General Electric expands Dammam facilities, commitment to Saudi economy

General Electric Oil & Gas (GE) is expanding its manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia, boosting production capacity, bringing more jobs to Saudi nationals and promoting the Kingdom’s industrial brand.

GE’s new facilities in Dammam will broaden the scope and output of its advanced pressure control products and testing and repair services. The expansion also represents a three-fold growth in employees, most of which will be Saudis.

That falls in line with GE’s plan to make up at least 70 percent of its Dammam workforce from Saudi nationals and aligns with the Saudi government’s vision to localize 70 percent of the nation’s industrial supply chain. The Kingdom is setting policies and working with businesses to strengthen local sources of manufacturing, services, raw materials and talent.

The equipment manufactured by GE at the newly expanded facility will carry the branding of “Made in Saudi,” raising the Gulf nation’s profile as an industrial and export hub.

Those products include GE’s pressure control solutions for oil wellhead systems and advanced flow control solutions, both of which are critical components for Saudi Arabia’s oil-based economy.

Lorenzo Simonelli, CEO of GE Oil & Gas, said the company is pleased to open the newly expanded plant and to employ more Saudis there.

“This is a proud moment for GE as we continue our legacy of supporting Saudi Arabia’s oil and gas sector, dating back to the 1930’s,” Simonelli said. “With this manufacturing expansion we are delivering on our promise to be able to bring more advanced manufacturing capacity to the Kingdom and to employ more talented Saudis.”