Reaffirming its commitment to fast-tracking the localisation of Saudi industry, Arabian Power Electronics Company (APEC), a subsidiary of Eram Group, inaugurated its new, state-of- the-art production facility on February 1. This regional expansion will enable the transfer of power electronics technology to the Kingdom, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 to grow and diversify the economy.

 

The production facility advances the company’s intent to become a pioneer of power electronics in the Middle East.

 

“The focus of companies in the industry must be on localising technologies and create promising job opportunities for young people in the country, especially Saudi engineers,” said Eram Group Chairman and Managing Director, Dr Siddeek Ahmed.

 

Located in Dammam 3rd Industrial City, APEC’s new 9,600 sq m facility will manufacture a wide range of products that contribute to a robust supply chain. The facility contributes towards the domestic economy by focusing on local products and talent development, using an advanced power electronics training institute created in-house.

 

The extensive product range covers industrial and commercial UPS systems, industrial battery chargers/rectifiers, frequency converters, system integration capabilities of variable frequency drives, solar projects and customised product development for client-specific requirements.

 

Jacob Thomas, APEC Chief Executive Officer, opened proceedings in the presence of Saudi Aramco and Eram Group representatives, tracing the exceptional growth of APEC since its inception and highlighting its reputation as a market leader in its field in Saudi Arabia and exporting products to GCC and other countries.

 

Salem Al Huraish, General Manager of Procurement at Saudi Aramco, highlighted that APEC’s facility is an important validation of Saudi Vision 2030 and Saudi Aramco’s localisation programme, iktva, which is helping to drive it.

 

Bringing sophisticated technologies to the Kingdom is one component, being able to export products with a 'Made in Saudi Arabia' stamp on them will be another.

 

He added that the Covid-19 pandemic illustrated the significance of a robust local supply chain. The new manufacturing facility for critical products takes the Kingdom one-step closer to a sustainable economy, contributing to a world-class supply chain and enabling a generation of highly skilled local talent.

 

Siddeek Ahmed, Chairman & Managing Director of Eram Group, expressed his gratitude to Saudi Aramco for its focus on localisation and setting standards for other companies.

 

He complimented the In-Kingdom Total Value Add (iktva) programme and its support for locally-manufactured products, adding that Eram Group’s other verticals in the manufacturing and services sector had increased their localisation scores.

 

"iktva intends, over the decade, to drive the supply chain and increase localization levels across the Kingdom,” he said. “The opening of this world-class facility is a real feather in Eram Group’s cap, and we are grateful for the continuous support from organizations in the industry to help us expand our footprint in the Kingdom."

 

At the event, the Saudi Aramco representatives also launched two new 'Made in Saudi Arabia' Battery chargers, SCR  and explosion-proof types, illustrating the potential for local manufacturers to compete at the global level. --Tradearabia News Service