SAUDI-based Space Structures Company, which specialises in the design, fabrication, supply, and installation of space-frame structures according to the ME-SSP system, is focusing on promoting the benefits of the system in Saudi Arabia as well as around the world.

The company will provide an insight into the properties and advantages of the system when it exhibits at Saudi Build next month.

The space-frame system can span large areas allowing for expansive column-free spaces, is easy to install and low in cost, while maintaining a high degree of quality and safety, says Tariq Amro, the company’s business development manager.

“The unique system utilises the proprietary Multi-Flange connection concept, in which tubular members are connected directly to each other, without the need for a connector hub or external node,” he says.

The ME-SSP system was developed following more than 10 years of extensive research and development (R&D) carried out by Space Structures along with Saudi Steel Pipe Company. It offers a structurally efficient joint system that can be designed to any degree of moment and axial force capacity. The system has proved to be highly efficient in transferring and distributing the loads and forces across various elements of the structure, he says.

The flexibility of the ME-SSP system allows wide possibilities of development and innovation in space-frame structures.
The company, which is keen to offer high-quality products that meet the market’s needs, is also focusing on developing systems to match the urban development witnessed in Saudi Arabia. A high percentage of its annual budget is allocated for research and development through its close cooperation with Saudi Steel Pipe Company, a leader in pipe manufacturing.

The entrance gate shade at King Fahad causeway gate house (top) and at other facilities in the region.

Space Structures’ systems are widely used in many private and governmental projects. This year alone it has supplied its space-frame systems for the sheds over the cargo security and checkpoints at Al Khafji joint operations (Saudi Aramco – Texaco Arabia), the passports office building at Jubail Industrial City, the entrances to King Abdulaziz Air Base in Dhahran, Power Plant 10 in Riyadh (Sceco) and Saudi Iron and Steel Company (Hadeed) and Sadaf.

Its systems form part of imposing canopies at the entrances as well as security gate canopies of several major companies including Saudi Basic Industries Company (Sabic), Aramco, Nadec Company in Harad, as well as in Khafji Joint Operations. The company has also supplied various shades for the King Fahad Causeway, especially on the Bahrain side, and warehouses over an area of 3,600 sq m for a refrigeration company.

About the company’s performance during last year, Amro says: “Last year’s results were moderate compared to the outstanding results we achieved in 2008, where net profits were more than 50 per cent of the capital.”

This was due to the financial crisis, which affected the company’s performance and activities, he says. “While our results were affected by the financial crisis, yet the company has continued to focus on establishing its new factory in Dammam.” The company is planning to move to the new factory located in the Third Industrial City in Dammam. This factory will enhance the company’s production capacities of space-frame structures.

The firm had its origins as Y Al Mandil Establishment for Steel Structures, which was established in 2001 for designing, fabricating, supplying and installing space-frame structures. The establishment was restructured in 2007 as Space Structures Company with a paid capital of SR2 million ($533,293).

Its head office is located in Al Khobar and it employs 25 technical staff, in addition to having an engineering department for marketing, designing and managing the company’s projects.