Few companies in Saudi Arabia and perhaps the rest of the region have experienced the amazing degree of development that Al Ittefaq Steel Products Factory (ISPF) has undergone. From a mere 12,000 tonnes of products per year in 1990, the company is now achieving in excess of 600,000 tonnes with the revenue turnover having increased ten-fold.

ISPF produces MS angles, flat and square round bars, plain round bars, reinforcing bars (rebars) and channels at its modern plant in Dammam's Second Industrial City. Manufacture is in conformity with Saudi, American, European and Japanese standards, making it possible for it to fulfill orders from the most demanding buyers.

The factory has the distinction of pioneering the manufacture of hot profiles rolling steel in the region. Production operations began in 1989, and since then only a few other companies have joined it in producing that item. Over the years the company has introduced new products and processes including the bar-quenching Thermex process for manufacturing superior quality rebars that has improved yield strength and weldability.

Al Ittefaq, a proud adornment of the Al Tuwairqi Group, is keen to become a world-class player. Group CEO and vice president Tariq Barlas considers Al Ittefaq to be as efficient in business terms as some of the most successful international conglomerates.

"If you compare our performance with companies such as VSW of Germany, you can see that we are very successful in terms of the efficient running of our business and profitability," Barlas said not too long ago. While Barlas sees a huge responsibility for taking the company forward in accordance with its vision and strategy, he also stresses the team spirit, which has been the most important element in Al Ittefaq's success.

Barlas has said he likes to keep things simple with as little bureaucracy as possible. He also believes that empowering the staff enables them to work well without having to refer back all the time.

Barlas has also stated the company does not encourage nepotism, believing that only merit should matter. In matters more intrinsically connected to the business, he takes a non-compromising stand. If the cost of a raw material, for example, does not leave room for a margin then he won't touch it. He considers it important that the company produces goods with added value, which in turn should provide for better margins.

Both manufacturing and trading have been the forte of Al Tuwairqi Group. Companies within its fold manufacture space frames, roofing systems, electrical equipment, hot rolled steel items and steel billets, among other things. It is well known as a distributor of building materials including white cement and as a trader in industrial materials.

As well as Al Ittefaq Steel Products Factory, other manufacturing concerns are National Steel and Iron Factory, Space Frames Manufacturing Factory and International Electrical Products. It has divisions for contracting, scientific and medical products, building materials, industrial supplies, information technology and trading.

Ventures started in the past few years include Al Ittefaq Fibreglass Factory; the Independent Testing Laboratory, which provides testing services for chemical, mechanical and metallurgical properties; and the HVACX division, which provides heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment and services.