GE announces new state-of-the-art technology center in Saudi Arabia

With an investment of SR280m ($75m), the center will span 125,000 square feet, and expand GE Energy's capabilities to serve its customers in the region.

A ceremonial ground-breaking ceremony was held today in Damman with GE Energy and Ali A. Tamimi Co. management, as well as key national customers and government officials.

Mr John Krenicki, President & CEO, GE Energy said:

"With the ground-breaking of the new service centre, GE Energy is further expanding our presence in the Kingdom and adding substantial capability to undertake advanced gas turbine repairs in reduced time cycles. Designed as a Centre of Excellence, the Dammam facility reiterates our commitment to delivering innovation, advanced technology support and quality services to our customers in the region."

Set to expand in phases, the new center highlights GE's focus on localization through partnerships with Saudi companies, which complements the Kingdom's socio-economic growth initiatives, particularly 'Saudization', a national policy encouraging the employment of Saudi nationals in the private sector. Expected to be operational in 2010, the facility will double the amount of GE's service technologists in the region.

"GE Energy's collaboration with our long-standing and joint venture partner Ali A. Tamimi Co. and community organizations such as King Fahd University, drives us to deliver solutions specific to the region's requirements," said Mazen Al-Alami, GE Energy Country Executive for Saudi Arabia. "This tailored and localized approach highlights of our customer focus in the Middle East."

Mr Tariq Tamimi, President, Ali A. Tamimi Co. said: "The new center will serve as a regional hub for the energy industry and will effectively complement and boost the current capability of MEELSA (Middle East Engineering Limited Saudi Arabia) service center, which our joint venture opened in 1976. The Dammam facility will enjoy localized support in all engineering and commercial aspects, which is important for long-run sustainability."

The Power Technology Center will provide the latest in repair technology for B, E and F gas turbines. It will also feature state-of-the- art coating facilities, lean flow/design for reduced time cycles, as well as a crane weight-capacity of 100 tons.

GE Energy has a long-standing presence in the Middle East dating to the 1930s, and now employs more than 750 people in the region. GE's Gas Turbine technology is already well-established in the region with over 1017 turbines installed in key locations.