Sendan's groundbreaking safety record and innovative practices enhance the Saudi industrials sectors, reflecting its role as a key player in major projects and local talent development, Heon Jae Yim tells OGN

Sendan International, a leading and trusted general construction and EPC contractor has made a significant impact on the Saudi Arabian market by consistently delivering high-quality projects that align with the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 goals.

By focusing on sectors such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, and water and power, it has established itself as a key player in the marketplace.

In an exclusive interview with OGN energy magazine, Heon Jae Yim, CEO, says the company’s comprehensive approach to project execution, which includes leveraging cutting-edge technology and fostering strong partnerships, has positioned it as a trusted partner for clients seeking innovative and sustainable solutions.

He says this commitment to excellence not only drives Sendan’s success but also contributes to the broader economic development of Saudi Arabia, making it an integral part of the nation’s industrial landscape.

Below are the excerpts from the interview:

Sendan recently reached a significant milestone of 5 million man-hours without any lost time incidents (LTI) on the Abqaiq DPCU project. Can you elaborate on the strategies or practices that helped achieve this remarkable safety record? 

The Abqaiq DPCU project ... 5 million man-hours without any LTI

Another testament to Sendan’s commitment to excellence is the recent milestone of reaching 5 million man-hours without any lost time incidents (LTI) on the Abqaiq DPCU project.

Achieving such a remarkable safety record requires meticulous planning and execution, underscoring dedication to maintaining the highest safety standards.

The key strategies contributing to this achievement include comprehensive safety training programmes that empower employees to prioritise safety in every aspect of their work.

Regular safety audits and inspections help identify potential risks and implement proactive measures to mitigate them.

Open communication channels encourage the reporting of hazards and near misses, fostering a culture of transparency and continuous improvement. This approach not only ensures the safety culture of our workforce but also reinforces the company’s reputation as a leader in the industry.

You mentioned significant progress on the SeAH Gulf Special Steel project in the SPARK industrial park. What are the main challenges faced in this project, and how is Sendan addressing them to ensure timely completion?

The SeAH Gulf Special Steel project in the SPARK industrial park represents another significant endeavor. Despite the project’s complexity, Sendan has made significant progress by addressing various challenges head-on.

Sendan's workforce ... dedicated

One of the primary obstacles is managing the logistics of sourcing and transporting materials, which requires careful coordination and planning. To tackle this, Sendan employs robust supply chain management practices, ensuring that materials are delivered on time and in line with project requirements.

Additionally, maintaining a skilled workforce capable of meeting the project’s technical demands is crucial. Sendan invests in comprehensive training programmes to equip its team with the necessary skills and knowledge.

By fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation, Sendan ensures that these challenges are met with effective solutions, driving the project towards timely completion while maintaining the highest standards of quality.

Sendan’s participation in the Al-Ahsa Employment and Training Forum 2024 highlights your commitment to workforce development. What are the key qualities you look for in potential candidates, and how do you plan to integrate them into your projects?

Sendan’s commitment to workforce development is further demonstrated through its participation in the Al-Ahsa Employment and Training Forum 2024.

The Zuluf project, where Sendan worked as a strategic partner with JGC

This involvement underscores the company’s dedication to nurturing local talent and contributing to the Kingdom’s broader economic goals.

When selecting potential candidates, Sendan looks for key qualities such as technical competence, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to safety and continuous learning. These attributes are vital for ensuring that new team members align with Sendan’s values and contribute effectively to project success.

To integrate these individuals into the organisation, Sendan provides comprehensive training programmes, enabling them to develop their skills and thrive within the company.

This approach not only strengthens Sendan’s workforce but also supports the Kingdom’s efforts to build a skilled and capable work force.

Safety and quality have been recurring themes in your recent achievements. How does Sendan maintain such high standards across various projects, and what are your strategies for continuous improvement?

Safety and quality are recurring themes in Sendan’s recent achievements, reflecting the company’s unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards across its projects.

To achieve this, Sendan implements rigorous quality control processes and safety protocols, ensuring that every aspect of project execution meets or exceeds industry standards.

Continuous improvement is a main focus, with Sendan regularly reviewing and refining its practices to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

The company invests in cutting-edge technologies and methodologies, staying ahead of industry trends and ensuring that it consistently delivers exceptional results.

This dedication to excellence is not only a testament to Sendan’s leadership in the industry but also a key driver of our ongoing success and reputation as a trusted partner.

In light of the various awards and recognitions Sendan has received, what future goals or milestones is the company aiming to achieve in the coming years?

As Sendan continues to receive accolades and recognition, the company is setting its sights on ambitious future goals and milestones. These include expanding its presence in key business sectors, enhancing its capabilities in modular construction and skid manufacturing, and investing in sustainable practices to reduce environmental impact.

Sendan’s strategy involves leveraging its expertise to drive growth and innovation, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of the industry.

By adopting a culture of excellence and continuous improvement, Sendan aims to achieve new heights in project delivery, client satisfaction, and workforce development.

These aspirations not only align with the company’s mission but also support the Kingdom’s broader economic and industrialisation objectives.

Could you discuss the role of in-kingdom total value add (iktva) in shaping Sendan’s strategy and operations, particularly in relation to local content policies?

Saudi Aramco’s In-Kingdom Total Value Add (Iktva) programme plays a pivotal role in shaping Sendan’s strategy and operations, particularly concerning local content policies.

By aligning with Iktva’s objectives, Sendan maximises the value generated within Saudi Arabia, prioritising local procurement and fostering local talent. This alignment enhances supply chain efficiency and contributes to the Kingdom’s broader economic goals by creating job opportunities and promoting sustainable growth.

Sendan’s commitment to Iktva is evident in its continuous investment in training programmes for Saudi nationals, ensuring a skilled and capable workforce.

By collaborating with local suppliers and partners, Sendan strengthens its operational capabilities while adhering to the high standards set by the Saudi Aramco’s Iktva programme.

This strategic approach not only differentiates Sendan in a competitive market but also features its dedication to contributing to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals.

What are the major projects you are executing in Saudi Arabia? How is Sendan partnering with Aramco to help boost the Kingdom’s energy stream?

Sendan is currently engaged in several major projects in Saudi Arabia, partnering with industry leaders like Aramco to reinforce the Kingdom’s energy sector.

Through initiatives like the Namaat programme, Sendan is part of a consortium of companies entering into agreements to drive economic growth and diversification in Saudi Arabia.

This involvement highlights Sendan’s role in advancing construction methodologies and contributing to infrastructure projects’ efficiency and sustainability.

By collaborating closely with Aramco, Sendan plays a crucial role in boosting Saudi Arabia’s energy stream, ensuring greater reliability of energy supply, and contributing to the localisation of the industrial supply chain.

These efforts not only align with Sendan’s strategic objectives but also support the Kingdom’s vision of a diversified and sustainable economy, reinforcing Sendan’s position as a trusted partner in Saudi Arabia’s industrial future.

By Abdulaziz Khattak