Since its establishment in 1982, Jeddah-based Hidada has grown through measured expansion to become a leading supplier of steel products to the GCC, Middle East and international markets.

Such growth has mirrored the economic development of Saudi Arabia and has seen the company - a wholly Saudi-owned subsidiary of Xenel Industries - expand to a total annual fabrication capacity of more than 184,000 tonnes, making it the cornerstone of the steel fabrication industry in the Kingdom.

Hidada continues to invest in human resource development, the latest technologies and process improvements to stay ahead of the competition and help meet the varied, stringent needs of its customers.

To enhance its reputation for innovation and quality, Hidada has been seeking new ways to maintain its competitive edge. A recent restructuring programme, for instance, saw the introduction of a balanced scorecard system as well as a process-centred organisation programme and process renewal for major processes. An SAP system is also currently being implemented.

Hidada is also looking to enhance cooperation with its clients by offering a 'total solutions' approach which, according to the company, may take the form of alliances and joint ventures with other global organisations.

The approach will aim to identify areas where the company can expand its range of value added services offered to potential clients and diversify this range to serve different sectors.

This approach will cover, but will not necessarily be limited to, project management services, design, engineering, manufacturing and on-site erection.

At present, Hidada has five specialist plants on Jeddah Industrial Estate. From these, Hidada offers specialist fabrication and related services including design, fabrication and erection of basic and complex structural steelworks, blast-proof doors, EOT cranes, bulk storage tanks (designed in accordance with API650, API620, BS2654 in carbon steel or stainless steel), container handling cranes, pressure vessels (qualified by ASME for A, PP, S and U stamps), bolts and nuts, lattice transmission and telecommunication towers, polygonal/octagonal poles for distribution and lighting, cable support systems (steel and aluminium), gratings (140,000 sq m annual production capacity, 1x6m panels, hot-dip galvanised or painted), steel chimney, air ducts, crane bridges and high quality hot-dip galvanising for maximum protection from environmental corrosion (which is recognised by the Galvanisers Association (GA) of the UK).

Under the 'Total Solutions' approach, Hidada will also aim to introduce new products such as Complete Heaters, Heat Recovery Steam Generators (HRSG), Specialised Tanks and will handle complete Transmission Line projects.

Hidada's product range complies with all Saudi and international standards for industrial and commercial applications. The company's processes are also certified in accordance to ISO9001 for quality assurance. These standards are backed by a highly qualified workforce of approximately 900.

Complete vertical integration means that design engineering, fabrication and treatment facilities at Hidada are carried out in-house, offering clients total control through the company's state-of-the-art, unique monitoring Centralised Engineering & Operation System (CEOS), which allows constant detailed monitoring of the progress of a job by a customer from anywhere on earth via the Internet. All Hidada's factories are linked by fibre-optic cable for the CEOS.

In Saudi Arabia, Hidada has forged a close relationship with Saudi Aramco, having worked on many of the oil firm's most prestigious projects. Recently, Hidada provided services to Aramco's Qatif GOSP project and the Riyadh Refinery. It has also worked with the Saudi Electricity Company for overhead transmission line towers and distribution/lighting poles.

As well as being renowned in Saudi Arabia, Hidada's services are provided through the GCC and Middle East. The company has also penetrated projects in different parts of the world, including the US, Peru, Mexico, Africa, Asia and Europe, often against stiff competition, proof then that Hidada is a truly world-class operator.