Al Rushaid Group and Flowserve Corp have signed an agreement to build the largest original equipment manufacturer (OEM) pump repair, manufacturing and training facility in the Middle East.

Construction of the 20,500 sq m (220,660 sq ft) complex to be located at the Al Rushaid Oil Field Centre in Dhahran begins this month (July) and is expected to be operational by Q4 of 2007.
The $14 million Al Rushaid/ Flowserve (ARF) pump facility will will employ 100 people and will be comprised of two units: a 17,500 sq m pump repair, manufacturing and test facility (Quick Response Centre) and a 3,000 sq m hydraulics training centre.
Designed specifically to support Aramco, Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (Sabic), SEC, Saudi Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC) and other major industries, the ARF complex will have the capability to address the service and repair needs of all pump products regardless of original manufacture. Among its capabilities will be pump manufacturing, pump set packaging, parts manufacturing, a full range of pump improvement engineering and engineered services. Field service along with installation and commissioning will also be provided.
A key component of the facility will be the region’s largest hydraulics test bed. Certified testing to API and international standards will be available for both horizontal and vertical pumps (including high pressure applications) to more than 5,965 kW (8,000 hp). This will cover around 90 per cent of the region’s installed base. The test bed will allow end-users to verify equipment performance or diagnose and correct problems. Upgrades to existing pumps can also be recommended to improve efficiency and reliability.
Another unique feature of the ARF development will be the Middle East’s first hydraulics training centre. Courses of study will be comprehensive, covering basic hydraulics theory through advanced maintenance and repair and technical services.