GE Energy, a global supplier of power generation and energy delivery technologies, is expanding its capabilities to serve the region better.

Progress in that regard was made recently with the groundbreaking of its Power Technology Centre Middle East, a new state-of-the-art facility in Dammam developed in association with GE’s joint venture parner Ali Al Tamimi Co.
With an investment of SR280 million ($75 million), the centre will span 125,000 sq ft and expand GE Energy’s capabilities to serve its customers in the region. John Krenicki, president and CEO, GE Energy, who was in attendance at the ceremony, said the new centre would enable GE to add substantial capability to undertake advanced gas turbine repairs in reduced time cycles.
“Designed as a Centre of Excellence, the Dammam facility reiterates our commitment to delivering innovation, advanced technology and quality services to our customers in the Middle Eas,” he said.
Mazen Al-Alami, GE Energy country executive for Saudi Arabia, commented:  “GE Energy’s collaboration with our long-standing and joint venture partner, Ali A Tamimi Co, and community organisations such as King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals enables us to deliver solutions specific to the region’s requirements. This tailored and localised approach highlights our customer focus in the Middle East.”
Tariq Al-Tamimi, president, Ali A Tamimi Co, said: “The new centre will serve as a regional hub for the energy industry and effectively complement and boost the current capability of the Meelsa (Middle East Engineering Limited Saudi Arabia) service centre, which our joint venture opened in 1976.”
The Power Technology Centre will provide the latest in repair technology for B, E and F gas turbines, steam turbines and generators. It also will feature state-of-the-art coating facilities and lean flow/design for reduced time cycles, as well as a crane with a weight-capacity of 100 tonnes.