Gulf Construction Online - Al-Usaimi builds on its steely strength

Manufacturers & Procurement

Al-Usaimi ensures that there is minimal waste in its production facilities.

Al-Usaimi builds on its steely strength

01 July 2023

Building on its reputation as a veteran in the steel manufacturing sector, Othman Abdul Rahman Al-Usaimi Holding group – popularly known as Al-Usaimi Steel Co – has recently established a general construction division, which has boosted the capabilities of its extensive services in the steel sector.

The division, which utilises the latest engineering design software, undertakes fabrication of all varieties (light, medium, and heavy weight) and provides steel protection with rich options from painting, fireproofing and hot-dip galvanising. It also includes erection within its scope, which is done by professional and dedicated personnel. The division has already added a number of projects in Saudi Arabia and the GCC states to its portfolio since its launch.

“This new division has helped Al-Usaimi group keep pace with the manufacturing revolution under way in the kingdom in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030,” Ahmed Khalifa, Head of Procurement at Al-Usaimi Steel Co, tells Gulf Construction.

Since its inception 50 years ago, Othman Abdul Rahman Al-Usaimi Company has established a niche as a leading company in the steel business and contributed to the development of the industrial sector in Saudi Arabia. It has set up six factories with more than 35 production lines that are equipped with the latest technologies in Dammam’s Second Industrial City.

Al-Usaimi has now grown into a group of companies that provides trading, steel manufacture, steel protection and construction services.

Steel fabrication and installation is the latest value-added service offered by Al-Usaimi’s construction unit.

Al-Usaimi Steel Co offers various steel products including steel and corrugated sheets, hollow sections such as circular, rectangular and square sections; round, square and flat bars, rebar, and angle bar; and wire mesh. Raw materials are procured from various sources, but mainly from Sabic (Saudi Arabia), Bahrain, UAE, Korea, Japan, Hong Kong and China.

“Our unique strengths are the variety of products and the diversity of sizes we offer,” says Khalifa. “In addition, we have over 50 branches across Saudi Arabia to cater to the entire kingdom; we have our own transportation company to serve all regional branches and customer requests on time. Our sister company, Modern Steel Coating Company, can carry out surface cleaning ‘blasting’, various types of coatings, including fireproofing, and hot-dip galvanising. This apart, we have a strong engineering department that can value engineer every product and service.”

In fact, Al-Usaimi group, he says, has expanded horizontally and vertically in its product chain such that the finished products of one plant is the raw material for another; even scrap and wasted steel is used in the Al-Usaimi furnace. The construction division completes the circle with minimum waste for the environment in the steel sector.

The steel fabrication and installation division is the latest value-added service in its portfolio and expands the capabilities of its general construction company, which can now offer a full package of services. These comprise an engineering section, which provides design, shop drawings, detailed drawings, as-built drawings and consultations; a fabrication unit, which is staffed by more than 120 experienced/certified personnel ranging from fabricators to welders and machine operators (CNC), allowing it to handle all type of steel fabrication; a quality control department; and an erection unit with highly skilled and experienced team fully equipped with safety and TUV-approved tools.

Quality is accorded high priority by the company, according to Khalifa. “Al-Usaimi is proud to serve the best quality in the steel sector. Our quality department is well equipped to carry out tests in accordance with American standards and our QA/QC policy is updated on a regular basis.”

Al-Usaimi’s rolling mill ... well equipped.

Al-Usaimi Steel Co serves both the government and private sectors to meet the requirements of the industrial and construction segments.

“We also meet the demands of the renewable energy sector including providing lightweight steel works for platforms and superstructures to mount solar panels,” he says.

Commenting on the competition in the market, Khalifa says: “There is strong competition in the Saudi market, which continues to draws many international companies to establish a presence in the region. However, Al-Usaimi has maintained its leadership position for over 50 years as a pioneer in the steel sector.”

According to him, the past year has been a “prosperous” one for Al-Usaimi, during which the market has been recovering from the Covid-19 epidemic.

“With projects being pursued in line with Saudi Vision 2030, demand is growing considerably specially in the construction and manufacturing sectors. We are looking forward to seeing Al-Usaimi participate in the giga-projects, either directly or indirectly,” he says.

Al-Usaimi is currently engaged in projects for Saudi Fransi Capital (data centres); Al-Wattania Poultry (factory); Al-Qorishi (Shorofat Park); Anmatt (Salt Al Bahr project); and Mojjasam Wattan (Tasis and Rewayit Malik roundabouts).

Al-Usaimi has vast warehouse facilities and its own transportation company to serve all regional branches and customer requests on time.

Over the past year, the company has carried out several projects including those for Aramco; Ministry of Defense – dormitory buildings at King Fahad Medical City; Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu – Yanbu road entrance gates and support facilities building; Chamber of Commerce tower – steel structure; Samasco Tower – steel structure for floors; STC – data centres; Acwa Power – Sakaka solar project; Saudi ReadyMix (factory); Mana General Hospital – bridge connection between two hospital buildings; and Mojjasam Wattan – Saudi National Flag and Sky Anan roundabout.

Internationally, it has carried out works for the Al-Babtain Metalogalva Solar project; six gas stations for Adnoc; and steel works for a bridge in Bahrain for Bridge Industrial Services.

Among the notable projects it has been involved with in the past was the first steel structure in a car-parking system in the Eastern Province.

“The system is faster to install, and safer, stronger, more durable, and expandable in operation,” Khalifa points out.

He cites the Sakaka solar project for Acwa Power as one of the most challenging projects Al-Usaimi has handled due to the superstructure details in steel light fabrication – and this was delivered ahead of schedule, he points out.

Another challenging steel project was the beautification of two roundabouts, due to their architectural shape and the fact that it was required to be completed in time for the Saudi National Day celebrations.

Looking ahead, he says: “Al-Usaimi is constantly expanding and always has plans in motion for new machines, production lines, or factories. Our vision is to keep up with the latest technology in the market.”

“We are also looking at improving our production capacity to capitalise on the Saudi market and meet demand by setting up more factories and plants, and offering new services,” he concludes.