GE underlined its commitment to promoting localized manufacturing in Saudi Arabia at an event that brought together its key suppliers from across the Middle East and Africa. The forum, held under the theme ‘Positioning for Growth: Supporting Saudi Vision 2030,' highlighted the growing footprint of localized manufacturing initiatives by GE and its commitment to driving a global supply chain ecosystem in the Kingdom that also creates high-quality jobs for young qualified Saudi nationals, and contributes to all-round economic competitiveness. The one-day event, held at the GE Manufacturing & Technology Center (GEMTEC) in Dammam, was attended by more than 100 GE suppliers from across the Middle East and Africa markets, as well as officials of the Ministry of Commerce & Investment, TAQNIA, Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA), Saudi Industrial Property Authority (MODON), Saudi Exports Commission, and Saudi Industrial Development Fund (SIDF). Representatives of GE's long-term partners – Saudi Aramco, and SABIC – also attended the event. Through a series of tours and demonstrations the supplier forum showcased the advanced manufacturing capabilities of GEMTEC. Having transformed into a ‘Brilliant Factory,' by leveraging GE's advanced digital industrial solutions, GEMTEC has the capability to manufacture advanced H-class — the world's largest and most efficient heavy duty gas turbines. GEMTEC currently serves over 70 customers in more than 40 countries and supports an evolving, high-value local supply chain. Today, more than 300 Saudi-based SME suppliers benefit from the center following GE's partnership with Wa'ed (the Saudi Aramco Entrepreneurship Center Company). Over 35 percent of all new gas turbine auxiliary systems in the Kingdom are ‘Made in Saudi', accounting for over US$50 million sourcing spend within the Kingdom. That percentage is expected to increase to over 50 percent as GE continues to develop the Saudi supply base. Hisham Albahkali, GE's president & chief executive officer for Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, said: "With its central geographic location, modern infrastructure and qualified human capital, Saudi Arabia is uniquely positioned to be a world-class hub for industrial manufacturing. The Kingdom can serve as a gateway destination for exports of high-end industrial equipment, including heavy-duty turbines, for the entire MEA region. GE has consistently invested in building our local manufacturing capabilities and creating opportunities for young qualified Saudi nationals. We're very proud that the supplier forum demonstrates how we are supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to drive economic and industrial diversification." Luís Delgado, executive board member of EFACEC Power Solutions, said: "As part of the supply chain developed by GE, we have achieved significant growth in the past years — especially by tapping into global markets. The support of GE in strengthening our manufacturing capabilities — through knowledge sharing and industry insights — has been invaluable. By expanding ‘Made in Saudi' manufacturing competencies, we can further create new job opportunities for Saudis and enhance the competitiveness of the economy." In June 2016, GE underpinned its long-term commitment to developing the local Saudi supply chain by holding the GE Global Supplier Forum in Riyadh, bringing together over 500 partners and suppliers from 20+ countries to support the aims of Saudi Vision 2030. The forum, held in partnership with MODON, SAGIA and other Saudi organizations, was successful in engaging with international and local suppliers with the regards to the business opportunities in the Kingdom through international collaborations and strengthen public-private partnerships. Also in 2016, GE was extremely proud to win the ‘Best in Supplier Development' honor at the Saudi Aramco In Kingdom Total Value Add (IKTVA) Excellence Awards for its ongoing efforts in developing the capabilities of In-Kingdom suppliers in several areas, such as technical capabilities, technology transfer, quality improvement and integration into the international supply chain. GE has also announced several new partnerships and joint ventures in the Kingdom to boost localized manufacturing. GE, Saudi Aramco and Cividale SpA are jointly working to build the MENA region's first-of-its-kind, world-class Forging & Casting Manufacturing Facility, which will supply the Kingdom and global markets with forged and cast materials for the Marine and Energy industries. With a presence of over 80 years, three offices and seven facilities, Saudi Arabia accounts for the largest GE workforce in the Middle East with over 2,000 employees driving the Aviation, Healthcare, Oil & Gas, Power & Water and Transportation businesses.
