US-based Emerson, a global technology and engineering company, inaugurated its new technology and innovation centre, worth SR94 million ($25 million), at Dhahran Techno Valley, in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, last month.

The 11,370 sq m built area facility, enables the company to host Saudi students, entrepreneurs, researchers and industry stakeholders to collaborate with Emerson’s technical experts to develop process automation technologies and design innovative products and solutions that meet the country’s goals as well as ensure global access to Emerson’s research and development (R&D) expertise, said a statement.

The facility houses a collaboration centre, educational classrooms, an Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) laboratory for research and development (R&D), and concept test laboratories, it said.

The technology and collaboration focus of Emerson’s new facility aligns with Saudi Arabia’s National Transformation Plan and the Saudi Vision 2030 development agenda which looks at technology as a key enabler to boost job creation and economic activities in the non-oil sector.

The project is also in alignment with the in-kingdom total value add (IKTVA) programme, the initiative created by Saudi Aramco to baseline, measure, and support increased levels of localisation in the kingdom.

Emerson signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Saudi Aramco, in the presence of Amin Nasser, CEO of Saudi Aramco and David Farr, chairman and CEO of Emerson.

Dr Sahel N Abduljauwad, vice rector for graduate studies and scientific research, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) and Mike Train, executive president of Emerson Automation Solutions were also present at the ceremony.

Farr said: “The opening of this facility marks the beginning of a new era for our operations in Saudi Arabia. This project is part of Emerson’s long-term commitment to Saudi Arabia’s growth and to make our technology expertise easily accessible for stakeholders.”