GE Oil & Gas has opened a Qatar Service Centre at the Ras Laffan Support Services Zone, deepening its role in the energy-rich state.
The company has been providing gas turbines, compressors and other equipment to support projects in Qatar for more than 35 years.
“The new service centre represents a significant step for GE’s infrastructure localisation strategy in the region, and will be a centre of excellence for GE Oil & Gas in the Middle East,” a company statement said. “It will support both emerging markets and the fast growing refinery industry in the region, with application expertise ranging from petrochemical services to LNG.  The centre will also provide customers with the first GE re-manufacturing capabilities for compressors in the Middle East.”
The total plant encompasses more than 36,000 sq m with a covered area of 4,200 sq m and an additional 600 sq m dedicated to offices. As many as 40 people are expected to be employed at the centre by the end of 2008, increasing the local presence of GE Oil & Gas which already includes sales, engineering, field service and other supporting functions.
Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy and Industry, Abdullah Bin Hamad Al Attiyah, opened the centre, saying it would contribute to Qatar’s development.
“This facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City will represent a significant step in our overall industry and energy plan. The growth of Qatar is moving at a tremendous pace and the support of international companies such as GE assists us in developing our growth strategy,” he said.
Nabil Habayeb, president and CEO, GE Middle East and Africa, commented: “The opening of the new service center here in Ras Laffan further strengthens our position as a global company committed to Qatar and the region. We are delighted to be part of Qatar’s long-term growth plans and are pleased to be building solid relationships, creating additional localised support for all our clients in the region.”
He added: “The new facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City represents a significant step in the overall GE infrastructure strategy for the region including investments in other countries.” 
Ayman Khattab, general manager GE Oil and Gas – Middle East, observed: “The presence of this new facility marks our commitment to assure customers in Qatar fast and reliable services. Through the Qatar Service Centre we will be able to minimise unit downtime, increase efficiency and maximise the life of equipment units using state-of-the-art technology. The centre will also help promote growth in the oil and gas industry by fostering technology transfer and local talent development, as well as creating new employment opportunities and maximising local procurement in Qatar.”
The centre is equipped with advanced hot gas component repair systems to serve all GE heavy duty gas turbines and will facilitate the complete inspection, repair and overhauling of gas turbine modules up to 30 MW. The service platform will also accommodate GE centrifugal and reciprocating compressors and other plant equipment.
The main activities at the facility will include compressor and turbine preliminary inspection, engine overhaul, rotor repair and balancing, nozzles, combustion liner and transition piece repair, heat treatment and renewalloy for combustion components, thermal barrier coating for combustion components, inspection, and disassembly and overhaul of auxiliary equipment.