‘Locally Made Products Get Recognition’

JEDDAH, 9 November 2006 — Made in Saudi Arabia products have been getting recognition and acceptance not only across the country but also elsewhere in the Gulf.

This is largely due to the qualitative approach resorted to in the production of consumer goods Kingdomwide, according to a top executive of a manufacturing firm. Air conditioners and air-conditioning systems are among the products made locally that are being successfully marketed across the country and also elsewhere in the Gulf.

“Demand for our range of air-conditioning products made at our factory here continues to rise, both here and also in neighboring countries,” Baqir Ali Joher, general manager, Arabian Air Conditioning Co. Ltd. and Carrier Saudi Service Co. Ltd., told Arab News on the sidelines of a Carrier product seminar held at the Jeddah Hilton yesterday. The current economic boom is contributing toward increasing the demand for consumer goods, especially air conditioners and air-conditioning systems, he added.

Carrier Saudi Arabia, a joint venture between E.A. Juffali and Brothers and Carrier Corporation formed in 1979, consists of Arabian Air Conditioning Company Ltd. and Carrier Saudi Service Company Ltd. with offices in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam.

In addition to this network, Carrier has a local manufacturing set-up, Saudi Arabian Manufacturing Company (SAMCO), in Jeddah since 1987, which ensures that the Carrier products are customized for the high ambient Saudi conditions to serve the local needs.

A large number of professionals including ministry officials, consultants, contractors and dealers were present at the event, which also marked the launch of carrier’s aquaforce and UVC emitters. Aquaforce is an air-conditioner, which benefits the earth’s ozone layer and UVC emitters eliminate viruses and bacteria, thus enhancing indoor air quality. “Both products are the first-of-its kind in the Kingdom,” Joher said.

Peter Beale, director international sales at the US-based Steril-Aire, gave a presentation on indoor quality through UVC technology. Lothar Serwas of German-based Linde Kattetechnic GmbH & Co. KG, discussed various Carrier commercial refrigeration products. Pavan Bharteey, manager, applied equipment sales at the US-based Carrier Corporation, spoke about the state-of-the-art energy efficient aquaforce chiller.

Dr. Yahia M. Amr, director commercial products engineering, Carrier-SAMCO, Carrier Middle East & Africa, said that Jeddah-based Juffali training center had been training local talents in all aspects of refrigeration technology and engineering. “We’ve already achieved more than 35 percent Saudization in our Jeddah factory, which, among others, manufactures room air-conditioners and split air-conditioning systems,” he said. “Demand for commercial applications of air-conditioners is on the increase,” he said. Each year, the plant is employing 10 to 20 trainees who successfully complete their training at the Juffali center. Welcoming the speakers and participants on behalf of Carrier and Juffali management, Faisal Malik, senior marketing engineer, Arabian Air Conditioning Co. Ltd., said: “Carrier’s research, expertise and foresight have resulted in innovations that have marked its track record of since 1902 when Dr. Willis Carrier invented air-conditioning. “We excel in producing energy efficient, valuable and environmentally sound products like aqua series chillers.

We provide solutions for exceptional indoor air quality by eliminating allergens and harmful pollutants,” he said and mentioned UV-C central air-conditioning system as an ideal example. “We safeguard the global food supply by preserving the quality and freshness of food and beverages through our commercial refrigeration product line,” he added.