When Saudi Arabia based Alaa For Industry (AFI) was established in 1984, it was originally engaged in the contracting, supply and service of hydraulic systems for the transport industry.

Soon after, however, the company diversified into other specialised fields.

Today AFI is a significant market force in the field of industrial supplies in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) with a wide network of over 12 branches across the region.

It was all brought about by a focused approach towards the local market while thinking globally.

Innovation, quality and service are key elements that have become the driving force behind AFI.

As a leader in the field of engineering, AFI is constantly developing new solutions for a wide range of industrial applications

It does this by continuously improving its relationship with its customers, employees and suppliers, promoting a healthy and safe environment and providing consumer-friendly products and services.

With over 450 employees, the firm is actively involved in various industrial projects such as refineries, petrochemical and other downstream and support industries, transport and logistics as well as power generation.

Companies managed under AFI include the following:

Saudi Arabia Head office; Alaa International for Trading and services - Trade and service of industrial equipment, foundation equipment, transport equipment, hydraulic, pneumatic and instrumentation products.

Brands such as Asco Joucomatic, Geho for dewatering pumps, Hyva for tipping cylinders, Denison hydraulics, Vickers, Aeroquip, Internorman filters and Lincoln lubrication systems are few of the suppliers represented.

Alaa Industrial Equipment Factory: A state of the art manufacturing facility in Dammam that manufactures hydraulic systems, power packs, hard chrome plating, hose assemblies, cylinders, seals and gaskets to serve both local and international markets.

Various hydraulic projects undertaken for Saudi Arabian Basic Industries Company (Sabic), Aramco and other such companies in Saudi Arabia are only a reflection of Aala's capability in the fields of engineering and production.

Alaa Rubber Factory: Coating of rubber and polyurethane rollers, moulding of elastomers through a technology transfer agreement with Mitex Germany.

Alaa International Contracting: Installation and commission of boilers, weighing and packaging systems, material and bulk handling equipment, installation of overhead cranes, bolting services, shutdown services.

International industry players such as Zeppelin, Haver and Bocker, Mollen, Hedley Purvis and others have chosen AFI to become their partner in Saudi Arabia.

Alaa Chemical Supply: Supply of chemical process additives, catalysts and chemicals for industries including the petrochemical sector.

Alaa/AES mechanical Seal Factory: AFI has established a joint venture with AES-UK for the manufacture and the service of mechanical seals.

Customs exempt warehouse in Bahrain : A 3,600 square metre warehouse at the Custom Exempted Export Zone in Bahrain is used as a hub to facilitate exports to the Middle East. This warehouse, in effect, gives an opportunity for customers to store production parts at a minimal charge while enjoying a cost advantage through the elimination of double taxation (import duties) and the hassle of logistics.

A fully integrated enterprise resource planning (ERP) programme conducts the business processes efficiently and effectively.

Investment in state of the art cutting edge computer technology interconnects all branches but also reduces transaction costs and time savings - a saving that is transferred to customers.

AFI has export branches in Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and the US that are supported by the customs exempt warehouse Bahrain and the technical expertise in Saudi Arabia.