Sharjah Steel Pipe Manufacturing Company (SSPMC), believed to be the UAE's only spirally-welded pipe manufacturer, says that its products are economical and compare favourably with other high-pressure pipes in most applications.

The company, which began operations nearly two decades ago as a UAE-Kuwait joint venture, has a one million sq ft plant with an annual production capacity of 40,000 tonnes.

It utilises the latest technology, machinery and control instrumentation from Germany.

SSPMC produces pipes in diameters ranging from 12 to 80 inches, with wall thickness from 4 mm to 16 mm and in lengths of 6 m to 16 m. Manufactured from steel in grades of up to X70, the pipes meet API 5L or any other standard, says Ibrahim Krizam, plant manager.

"SSPMC has been assessed and complies with ISO 9001-2000 and is authorised to carry the API monogram on its products," he says.

The company caters to both local as well as the GCC markets and its client base is rapidly expanding to include companies further afield. The company has received enquiries from all over the Middle East, Europe and Asia.

The past few months have been very busy for SSPMC and the company says it is studying the feasibility of a factory expansion, with investment in new machines.

Some of its major clients in the UAE include Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc), National Petroleum Construction Company, Sainrapt Contracting Company, National Marine Dredging Company, Technical Inspection Bureau, Coleman Tunnelling, Bauer International, Trouvay Cauvin Gulf in Jebel Ali Free Zone, Archirodon Construction, Amasco, Essa Engineering, Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority, Gulf Contracting Company, Dutco Balfour Beatty and Al Naboodah Contracting Company,

Other clients include CCC in Oman and Kuwait, Strabag Oman, Gulfar Engineering and Contracting Company and Desert Line Project, all in Oman; Saudi Archirodon Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Gulf Dredging Company and China Harbour Engineering (both in Kuwait); Metalex in Qatar; Raymond International in Bahrain and Eastern Bechtel Corporation in London.