Products manufactured by Ashcroft Nagano Keiki Holdings US, which include gauges, thermometers, switches, transducers, transmitters, instrument isolators and diaphragm seals and control and calibration equipment have set a new benchmark in pressure and temperature measurement applications.

Specified around the world for the most demanding requirements, these instruments are widely recognised under the brand names Ashcroft, Heise, Willy and Weksler and are used in wastewater treatment facilities, biotech and pharmaceutical labs, medical applications, semiconductor facilities, refineries, power generation plants, food processing plants, pulp and paper mills, chemical manufacturing plants and by a host of support companies that serve these industries.

In Saudi Arabia, Ashcroft is represented by Ashcroft Al Rushaid Instrument Company Ltd (Aarico), which was established in 2008 as a joint venture manufacturing facility between Al Rushaid Petroleum Investment, Saudi Arabia and Ashcroft Nagano Keiki Holdings US.

This new company is a result of the acquisition of Ashcroft Inc (formerly Dresser Instruments) by Nagano Keiki of Japan. Previously, Ashcroft products were manufactured in the kingdom and supplied to the GCC market by (Dresser Al Rushaid Valve and Instrument Company (Darvico).

Aarico: setting a benchmark

Aarico’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility is located in Jubail Industrial city, the heart of the industrial hub of Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

MODERN PLANT

Aarico plant strictly conforms to Ashcroft manufacturing and quality assurance procedures, thereby ensuring that all products made at the Jubail facility have the same field performance as those in Ashcroft plants in the US and worldwide. Staff at Aarico are trained and certified to perform assembly work, testing and calibration conforming to national and international standards. The plant is equipped with modern manufacturing and assembly and test stands and holds sufficient inventory parts for producing more than 30,000 pressure gauges and 3,000 temperature gauges and pressure switches per year.

With continuous support from Ashcroft US and Ashcroft Europe, the Aarico sales team is able to provide superior technical support and engineering solutions to their clients for major projects such as those in the oil and gas sectors of Saudi Arabia and other Middle East countries, said a company spokesperson.

The company renders calibration services for pressure and temperature instruments of any brands as per ANSI standards.

Aarico highlights as one of its achievements a stocking programmer for fast-moving items with the integrated software (AIMS) and long-term agreements with major oil and petrochemical companies like  Saudi Aramco and Sabic; enabling the shortest delivery for emergency requirements.

Leading EPC contractors that have conducted business with Aarico include Bechtel, Technip, Snamprogetti, TecnicasReunidas, Fluor, Foster Wheeler, Hyundai and SNC Lavalin.

The Aarico plant is certified for ISO 29001:2010 and ISO 9001:2008 and its products are certified according to SASO and UL standards.

DR Pai, general manager, Aarico said: “We are confident of our manufacturing processes and the design of our pressure gauge systems. So confident, that we guarantee the Duragauge pressure system to be free of leaks for 10 years when installed and operated with the recommendations outlined in ASME B40.1.”

“Of course, our standard one-year warranty on materials, workmanship, and all other parts, is still in effect. Millions of Ashcroft Duragauge pressure gauges continue to deliver proven performance in critical process applications throughout the world. You can depend on our commitment to quality – just what you’ve come to expect from the leader in pressure technology – the people who design, produce, and sell Ashcroft products,” he added.

Aarico said its team consists of experts which is ready to resolve even the most difficult applications and technical issues. “If a customer requires broader specifications than our standard product line offers, our engineers, technical staff and product marketing specialists can work with you to custom fit the right product to the job. Our customer service representatives are highly trained to answer product application questions, offer competitive product cross-references and work closely with you to help meet your goals,” Pai said.

The company maintains an extensive network of field and in-house sales personnel, local representatives and distributors to ensure that its customers receive quick product delivery and service. Along with its “partner” representatives, it offers product training and education, facility surveys, calibration services, seal assembly and answers to all application questions.

As a leading player in technology and innovation, it designs new products based on current and emerging market requirements as well as individual customer’s needs. “As the industry leader, our ‘firsts’ lead the way with breakthrough new product features and value-added benefits for the customer,” he added.

Besides Saudi Arabia, Aarico also takes care of the business in Bahrain and Kuwait.