Global Anti Corrosion Techniques Co Ltd (Globetech) is a new company to the Gulf, providing high quality industrial pipe coating to service the oil, gas and water industries.
Located in Jubail on Saudi Arabia’s east coast, the plant is situated within the prestigious Royal Commission, taking advantage of the exceptional facilities and utilities, and enabling excellent communication with, and access to, both clients and suppliers throughout the region.
The company specialises in the application of high performance powder, polymer and liquid coatings to pipes and pipe fittings.
Globetech boasts two large custom coating plants, plus plants dedicated to the internal, and to the external coating of pipelines.
With construction having started in June 2006, overall development is nearing completion, and coating trials are ongoing on the custom and external plants. Both plants are now functional and ready for production, with the internal coating plant due to commence commissioning within the next two months.
Globetech recently performed approval trials for Saudi Aramco for Fusion Bonded Epoxy coating on the external plant, and is currently carrying out training on the custom coating plant prior to process approval trials.
Globetech is a 100 per cent Saudi owned company, with an international team managing operations.
The company is headed by respected Saudi businessman, Ahmed Khonaini, who acts as managing director.
Working with general manager David Thompson are project manager Saleh Sagr, operations manager Riaz Mohammed, and administration manager Mohammed Riyami. The team has considerable experience in the pipe coating industry, working in more than 20 countries in five continents, over a combined period of 75 years.
Having established an outstanding working team, the opportunity to build and operate a new company within the industry presented a unique opportunity, and Globetech was founded.
The main activities of the company include custom powder and liquid coating of pipe fittings, external powder coating of line pipes, external polymer coating of line pipes, and internal powder coating of line pipes.
Industrial custom coating performed at Globetech’s facility involves powder and liquid corrosion protection of pipe fitting assemblies ranging from less than one kg to in excess of nine tonnes.
The variety of size and shape demands considerable flexibility of process equipment and the use of innovative techniques in order to produce the high quality demanded by clients.
Globetech has designed a state-of-the-art facility incorporating two separate yet integrated custom coating plants, fitted with the latest equipment for preparing, coating and handling a wide range of work pieces, and is currently developing a number of techniques and processes for which patents are being applied.
“As a new company, we are committed to the use of new technologies and techniques,” says Thompson.
The overall plant layout has been designed to facilitate a smooth flow of work pieces through the various processes.
The internal powder coating facility has been designed to handle pipes up to 1,220 mm diameter, whilst the external coating facility is designed to handle pipes up to 1,420 mm diameter.
Careful plant layout, plus design and use of equipment allows for smooth process control.
Conveyors have been designed and built to Globetech’s own exacting standards to enable precise control of pipe stability and speed through the coating process. A conveyor adjusting system memorises settings to allow for quick changeover, and controls allow for incorporation of computerised systems to permit comprehensive analysis of quality and line performance.
Quality is of prime importance to Globetech, with consistency ensured through manual and automated application and process control techniques.
Maintenance of efficient environmental control is not only important for the welfare of personnel and the environment, but also vital to good work piece surface preparation and coating.
All preparation and coating operations are performed in the main production building within enclosed rooms and booths fitted with ventilation and filters to maintain a dust free environment and prevent emissions to the atmosphere.
With its roots in Jubail, the company is seeking to develop strong links with the education establishments of the region, both in terms of training and employment opportunities.
Key personnel have been recruited from the local Saudi labour force, with some labour and specialist skilled workers employed from the expatriate market. The emphasis is on a high standard of training, and, in conjunction with local colleges and institutes, effective apprenticeship schemes are planned for the future.
Thompson’s aim is for Globetech to become one of the most reputed companies of the region, providing a first rate product and service.
Thompson states that Globetech have no illusions; and appreciate that challenges lie ahead, but plan to work to earn an excellent reputation, and gain the respect of all their customers. Tenders have already been submitted for several projects in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries.
The vision is that Globetech should be the industry’s provider of choice.
