By ensuring that industrial development benefits local enterprises, SENDAN contributes to a more self-sufficient and resilient economy, advancing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 for economic diversification and sustainable growth, Heon Jae Yim tells OGN

SENDAN International and Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) have forged a strategic partnership that significantly contributes to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

This collaboration focuses on key areas such as localisation, workforce development, technological innovation, and sustainability.

"Together, they drive industrial growth and enhance competitiveness," Heon Jae Yim, CEO, tells OGN energy magazine in an interview.

One of the latest initiatives, a state-of-the-art modular construction and fabrication facility in Jubail, highlights SENDAN’s commitment to localisation and diversification.

This expansion strengthens SENDAN’s position as a leading player in the Kingdom’s industrial construction sector.

"By expanding its service portfolio to include specialised offerings such as hydro jetting, chemical cleaning, vacuuming, valve testing and maintenance, and rotating equipment overhauling, SENDAN improves efficiency, shortens project timelines, and meets the increasing demands of large-scale industrial brownfield and retrofit maintenance projects. These improvements ensure SENDAN remains a reliable partner and strengthen its position as a comprehensive one-stop industrial solutions provider," says Yim.

Below are excerpts from the interview:

• How does SENDAN’s partnership with SABIC and other operating companies support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030?

SENDAN has broadened its service portfolio to ensure efficient and timely project execution

SENDAN enjoys a strong reputation with major petrochemical companies like SABIC and Aramco JVs. Our collaboration focuses on economic diversification and reducing dependency on foreign resources. SENDAN plays a pivotal role in creating local job opportunities, transferring global expertise to the local workforce, and establishing a self-sustaining industrial construction base. This partnership empowers Saudi nationals to shape the Kingdom’s future economy.

By fostering a robust industrial construction sector, SENDAN and its partners are contributing not only to economic growth but also to ensuring that the benefits are widely distributed among Saudi citizens.

• What roles does SENDAN play in critical projects?

SENDAN is a key player in large-scale and critically important projects in the industrial sector, offering expertise in general construction (CMEI), pre-commissioning, commissioning, maintenance, retrofit, and upgrade projects as a one-stop solution provider.

The company leads modular fabrication ventures requiring high precision and operational efficiency.

SENDAN is a key player in important industrial projects

SENDAN’s facilities in Dammam, Rabigh, and Jubail enhance its ability to support projects, ensuring faster and smoother execution. These facilities are staffed by highly skilled professionals and equipped with cutting-edge technology, differentiating SENDAN to meet the stringent quality and safety standards set by operating companies in the petrochemical, oil and gas, and power sectors.

• How does the expansion of services enhance project execution?

SENDAN has broadened its service portfolio to ensure efficient and timely project execution by introducing specialised services such as high-pressure hydro jetting, vacuuming, bundle pulling, re-tubing of heat exchangers, valve testing and overhauling, and rotating equipment testing and overhauling.

These services, provided under one roof, are crucial during both planned and unplanned shutdowns of various plants and affiliates, streamlining maintenance processes and minimising downtime.

Additionally, the introduction of advanced technologies, such as automated welding processes, has significantly improved efficiency in our workshops. These enhancements enable SENDAN to deliver higher-quality services, reduce project timelines, and meet the growing demands of large-scale industrial projects.

SENDAN’s focus on continuous improvement ensures that the company remains a trusted partner, delivering projects on time and within budget.

• How does the renewal of the construction alliance agreement with SABIC enhance SENDAN’s capabilities?

SENDAN is a key player in critically important industrial sector projects

The renewal of the construction alliance agreement with SABIC strengthens SENDAN’s ability to take on larger, more complex projects, reinforcing the long-standing partnership.

This agreement enhances our capabilities by providing access to strategic opportunities, allowing the company to apply its expertise in pre-shutdown activities like fabrication, project management, and advanced construction techniques, meeting SABIC’s high standards.

Additionally, this collaboration supports us in localisation efforts by investing in local talent and expanding our workforce, contributing to the broader goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

• What impact has the SENDAN-SABIC partnership had on local talent development?

SENDAN’s dedication to localisation is evident in its workforce development initiatives and retention policies and strategies.

In collaboration with SABIC and other operating companies, we offer extensive training programmes that equip the local workforce and professionals with essential skills in engineering, construction, and management.

The development of a local Manpower Training and Development Facility in Al-Ahsa further reinforces this commitment.

These programmes provide participants with hands-on experience, ensuring they are well-prepared for challenging roles in the industrial construction sector, thus reducing reliance on foreign expertise.

• How do SENDAN’s modular fabrication, assembly, and testing facilities support localisation and sustainable industrial growth?

The establishment of our modular fabrication, assembly, and testing facility "TARAKEEB" in Jubail Industrial City is a key move toward localisation. This facility produces prefabricated components for easy on-site assembly, reducing costs and accelerating project timelines. The facility supports the Kingdom’s long-term industrial growth by developing local expertise and enhancing the local industrial construction capacity.

Additionally, TARAKEEB integrates eco-friendly practices, such as minimising waste and optimising energy use, contributing to both social and environmental sustainability goals.

This focus on sustainability not only promotes a greener industrial sector but also ensures that SENDAN can meet the growing demands of large-scale projects efficiently.

• What role does innovation play in SENDAN’s projects in the petrochemical sector?

Innovation is at the heart of SENDAN’s contributions to SABIC projects. The company has integrated cutting-edge technologies, such as automated welding systems and digital tools, to improve precision, reduce costs, and streamline project execution.

Our focus on innovation also extends to project management strategies, ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of the industry and meets international standards in project delivery.

• How does SENDAN’s procurement strategy reinforce localisation?

SENDAN’s procurement strategy aligns with SABIC’s goals of boosting localisation and self-sufficiency by supporting local suppliers and manufacturers, reducing reliance on imports, and strengthening the local economy.

This approach fosters collaboration with homegrown businesses and supports national initiatives like the Local Content and Government Procurement Authority (LCGPA) and the "Made in Saudi" programme. By ensuring that industrial development benefits local enterprises, SENDAN contributes to a more self-sufficient and resilient economy, advancing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 for economic diversification and sustainable growth.