Baker Hughes (BHGE) has inaugurated its artificial lift centre of excellence at its multi modal facility in the MODON site in the second Industrial City of Dammam, aiming to support localised manufacturing and Saudi talent development
The artificial lift facility is expected to manufacture the entire range of BHGE’s oil and gas electrical submersible pump (ESP) portfolio, highlighting the ‘Made in Saudi’ capabilities of BHGE and being closer to its customers by offering the entire suite of advanced solutions promptly.
The facility adds more than 12,000 sq m of new warehouse and plant area, and improves the delivery of products to customers. It employs more than 100 technical professionals with a Saudisation rate of 75 per cent.
The artificial lift business is also working with mining and agriculture sectors, both identified as important pillars of growth in Saudi Vision 2030, to promote economic diversification by delivering and installing pump equipment.
During the opening ceremony, Rami Qasem, president and CEO of BHGE, said, “The opening of the facility is one of the major forward-looking initiatives by BHGE in the Kingdom. In addition to serving all the requirements of the ESP business locally, it serves as a centre of excellence for training and knowledge sharing that will boost the skills of Saudi professionals.”
Speaking to the press, Abdulaziz Al-Abdulkarim, vice-president of procurement and supply chain management at Saudi Aramco, said. “The Kingdom is focused on promoting industrial and economic diversification as part of Saudi Vision 2030. As a core economic sector, the opportunity for localised manufacturing for the oil and gas industry will bring long-term benefits, including the creation of new jobs, and in building a Saudi SME supply chain.”
Accrodingto BHGE, the capabilities of the new plant include assembly, dis-assembly and testing of ESPs including seals, motors and pumps, a machining shop, sandblasting, monel coating and painting, accessories assembly and testing covering sensors, packers, y-tools and cables.
