The new facility is Cooper's first in the Gulf Countries Continuum (GCC) and will function as a 100% U.S.-owned entity operating within Saudi Arabia, which represents one of the first of its kind in this region, according to the company.
Located less than 20 kilometers from Saudi Aramco headquarters in Dhahran, the Cooper facility will offer electrical products, components and engineering services for the region's growing oil and gas market, according to Cooper Industries.
"The new facility will significantly reduce Cooper's delivery lead times for product orders and specification configurations in the GCC," the company said.
The 50,000-square-foot facility has been delegated as an Aramco-approved facility for Cooper B-Line produced products, which involved passing the Saudi oil company's strenuous quality management assessments and strict Saudisation provisions.
"The new facility in Dammam is a clear illustration of Cooper's steadfast commitment to this important region, said Cooper CEO Kirk Hachigian. "Not only will it bring first-rate employment, training and technology opportunities to a region that continues to grow and prosper, but it will consistently deliver high-quality, world-class manufacturing products to customers in Saudi Arabia and the entire Gulf Region."
The facility is beginning its operations with the production of Cooper B-Line and Cooper Crouse-Hinds products for distribution to local markets.
"The location of this facility will result in shorter product lead times that meet customer requirements, improved customer service and increased continuity in our relationships throughout the region," said Curt Andersson, president of Cooper Crouse-Hinds. "With many projects requiring quick turnaround and attentive, on-location customer support, Cooper Industries' local presence in Dammam is critical to our future business efforts in the area."
