General Electric Oil & Gas completed on Sunday the first phase expansion of what will be GE's largest advanced manufacturing facility in the region. This expands capacity of the current manufacture of advanced pressure control technology, testing and repair services, as well as promoting job creation for Saudi nationals through a three-fold increase in the workforce, which builds on 70% Saudization in Dammam. The expansion forms part of GE's commitment to achieve the goal of 70% localization in the Kingdom through strengthening local manufacturing, supply chain, service capabilities and talent development. Supporting the Kingdom's vision to boost domestic manufacturing and exports, the expanded facility will serve as a center for the supply of ‘Made in Saudi' equipment for Saudi and regional markets with expanded capacity to manufacture the full range of GE Oil & Gas' Pressure Control solutions including wellhead systems and advanced flow control solutions that are critical components in driving productivity and operational efficiency. The 10,500 square meter facility was inaugurated by GE Oil & Gas President & CEO Lorenzo Simonelli in the presence of Amin Nasser, President & CEO, Saudi Aramco; Rami Qasem, President & CEO, GE Oil & Gas, Middle East, North Africa & Turkey, and other senior officials. The new facility marks the first phase of an ongoing multi-million dollar investment by GE Oil & Gas at the multi-modal MODON (Saudi Industrial Property Authority) site in 2nd Industrial City, Dammam. It expands on an existing Pressure Control manufacturing facility with output capacity now three times the original. The in-progress additional development phases at the ‘One GE Oil & Gas' MODON site will extend manufacturing and services capabilities across the GE Oil & Gas portfolio including Measurement & Control, Subsea Systems, Turbomachinery and Artificial Lift. "The significance of this expanded GE facility lies not only in the services it will provide Saudi Aramco and the Kingdom's wider energy sector, but also the degree to which the Kingdom appeals to investors such as GE," Amin Nasser, president and CEO, Saudi Aramco, said at the inauguration event. Lorenzo Simonelli, President & CEO, GE Oil & Gas said: "This is a proud moment for GE as we continue our legacy of supporting Saudi Arabia's oil and gas sector, dating back to the 1930's. With today's announcement, we have entered a new and important phase of our partnership in the Kingdom and are delighted that our partners from Saudi Aramco are here to celebrate with us. With this manufacturing expansion we are delivering on our promise to be able to bring more advanced manufacturing capacity to the Kingdom and to employ more talented Saudis." Rami Qasem, President & CEO, GE Oil & Gas for Middle East, North Africa and Turkey added: "This expanded manufacturing facility is a great demonstration of GE Oil & Gas' commitment to local manufacturing in Saudi Arabia. — SG
