One of Saudi Arabia’s leading companies operating within the Alaa for Industry (AFI) Group and engaged in industrial construction has announced it is currently working on four major projects totally worth SR245 million ($65.32 million) to it while another trading firm within the AFI group has put itself in an advantageous position by introducing Sprinter, a mobile workshop that assembles hoses and tends to them on site.

Among the four ongoing projects of Alaa International Contracting Company (AICCO), one is with Saudi Aramco’s Yanbu Refinery. The contract, worth SR124.9 million, was awarded in 2011 and requires it to replace an auxiliary control system at the refinery. AICCO’s scope of work includes the design, engineering, procurement, construction, testing, precommissioning, documentation and commissioning assistance for all electrical work and equipment associated with the refinery’s Upgrade Offsite Areas Control System Project. AICCO will complete its contractual obligations in 2013.

The other three projects will be completed during this year, including one that calls on AICCO to perform general construction services for Sabic affiliate Ibn Rushd-II’s utilities and offsite project in a contract worth SR72.75 million. The work involves civil, mechanical, electrical and instrumentation jobs. AICCO was handed the contract by CTCI Arabia.

AICCO is also working on the installation of a chilled water network at Saudi Aramco’s district cooling scheme at Al Khobar. The work was subcontracted by SNC Lavalin and the contract value is SR27.91 million.

Another ongoing project involves the supply, fabrication and installation of piping, steel construction, E&I and civil work at Saudi Aramco. The scope of work includes modification of an existing SSD fence and installation of facilities including utilities, cabling and piping as well as demolition of the existing nitrogen plant. The EPC contractor is Air Liquide and the value of the contract to AICCO is SR19.34 million.

AICCO’s expertise covers mechanical, electrical and instrumentation fields as well as plant operations and maintenance. The company emphasises it has a well-qualified workforce and resources which it says translates into a distinct competitive advantage over the competition.

“The company has achieved distinguished growth in 2011 when compared with the previous year and we expect better performance in the next few years,” a company spokesman said. “AICCO   is paving the way towards success with a vision to become the leader in engineering and construction activities.”

SPRINTER

Discussing the launch of Sprinter, an AFI trading spokesman said it constituted a complete solution for hydraulic systems. “This hose mobile service on wheel will help customers reduce operations downtime for hoses and fittings,” he said.

Sprinter is a fully equipped mobile workshop for assembling hoses on site. AFI technicians have capability to overhaul, dismantle and install hose assemblies.

“Sprinter’s aim is to provide a quick solution on leaked, damaged and failed hose assemblies, thereby, getting back the equipment in an up and running condition,” the spokesman explained.

“Aside from assembling hoses, Sprinter has a stock of quick connect couplings, adapters and spare hoses.

“Sprinter operates 24/7, 365 days a year – a worry-free service when a breakdown occurs in an unwanted hour. It’s just a phone call away and will get the job done fast.

“Technicians visually inspect existing hose assemblies and recommend solutions for preventive maintenance. By this, breakdowns and downtime that cost lots of money can be avoided. Jobs can be carried out in our main office workshop or in Sprinter.

“Gone are the days when customers would have their jobs done in the seller’s workshop. With Sprinter they are guaranteed peace of mind.”

The Sprinter hotline is 966-0555652717. For planned maintenance and shutdown, customers can email at hose@afi.com.sa or call Ronnie or Subin on 966-03-8470033.

AFI GROUP

There are 17 companies within the AFI Group with interest in industrial contracting, enquipment rental, trading, chemicals, rubber, mechanical seals, information technology, real estate, printing technology and oil and gas.

The group includes Alaa Industrial Equipment Factory, Alaa International Rubber Factory, Alaa/AES Mechanical Seals Factory, a JV with AES, UK; Zeppelin Gulf Co, a JV with Zeppelin Systems, Germany; Inbesco SA, a joint venture with Danieli, Italy; Gulf Place Industrial Gases Factory, a joint venture with Bharat Petroleum Corporation, India; Schuetz Middle East, a JV with Schuetz, Germany; Radian Engineering Company, Radian Oil and Gas Company and Saudi Steel Pelletising (Takweer, under formation).