Outokumpu opens a regional sales company in Dubai

The decision supports the Group's strategy to strengthen its presence outside western European markets and to improve the ability to serve end-user and project customers globally in an optimal way.

Outokumpu has also built a major presence in the stainless tubular products markets in the Middle East, by establishing a joint venture company with Armetal in Saudi Arabia.

The company, named Outokumpu Armetal Stainless Pipe Co., Ltd. and based in Riyadh, produces and markets welded pipes and tubes as well as sheet products.

Outokumpu products are already widely used in different projects in the Middle East, especially in desalination as well as in oil and gas and petrochemical industries.

The projects include Jebel Ali L station in Dubai, Fujairah Water & Power, Al Hidd in Bahrain, Marafiq Water & Power, Saudi Kayan and Qatar Gas.

Mr Patrik Lundström, Regional General Manager in Outokumpu's Middle East sales company in Dubai comments

"The new sales company provides us a good platform for future growth in the area. We are now well positioned to serve the Middle East region and present the full potential of stainless steel for customers' benefit. We believe that Outokumpu's special grades and high quality is appreciated in the demanding applications in different industries."

The Middle East is one of the fastest growing markets in the world with high potential in investments in industries that require a multitude of stainless steel products.

The sales company will be the contact point for the entire range of Outokumpu products and services, while it is especially focused on serving the oil & gas, desalination, petrochemical, energy, and building & construction industries.

Outokumpu is one of the world's leading producers of stainless steel with a very broad product portfolio including sheets, plates, thin strips, tubular products fittings and rebar.

The company produces more than 50 different stainless steel grades and it is the world leader in special duplex grades.

Duplex products offer customers many benefits owing to their excellent corrosion resistance coupled with high strength.

The grades meet the requirements of the most demanding process environments such as oil and gas, desalination and water management, offering durability, material savings and lower life cycle costs.