Geyad for Commerce and Import Company (GCI) is preparing for a busy two years ahead in the Saudi pressure vessels, pipe spools, tanks and steel structure sector, according to a top company official.

''Long term business prospects are very good and the next two years are going to be very busy,'' said Dr Khalid Al Gaadi, general manager of GCI.

Certainly, recent developments in Saudi Arabia have called for massive new investments in gas and downstream industrial infrastructure, a factor which could have positive knock-on effects for the highly competitive fabrication market.

GCI provides a comprehensive design and detailing facility for pressure vessels, tanks and steel structures from its facilities on Dammam's Second Industrial City. Its product portfolio falls into five main categories: shop-fabricated pipe spools to ASME/ANSI B31.2, B31.3 and as per client requirement; shop-fabricated storage tanks (water, chemical and oil) to API650, API620, UL142, ANSI/AWWA D100-84; shop-fabricated steel structures to AISC manual for steel construction and British Standard; pressure vessels according to 'U' certificate of authorisation by ASME; and miscellaneous steel to AISC.

In addition, maintenance and repair of pressure vessels is performed according to 'R' and 'NB' certificates, and authorised by the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspector (NBBI) of the US.

The company's highly qualified engineers are experienced in helping meet customers' specifications and ensuring that products meet the highest international standards.

But while the longer term outlook is highly encouraging, short term expectations are less so, says Dr Al Gaadi.

''It seems that the curve of business is going up very slowly. The level of business has not improved in our sector as a result of the higher oil prices,'' he explained.

''There are a lot of projects in the market and we are bidding, but most of them are expected to be materialised at a later date. We are facing tough competition in the market due to major fabricating companies offering very low prices,'' Dr Al Gaadi added.

Nevertheless, GCI is preparing for the future with a new workshop under construction, mainly for the manufacture of pressure vessels and some structural steel fabrication.

It is also looking to leverage its position as an approved vendor with Saudi Aramco, Sceco and Sabic to win major contracts for infrastructure projects in the Kingdom.

In particular, the new facility, once ready, will also help GCI cope with the increasing demands of the market.

GCI has already carried out major contracts for Saudi Aramco, Sceco and Sabic in Jubail and Yanbu. The company is currently working on Yanbu Power Plant project with Ansaldo Energia for structural steel requirements.

For Sabic, GCI supplied steel structures for the purified terephthalic acid (PTA) project at Ibn Rushd in Yanbu, fabricated and delivered steel structures for Kemya's LDPE project, among others.

For Saudi Aramco, GCI supplied a major portion of structural steel for various projects such as Shedgum Debottlenecking, Haradh GOSP-1 and East and West pipeline pump station at Khurais.

GCI supplied a 65,000 litre slop oil storage tank at Sulayyil Bulk Plant, and a 38,000 litre raw water storage tank, along with diesel generator fuel and kerosene storage tanks.

GCI also fabricates pipe spools, welds pipe sleeves and performs external fusion bonded epoxy coating of pipes for the state oil company.

GCI operates strict QA and QC procedures for its manufacturing and repairing processes, which include plate rolling, machining operations, plasma cutting, arc welding, MIG welding, TIG welding, SAW welding, hydraulic pressing, drilling/reboring, oxyacetylene cutting, bar cropping and punching, plate shearing and blasting/painting.

The company is registered with SGS Yarsley International Certification Services Ltd for ISO9002, while QC personnel are qualified and certified to ASNT/Level II and AWS Certified Welding Inspector.

GCI is a joint venture between Al Nasser Industrial Enterprises of Abu Dhabi and Abdullah Al Hussaini and Mohammed Al Botain of Saudi Arabia.