EBKSA, which is a joint venture between EagleBurgmann (Germany) and Gas Arabian Services, says its expectations are high as there are many projects lined up for the coming years, especially as its product range offers a variety of solutions

EagleBurgmann Saudi Arabia (EBKSA), a market leader with over 130 years of global experience in supplying various products like mechanical seals, seal supply system, packings, gaskets, magnetic couplings, carbon floating rings, expansion joints and special seals, is expanding its capability in the kingdom.

"The expansion will include new offices and enhanced manufacturing capabilities, as well as more sales and service operations, all of which will enhance our support to all our clients in country," says Biju Chacko, senior sales director of the company.

The company, which is a joint venture between EagleBurgmann (Germany) and Gas Arabian Services, says its expectations are high as there are many projects lined up for the coming years, especially as its product range offers solutions to a number of industry sectors, such as oil and gas, chemicals, water, power, food and pharmaceuticals.

A major challenge to the EBKSA’s growth plans is the in-kingdom drive by the Saudi Arabia government to nationalise the workforce (Nitaqat), which involves companies meeting stringent and compulsory targets in employing Saudi nationals. EBKSA has embraced this and has actively recruited and trained Saudi nationals, utilising them in every area of the business and has been recognised by the Saudi government for the company’s commitment to the Nitaqat programme.

Also, EagleBurgmann Saudi Arabia’s growth and opportunities plan are firmly focused on aligning the business with the kingdom’s Vision 2030 programme and IKTVA initiative by Saudi Aramco. "We see huge prospects ahead to grow our business in the country," says Chacko.

"Volatile oil prices do have an effect on our business as many of our customers are in the oil and gas, refining and petrochemical sectors. The Vision 2030 plan helps reduce Saudi Arabia’s dependence on oil revenues and express clearly the country’s long-term goals and expectations for its economy. As many mega projects are being announced as part of this initiative, EagleBurgmann Saudi Arabia is in a comfortable position to support those projects and be a part of kingdom success," he says.

Chacko says the company constantly innovates and introduces new products to the market. "Recently we introduced important technologies such as Diamond Faces, CoBa Seals and Rotech Boosters for compressor applications which are of a critical nature and have worked closely with end-users to improve reliability of their equipment and have many success stories in the country."

EagleBurgmann’s products are supported by after-sales and service, often backed up by long-term service agreements.

"We regularly train our customers in the various aspects of mechanical seals so that they best utilise their equipment. The training involves the best practices adopted in the industry and, in addition to in-kingdom programmes, training sessions are often held in Germany and Japan, all of which adhere to the highest quality and HSE standards," he says.

EBKSA’s main facility in Khobar has a substantial manufacturing and service capability, and in addition it has service centres in Jubail and Yanbu and a sales office in Jeddah. "We have a regional office based in Jebel Ali, Dubai, which supports sales and service activities in all GCC countries. Globally EagleBurgmann has over 60 subsidiaries, 131 service centres, 162 sales offices, 45,000 customers and over 5,800 employees," he adds.