A Honeywell Research & Training Centre that offers a platform for engineering research and training excellence for Honeywell employees, industrial partners and customers, has opened at the Dhahran Techno Valley business cluster.

Advanced research projects on catalytic processes are already being conducted with King Fahd University for Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), as well as software development for Honeywell’s Process Solutions business. Advanced customer training for Honeywell’s UOP oil and gas technology business will be another unique feature, as this centre is the first outside the US to offer these services to local customers.

Dave Cote, chairman and CEO of Honeywell, commented: “I see the opening of this Research and Training Centre as a foundation for partners and growth for many years to come. We expect a lot of great new products and technologies to emerge from this new centre, as it will offer a platform for engineering and research excellence for employees and customers in the region.”

Khaled Al Sultan, rector and CEO, KFUPM, stated: “We are proud that Honeywell has chosen to partner with us in Dhahran Techno Valley. The company’s training activities and scholarships for young Saudis, as well as our on-going advanced joint research projects, demonstrate the company’s commitment to innovation and a knowledge-based economy.”

“Innovation, research and development are key for all our customers here,” added Norm Gilsdorf, president, high growth regions, Russia, Middle East and Central Asia. “Honeywell’s world-class research capabilities in the energy, safety and security sectors will help provide innovative solutions for the challenges Saudi Arabian companies and institutions are facing as they develop industries and technologies for the region. Helping them achieve their vision is an enormous privilege for us.”

Honeywell Traffic Alert & Control System Products

Honeywell’s Aerospace and Defence business is currently providing next-generation avionics systems to Saudi Arabian Airlines and is working with the Government to provide systems such as emergency power units for both the new and legacy F-15 aircraft.

The Automation and Control business serves Aramco, Sabic and the Petrochemicals industry throughout Saudi Arabia with advanced controls, while Honeywell’s Building Solutions experts are providing services to the health and education ministries to keep their facilities safe, secure, comfortable and energy efficient, as well as to numerous universities and medical facilities.

Honeywell’s Performance Materials company UOP provides consulting services, process technology, catalysts and adsorbents to the oil and gas industries, as well as the petrochemical sector.

The company’s security experts have seen a huge growth in business since 2009, recording major wins in interior and exterior security systems with National Water Company, King Abdullah Financial District, Sabic, Saudi Telecom, Haramain Railway and others.

“The opening of this new research and training facility, here in Dhahran, enables Honeywell to provide career-path opportunities for Saudi nationals,” said Mohamed Al Mousa, Honeywell country manager, Saudi Arabia. “This centre provides a base to develop stronger relationships with our industrial partners and universities like KFUPM. The scholarships and internships we are providing to Saudi students also form part of our long-term investment in the country and its future. Today embodies an exciting beginning for us all.”

Present at the opening were Yahya J Shinawi, director general of the Saudi Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Khalid Al Faleh, CEO of Saudi Aramco, and Shaikh Abdulrahman Ali Al Turki, chairman and CEO of AA Turki Group.

In addition to the new centre at the Dhahran Techno Valley, Honeywell’s site locations include Riyadh, Jeddah and the key industrial cities of Jubail and Yanbu.  

Honeywell is a Fortune 100 diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; turbochargers; and performance materials. Based in Morris Township, N.J, Honeywell’s shares are traded on the New York, London, and Chicago Stock Exchanges.