The Ministry of Commerce & Industry in Dammam has awarded a company registration certificate to Natco Al-Rushaid Middle East Ltd in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Natco Group Inc said on Saturday. The joint venture, established in 2007, is engaged in the construction of a new, dedicated vessel manufacturing facility within Al-Rushaid's industrial complex in Jubail. The construction of the facility is expected to be completed by mid-2009. The registration certificate covers the production of pressure vessels including desalters, dehydrators, filters, hydrocyclones, and more for the upstream, downstream and petrochemical markets. “This is another important step for the joint venture, as we pursue increased technology and process equipment deployment to the largest oil producing region in the world,” said Natco Chairman and CEO John Clarke. “Our formation of Natco Al-Rushaid Middle East Ltd., and the recent award of the company's registration in the Kingdom cements an excellent working relationship with the Al-Rushaid Group, a prominent organization with significant capabilities in the Kingdom, including engineering, manufacturing, construction, and drilling.” Sheikh Abdullah Al-Rushaid, chairman of the joint venture and of the Al-Rushaid Group, added: “All equipment for the facility has been ordered, general manager and key positions staff have been recruited. Our partnership with Natco in the supply of technology and process equipment to the Saudi Arabian and Middle Eastern markets opens up many prospects for growing the business. The combination of Natco Technology with local fabrication will create jobs in both the US and Saudi Arabia while delivering value to all our customers in the region.” “Natco Al-Rushaid Middle East Ltd. Director and Natco President Patrick McCarthy, said: “When the new facility is completed and started up in second quarter 2009, we will focus first on debottlenecking opportunities and sales of crude oil desalting and dehydration vessels, as well as equipment solutions.” __
