Hoerbiger has opened a new training and service center in Jubail, Saudi Arabia. In addition to valve and packing assembly repair, the new facility provides complete compressor repair and overhaul services.
“Saudi Arabia is the biggest market for oil and gas in the Middle East,” said Dominique Futterer, marketing manager for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at Hoerbiger. “Hoerbiger has had a presence in the country since 1993, responding to customer requirements over the years and earning tremendous goodwill in the process. In line with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Vision 2030 and to cover the key elements of localization and upskilling the local workforce in the industry, moving to a modern facility equipped with a training center is our response to the market demands.”
The Saudi Arabia field service team will be fully trained on all the products to provide quick support locally. “Customers will benefit from all the innovative products that Hoerbiger has introduced in the market like HydroCOM, eHydroCOM, Vistra, emissions control panels, and high-performance pistons, in addition to the latest generation of compressor valves,” said Futterer. “Saudi Arabia, aside from being the biggest oil and gas market in the Middle East, also holds the highest growth potential due to the scale of investments in hydrogen and other green initiatives to realize the Kingdom’s aim to be net zero by 2060. Hoerbiger currently has many products in its portfolio for emissions reductions and hydrogen applications. This facility will serve the aftermarket requirements of customers installing these products.”
The new facility is equipped with standard machine tools required for valve and packing assembly repair, as well as a dedicated testing facility for HydroCOM actuators and a large laydown area with tools, jigs, and fixtures for in-house compressor repair. “In addition, the facility will be staffed by skilled workers who are trained in the use of tools for snap-shot monitoring and laser alignment,” said Futterer. “Going forward, we will equip the workshop based on customer needs and demand.”
Training is a key pillar in Hoerbiger’s business model. In addition to compressor repair and aftermarket services, the Saudi Arabia facility will serve as the company’s regional training center for the Middle East and Africa, providing both theoretical and practical training. The company’s training courses are divided into three levels, from introductory level to expert certification, to ensure the right training is available for every level of knowledge.
“From modest beginnings when Hoerbiger entered the Saudi Arabian market by appointing a local agent, to opening a new facility today, it has been a long journey,” said Futterer. “From being a supplier of spare parts of reciprocating compressors to establishing ourselves as a solutions provider responsible for complete compressor repair and upgrade in the Kingdom, over the years we have steadily enhanced our local capabilities to support our customers in the region.”
