The Eastern Province-based Abahsain Group has started laying the foundations for a mechanical seal and valve facility in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The project at the Second Industrial City is being developed with Flowserve Corp.

According to Abahsain Group's Director Shaukat Sheikh, the new venture sets the stage for the Kingdom to move to the next stage of its industrial development, which would enable Saudi Arabia to supply and support the entire industrial equipment requirements of the Gulf.

The joint venture includes the local manufacturing of control valves, ball valves, plug valves, butterfly valves and electric and pneumatic actuators for the oil and gas, petrochemical, power and water industries. Once completed, the 10,000sq/m plant will produce flow-control equipment that will meet the highest industry standards.

It is also expected to enhance existing capabilities for the manufacture of complete mechanical seals as well as facilitate their service, repair and refurbishment.
The plant is expected to go into production by July 2010.