The Saudi Iron and Steel Company (Hadeed) is looking at a major expansion that will double production capacity at its flat steel plant, according to a senior company official.

"Hadeed is preparing a major project to double its 850,000 tonne-per-year flat steel capacity," says Khalid Al-Sufayan, senior representative, public relations.

Hadeed, which was set up by Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (Sabic) in 1979, is one of the Gulf steel giants.

At its facilities in Jubail, Hadeed manufactures long steel products such as reinforcing bars, wire rod coils and light sections; and hot-rolled, cold-rolled and galvanised flat steel products.

The annual production capacity of Hadeed's long products rolling mills is approximately 2.8 million tonnes a year, while the capacity at the flat products complex is 850,000 tonnes a year.

Its long steel products are used by the construction and fabrication industries, while its flat steel sheets are used to build buildings, air-conditioning and refrigeration units, pipes, storage tanks, containers, automobile body parts and household appliances.

Hadeed will be a repeat exhibitor at this year's SaudiBuild. "We have exhibited at previous SaudiBuild exhibitions and the response to our stand was positive," says Al-Sufayan.

"At this year's event the focus will be on Hadeed's long products," he says.

"Hadeed participates in SaudiBuild to support its distributors and to meet those who are interested in the steel industry. SaudiBuild is also well organised with good facilities for exhibitors,'' he adds.

Commenting on business levels, he says: "Hadeed has lost a considerable share of business in the Saudi Arabia due to foreign manufacturers flooding the market with low-quality reinforcing products."

In Saudi Arabia, Hadeed's steel has been used on the Grand Mosque in Makkah, the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah, the King Fahad International Airport in Dammam, the Ministry of Interior building, the King Fahad Stadium, the Al Faisaliah Center, the Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, the Kingdom Centre, the Grand Court, the Kingdom Hospital, Abraj Atta'awuneya and the Al Khaleej Bridge, all in Riyadh, Al Rashid Mall in Al Khobar, and the Hanging Bridge in Wadi Liban.

In Bahrain, Hadeed's steel has been used on the Shaikh Isa Causeway, the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre, the National Bank of Bahrain tower, the Al A'ali Shopping Centre and Le Royal Meridien hotel.

In the UAE, Hadeed's steel has been used on the Dubai International Airport, the Emirates Towers, the Burj Al Arab hotel, the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, the Etisalat Tower, the Reem 2 centre, the Fotouh 2 tower, all in Dubai, and the American University in Sharjah.

Its most significant project in Kuwait is the landmark Telecommunications Tower.

Hadeed will be at stand 805.