The Economy

Piping Systems Manufacturer to Expand in Saudi Arabia

May 20, 2010

Perma-Pipe's new facility will serve the oil and gas industry in the region.

Perma-Pipe Inc., a Niles, Ill.-based manufacturer of pre-insulated piping systems for the oil and gas industry, announced that it will establish a new pipe manufacturing plant in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.

Perma-Pipes subsidiary, Perma-Pipe Middle East, will develop and operate the plant, in conjunction with its existing plant in the United Arab Emirates. The detailed plant engineering and design is underway, the company said.

The new manufacturing facility will serve the special requirements of the oil and gas industry as well as the rapidly growing market for district cooling networks in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, according to the company.

We eagerly anticipate this major strategic initiative, which will address the largest market in the [Gulf Cooperation Council] countries, said Fati Elgendy, president of Perma-Pipe. Perma-Pipe Saudi Arabia will serve the KSA district heating and cooling and oil and gas markets in this important and rapidly growing economy. Furthermore, in conjunction with our facility in the United Arab Emirates, the company will be well-positioned to serve customers throughout the region.

The company has received an industrial license and the required commercial registration and expects the plant to be fully operational in 2011.

The facility is within 20 miles of ARAMCO and very close to Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain, said Avin Gidwani, president of Perma-Pipe Middle East. [Perma-Pipe Saudi Arabia] fills in our Middle East expansion strategy.

About the Author

Josh Cable | Former Senior Editor

Former Senior Editor Josh Cable covered innovation issues -- including trends and best practices in R&D, process improvement and product development. He also reported on the best practices of the most successful companies and executives in the world of transportation manufacturing, which encompasses the aerospace, automotive, rail and shipbuilding sectors.

Josh also led the IndustryWeek Manufacturing Hall of Fame, IW’s annual tribute to the most influential executives and thought leaders in U.S. manufacturing history.

Before joining IndustryWeek, Josh was the editor-in-chief of Penton Media’s Government Product News and Government Procurement. He also was an award-winning beat reporter for several small newspapers in Northeast Ohio.

Josh received his BFA in creative writing from Bowling Green University, and continued his professional development through course-work at Ohio University and Cuyahoga Community College.

A lifelong resident of the Buckeye State, Josh currently lives in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland. When the weather cooperates, you’ll find him riding his bike to work, exercising his green thumb in the backyard or playing ultimate Frisbee.