Leading pipe manufacturer Saudi Arabian Amiantit Company is building on success by diversifying activities to design, build operation and transfer (DBOT) projects.

Saudi Arabia-based Amiantit, which has acquired and developed a number of technologies related to the manufacture of fibreglass pipes, thermosetting and thermoplastic pipes, ductile pipes, polycrete pipes, and also those related to pipe coating, is now marketing and licensing these technologies worldwide while leveraging its expertise to penetrate new and emerging markets.

In recent years Amiantit has extended its scope by adding DBOT to its activities, a development that is part of a massive programme of expansion. The move into the DBOT market for water infrastructure projects is planned to build on our success in producing pipes for water infrastructure networks, and is a logical step forward that is in synergy with our core manufacturing activities, says Fareed Al Khalawi, president and managing director of Saudi Arabian Amiantit Group of Companies.

He says: The expansion into DBOT for water infrastructure projects was accomplished through a series of strategic acquisitions, joint ventures and other partnerships that have equipped the Amiantit Group with the expertise, technology and engineering skills to provide complete systems solutions on a global scale.

This aspect of the business is managed by its subsidiary AmiWater, a Jeddah-based holding company controlling a number of European subsidiary companies that are among the leading international specialists in water infrastructure projects for both the public and private sectors. The projects include the provision of potable water and wastewater services for municipalities and districts in Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Romania, Albania and Moldova, the reduction of water losses in the Yemeni towns of Taiz and Al'Mukalla, and the water supply concession for Ente Acquedotti Siciliani, Italy. Other contracts are under negotiation for BOT projects and water management concessions in the Middle East, and in South and West Asia, he says.

Starting off in Dammam in 1968 the Saudi Arabian Amiantit Company has become the world's leading manufacturer of pipes, joints, fittings, tanks, rubber and insulation products and related accessories.
Today, Amiantit is a global group of companies with manufacturing facilities in the Kingdom located in Dammam, Jeddah and Jubail, and in other countries as far apart as Eastern Europe, China, India and North and South America.

Ownership of technology has given the company a formidable competitive edge and has enabled the group to extend its manufacturing capabilities to other industries. Earlier this year, the Amiantit Group was awarded a contract worth SR82.5 million ($22 million) for the supply of 5,000 underground fuel storage tanks for Reliance Industries Limited, India's leading petroleum company. The tanks are being made in India by Amitech Pipes Systems India Limited (a company fully owned by Amiantit), which was established for the manufacture of GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) pipes, tanks and fittings using a Flowtite machine licensed by Amiantit Technology Limited. The joint venture is 70 per cent owned by Amiantit Holding International, Bahrain and 30 per cent by Salgaocar Group, one of India's biggest business groups.

GRP underground and aboveground tanks are manufactured by the Amiantit Group with volume capacities of up to 48,000 gallons for storing gasoline, aviation and jet fuel, diesel fuel, and potable or waste water. Amiantit GRP tanks are resistant to corrosion and because of their non-leakage properties are considered environment-friendly.  The tanks, which are strong, durable, easy to install and maintenance-free, eliminate corrosion-induced replacement costs, as well as periodic corrosion testing and other additional expenses as well as addresses concerns related to the environment.

Strategic planning has made the group an integral part of dynamic developments in countries across the globe, and has made the name of Amiantit internationally recognised for manufacturing excellence and superior services. In 2002, the group's turnover reached SR1.2 billion ($320 million) and Amiantit looks forward to continue its success as it enters a new era of growth through diversification, geographic expansion, and development of new technologies.

With the quality and commitment of its people, and its excellent performance record, the Saudi Arabian Amiantit Group is in a strong position to maintain is global leadership far into the future,Al Khalawi says.