellas A.E., a land development and construction company headquartered in Greece;
  • Megaforce, a real estate company headquartered in Romania;
  • Atlas Cat International Contractors, a construction company formed by a partnership with C&A Toumazis Co Ltd and headquartered in Qatar;
  • and Multistage International Ltd, specializing in designing and installing theatre systems, based in England.

A Devoted Citizen of Famagusta and a Multifaceted Individual

Aside from his entrepreneurial endeavours and ventures, Tonis Toumazis remains an active citizen with a great interest in the Cyprus Issue and his occupied home city, Famagusta. Among other initiatives, he has been a member of the Central Board of the Cyprus Research Centre (KY.KE.M) since 1987, and its President from 1997 to the present day. As President of the Centre, he has participated in numerous international EuroMesCo conferences in Europe and the Middle East, submitting proposals regarding Cyprus’ European course.

The ATLAS PANTOU roots can be traced back to 1937 in Famagusta.

He is also one of the founder members of the Κίνησις για την Ευρώπη initiative (“Kinisis gia tin Evropi”, i.e. “Marching Towards the European Union”), and a founder member of the Cyprus Society for Quality.
In 2020, he was declared “Business Leader” in the category “Construction and Land Development” by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Timeless vision, values & principles

ATLAS PANTOU is committed to constant growth and the advancement of construction and building techniques, setting the bar higher and higher.

As they say: “Looking towards the future, we will continue to build foundations based on trust and professionalism. Our vision is to keep building legacies together with our clients, through projects that will endure and serve the society.” And they added: “At ATLAS PANTOU, we constantly develop our corporate values and principles. Always prepared to face new challenges, focusing on quality work and social sensitivity, we will continue to deliver projects that exceed the expectations of our clients, while fulfilling our social responsibility. We incessantly invest in our people, by forging a meritocratic working environment, where employees, both as individuals and as a team, can flourish and fully develop their capabilities.”

Atlas Pantou Co Ltd was preceded by ‘ATLAS CONSTRUCTION LTD’ and ‘PANTOUMAZIS LTD’.

A portfolio with Major Projects

ATLAS PANTOU, with a presence in Cyprus and abroad, including Greece, Britain, Qatar and Romania, has managed to create a portfolio of wide-ranging, notable construction and technical projects with consistency and professionalism.

The majestic Limassol Del Mar in Limassol. One of many modern construction works undertaken by ATLAS PANTOU (joint venture).

Construction projects

The ATLAS PANTOU portfolio consists of high-rise buildings with luxurious apartments, independent villas, residential and tourist complexes, hotels and resorts, offices, commercial buildings and malls, industrial facilities, hospitals and clinics.

Technical & Civil Engineering projects

Technical and Civil Engineering projects include sports facilities, roads and bridges, power stations, sewerage networks and military installations.

 

Τhe imposing Sky Tower in Limassol. One of the modern under construction works undertaken by ATLAS PANTOU (joint venture).

 

The impressive Ararat Grand Residences in Limassol. One of the modern under construction works undertaken by ATLAS PANTOU.

 

Commercial buildings and commercial centres, industrial facilities, hospitals and clinics, are certain of the works included in the ATLAS PANTOU portfolio. Pictured here is the My Mall dome in Limassol.

Some of the best-known projects of the sort by ATLAS PANTOU include:

  • the Famagusta General Hospital;
  • the Olympic Residence in Limassol;
  • My Mall in Limassol;
  • the Columbia Beach Resort in Pissouri;
  • Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa in Limassol;
  • the Dhekelia Power Station in Larnaca;
  • the Paralimni Pedestrian Walkway in Famagusta;
  • the Reconstruction of the Christakis-Kranos Avenue in Limassol;
  • several Sewerage networks (including pumping stations) across Cyprus;
  • Limassol’s Sky Tower, currently under construction;
  • the Limassol Del Mar, currently under construction;
  • the Ararat Grand Residences in Limassol, currently under construction.

Projects of Unlimited Value and Size

ATLAS PANTOU holds a “Category A” contractor’s license both on technical and construction work, enabling it to undertake projects of unlimited value and size. It has also developed and implemented a comprehensive operational system based on the international standards ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 και OHSAS 18001:2007 (transitioned to ISO 45001:2018). Using these standards as a framework allows the company to validate and improve its practices, as well as optimise the needs and expectations of its clients, stockholders and other involved parties.

During its 80-year history, ATLAS PANTOU has distinguished itself with numerous local and international awards, constantly proving its consistency at providing high-quality services and constructing landmark projects.

A Book of Immense Value

The Atlas Pantou Group, boasting 80 years of history, is an important chapter of the construction industry in Cyprus. Two years ago, in an effort to highlight the art of construction of Cyprus and contribute to its culture, the Group set a grandiose plan: to publish the first-ever comprehensive book on the history of construction in Cyprus.

A carefully selected team of scientists and researchers, based on the latest findings in archaeology and history of architecture, describe for the first time all the materials, techniques, and forms of construction in Cyprus, in their diachronic timeless course through the political, social, economic, and cultural changes on the island.

The ATLAS PANTOU social contribution extends to the history and culture areas. One outstanding example is the publication of the book ‘The History of Construction in Cyprus: From Prehistoric Times to the 21st century’.

The book’s purpose is to record and present the history of construction in Cyprus, from the prehistoric age to modern-day society, offering an invaluable source of knowledge for the country’s construction traditions. Excellent illustrations and explanatory glossary of terms, both in Greek and English, makes this edition a handbook for all – scholars, sector-related professionals or average readers.

Throughout its 80-year history, ATLAS PANTOU had always been socially aware, taking notable initiatives in many sectors and making a positive contribution to peoples’ lives and society as a whole.

Fully acknowledging the importance of corporate social responsibility, ATLAS PANTOU stands by fellow citizens in need, with regular contributions to NGOs and organisations supporting vulnerable groups.

In addition, it supports a wide range of initiatives, conferences and seminars organised by groups of the construction sector, like the annual “International Construction Health and Safety Conference” held by the Cyprus Association of Civil Engineers.

As “Golden Sponsor,” the Group supported the “Cyprus Architecture, Property & Interior Design Awards 2021,” organised for the first time in Cyprus by the IMH and the IN Business magazine.

In 2020 Tonis Toumazis won a Business Leader award by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Construction and Land Development category.

The social contribution of ATLAS PANTOU extends to the fields of history and culture areas. A prime example is the publication of the book “The History of Construction in Cyprus: From Prehistory to the 21st century.”

The ATLAS PANTOU social contribution extends to the history and culture areas. One outstanding example is the publication of the book ‘The History of Construction in Cyprus: From Prehistoric Times to the 21st century’.

Abundantly illustrated and with a glossary of technical terms, this bilingual edition aspires to be an essential handbook for both experts and non-experts of the past and modern-day generation.

All the Way Up at Steady Pace

ATLAS PANTOU has successfully crossed a milestone of more than 80 years of history. Its roots date back to 1937 and Panayiotis Toumazis, one of the first civil engineers in Cyprus. His son Tonis Toumazis, founder of the ATLAS PANTOU and ATLAS PANTON Groups, holds the helm of the Group since 1987. Today, the group is one of the most important construction Groups in the region, with a significant presence both in Cyprus and abroad.

Tonis Toumazis talked to us about the past, present and future of the Group, its vision and values, as well as Famagusta, his treasured city.

Tonis Toumazis, the son of Panayiotis took over in 1987 as CEO of Atlas Pantou Co Ltd and gradually forges the establishment of the ATLAS PANTOU Group and at a later stage, the ATLAS PANTON Group.

What’s it like creating a group with such a long history and a prestigious name?

It’s been a tough course. The roots of the Group date back to 1937, when my father, Panayiotis Toumazis, graduated from the National Technical University of Athens, returned to Cyprus as one of the first civil engineers of the island and opened the PAN. TOUMAZIS TECHNICAL OFFICE in Famagusta. Later on, along with his brothers Charalambos and Yiannis, they founded PANTOUMAZIS LTD and ATLAS KATASKEYES LTD. Steady growth followed, which, unfortunately, was interrupted by the Turkish invasion, forcing the companies to cease their operations.

The late Panayiotis Toumazis. On his return from Greece in 1937 with a degree in Civil Engineering, he established the ‘Panayiotis Toumazis Technical Office’. That’s where it all began in a historical course still running.

There was a kickstart immediately after the war, with the setting up of Atlas Pantou Co Ltd, my heritage, which I took over in 1987 with a sense of responsibility and determination to preserve its successful course and enhance its growth.

Over these years, we have undertaken numerous major projects both in Cyprus and abroad, including Qatar, Egypt, the UK, Romania, Greece – even in the Philippines, where we completed a small-scale project.

Of course, we faced innumerable difficulties along the way, but with persistence and patience, we managed to make the ATLAS PANTOU group what it is today, along with several other companies directly associated with me.

So, for you, persistence and patience are the key to the success of your Group?

Yes, persistence and patience are qualities emanating from our values and principles. They have supported us in achieving and fulfilling our vision, despite the difficulties, or even failures, we have encountered over these years.

What would you say distinguishes Atlas Pantou in this decades-long course?

Its clear vision and clarity of goals over time, combined with our personnel and associates, are the basic components of our success. Besides, it’s no accident that many people have been with us for several decades, even prior to the Turkish invasion. I truly believe that respect for our staff members inspires the dedication that’s necessary for success, leading the Company where it is today. This has always been one of the most distinguishing characteristics of the Group.

Is it the Group’s DNA so to speak?

Indeed, it is. We have a wide range of companies in the group, and each of them is a different branch of the same DNA. Their fields and activities vary considerably, but they all share this characteristic respect for the personnel. This respect, of course, is requited with genuine dedication and hard work, not just to each individual company, but to the group as a whole.

Μερικά από τα έργα της ΑΤΛΑΣ ΠΑΝΤΟΥ.

Significant moments

Which do you consider the most significant moment in the Group’s 80-year history?

There were quite a few significant moments. The first that comes to mind is in 1937 when my father decided to establish his first technical office. The Turkish invasion in 1974 is, of course, another, negative one, since it brought our companies’ activities to a standstill. Of immense importance was also the decision to resume work post-war under rather difficult circumstances.

On a personal note, the most important moment was in 1987, when I took over Atlas Pantou Co Ltd, embarking on a new course, with a focus on expanding the range of our business, without disregarding all the risks involved.

The company’s portfolio included the Foreign Ministry building.

Is there a moment that you consider key in the group’s successful course?

No, I wouldn’t say that any particular moment in time, project or event was decisive for our successful course. I don’t think that just one thing made us who we are today. Success never lies in a single thing. Through consistently hard work and a steady pace forward we find ourselves where we are today. Important steps, for example, was the project in Qatar a few years ago, the construction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as several successful joint ventures in other countries. So, there have been many solid steps that led the Group to success over time, making it impossible to single one out.

Major under-construction projects

Maybe a project, then, that stands out?

Again, it’s difficult to pick a single project that made the difference. Many of our projects were of great importance and truly pioneering. For example, the Dhekelia Power Station was an exceptional project for its time. In the recent past, there have been several significant construction projects, like the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nicosia, the Famagusta General Hospital, My Mall Limassol, with the biggest glass dome in Cyprus, and the Olympic Residence in Limassol, the first high-rise building in Cyprus.

Today, under-construction projects of particular importance are the Limassol Del Mar, the Sky Tower and the Ararat Grand Residences in Limassol – all high-rise buildings, a category in which, in my opinion, we are the undeniable leader. All these projects were contested by all major contracting companies and groups in Cyprus, demonstrating their obvious significance.

The ATLAS PANTOU roots can be traced back to 1937 in Famagusta.

 

What story has stayed with you, either through personal experience or narrated to you?

What comes to mind is an incident my father recounted, concerning his first major project, back in 1940, during the British rule. When World War II broke out, he was asked to build concrete slabs on the runway of the Dhekelia airport, to prevent German planes from landing. If I recall correctly, his next contract right after the war was to remove those slabs! Such stories and memories, of historic value I would say, connect past and present, even though the people involved are not with us anymore.

What was the first connection with your fathers’ business? Did you tag along with your father at construction sites as a child?

I had very little involvement as a child and there was absolutely no pressure from my father to follow in his footsteps. He respected my wishes. Surely, at the end of the day, I did study Civil Engineering and got a postgraduate degree in architecture, but that was entirely my choice. I immensely appreciate the fact that my father did not push me into his business, as is often the case.

I imagine that you have the same attitude to the next generation.

Indeed. I think that’s obvious as none of my children has studied Civil Engineering or Architecture.

What do you hold dear from your father?

He was a remarkable man. Just imagine, he studied during times when very few had that opportunity. In 1930, he went to Athens and studied at the National Technical University. He served as MP for ten years and was a minister for two. He was a decent and fair man. The advice he gave me when I joined the business was to be just and firm. This was his approach to things and the advice he gave to his son, setting him on his way to pursue a course that he mapped in 1937. That’s the advice I kept from my father.

New management model

You’re essentially a family business Group. But now the Atlas Pantou Co Ltd CEO is a man unrelated to you, Mr Marios L. Pontikis. What has changed?

In the past three or four years, we have launched a restructuring of the Group and its affiliated companies connected to me. Unlike the other companies, I had remained CEO only in Atlas Pantou Co Ltd. The other companies always had their own directors. That’s how Marios Pontikis, an accomplished professional, was appointed as CEO. Thus, I was able to disengage myself from the day-to-day running of Atlas Pantou Co Ltd and focus on better monitoring and supervision of the Group’s other companies, as well as the rest of the businesses connected to me.

Essentially, you’re moving towards a new administration model.

Yes, it is indeed a new model, always within the framework of our diachronic values and principles; a new model through which we break away from the past when the owner was necessary for everything. I believe we have taken the first steps successfully. Our goal is to set down the necessary long-term administration regulations so that the shareholders will not have to be so directly involved in the day-to-day operations of their companies. That was the main reason I decided to go ahead with this restructuring and the hiring of a director for Atlas Pantou Co Ltd.

Solid, Well Thought-Out Steps

We’re living in tough times; We are in the 2nd year of the pandemic, having gone through the financial crisis of 2013, plus the abolition of the Cyprus investment programme, which must have affected companies like yours. How do you see the future?

Cyprus is a small country, but the latest negative developments, like the pandemic, have affected the whole world; it is a crisis of global proportions. In such an international setting, it is difficult to predict all the repercussions on the Cyprus economy and society as a whole. I think we should be patient and mindful, unable as we are to foresee the future with any great accuracy. It is of the utmost importance not to rush into anything, neither as individuals nor business people, as things might change again.

As a global crisis, the pandemic has already affected the way businesses operate, both in Cyprus and internationally. And it’s not all negative. For example, we used to travel to Britain quite often for meetings, as we cooperate with companies abroad. Now, however, many of these meetings are held in front of a computer. We never did that five years ago.

The termination of the Cyprus Investment Programme has certainly affected many, some more than others. It is definitely a negative development from a financial point of view, and it possibly created a negative image of Cyprus in Europe. But as a Group, we never depend on a single sector or sub-sector; that’s why we offer such a huge range of services. We never “put all our eggs in the same basket,” and I believe that, through patience and persistence, we shall overcome any crisis or major shifts in our fields of activity.

As they say, any crisis presents an opportunity. Do you see any?

There might indeed be opportunities but it’s not in our DNA to act impulsively. We take stable, well-thought steps, avoiding rush moves, as most opportunities do entail great risks. This is the model we have pursued over time.

Social responsibility

Another important issue. What’s the importance of corporate social responsibility for your group?

We give great importance to corporate social responsibility. For some, it might be a new concept. Not to us. I would say it is part of our philosophy, starting with supporting our own personnel and then doing the same for society as a whole. We have aided many charitable foundations, organisations, schools – or even individuals.

Very recently, marking 80 years of history, we published a book that records the history of construction in Cyprus, something we are particularly proud of, as we wanted to make a substantial, timeless contribution to our country. Our Group inspired and exclusively sponsored the bilingual publication, in Greek and English, of “The History of Construction in Cyprus: From Prehistory to the 21st century.” It constitutes an important handbook written and edited by a select group of scientists and researchers, aspiring to become a reference for both experts and non-experts. It has been donated to all the university libraries in Cyprus, as well as to several universities abroad.

The ATLAS PANTOU social contribution extends to the history and culture areas. One outstanding example is the publication of the book ‘The History of Construction in Cyprus: From Prehistoric Times to the 21st century’.

Famagusta, the Beloved City

I know you are particularly aware and active in the Famagusta issue, where your roots are. Unfortunately, the latest developments are not that encouraging.

It’s really hard for me to talk about Famagusta without getting emotional. Over the past few years, I have been trying to contribute to my city and my country, through various actions.

I was born and raised in Famagusta and more specifically Varosha, the fenced area of Famagusta. I left to study abroad when I was 20 and I was on my summer vacation in Cyprus when the Turkish army invaded. With the call to arms, I enlisted in the National Guard.

Atlas Pantou Co Ltd was preceded by ‘ATLAS CONSTRUCTION LTD’ and ‘PANTOUMAZIS LTD’.

We all know the end result; Turkish occupation. Initially, as I said I wanted to stay abroad but I eventually returned in 1981.

What’s really frustrating about the fenced city of Famagusta, beyond the continuing Turkish occupation, is the fact that this is an area that no one is using, and the Turkish army just keeps it locked.

When someone is using your city as blackmail, taking away your home, your place of residence, keeping it in a permanent lockdown, what else can it be but one thing: pure sadism.

Nicosia Office

Address.

5 Dinocratous Street

P.O.Box 20928, 1665, Nicosia, Cyprus

Telephone.

+357 22447474

Limassol Head Office

Address.

8 Yiangou Tornariti Street

P.O. Box 51269, 3035, Limassol, Cyprus

Telephone.

+357 25828501