GE is marking the fourth year of operations of the GE Manufacturing Technology Center in Dammam, which has emerged as regional service and manufacturing hub and center of excellence for advanced gas turbines.

A part of the $1 billion investment commitment by GE in the Kingdom, the GE Manufacturing Technology Center has been expanded significantly since its launch in 2011, and is now gearing up to manufacture the first high-efficient, heavy duty gas turbine in the Kingdom by 2016.

Underlining GE’s focus on supporting the Kingdom’s Saudization policy and to promote Saudi talent in technical careers, the center has achieved about 70 percent nationalization, with several additional job opportunities being created for Saudis. Since its launch, the center has created more than 700 jobs.

With over $50 million in sourcing spend domestically to date, the center serves over 70 customers from over 30 countries around the world, and has serviced over 550 gas turbines, to date.

Also, over 150 gas turbine parts are being serviced in Saudi Arabia by qualified and trained Saudi suppliers, highlighting GE’s focus on supporting the Kingdom’s goal to enable the growth of SMEs, in turn, generating more jobs. Several Saudi suppliers are also involved in manufacturing parts for GE’s global gas turbine network as well as produce mechanical, fluid and electrical systems for power plants.

Mazin Al-Bahkali, GM, power generation, products and services, GE Saudi Arabia, said: “The GE Manufacturing Technology Center is a compelling example of a strong business-driven, technology-centered ecosystem that contributes to the larger growth goals of the government. While it focuses on its core competency of supporting the region’s energy and power sectors with advanced gas turbine services, the center is also uniquely positioned as a catalyst for job creation, domestic manufacturing, export-oriented businesses, Saudi human capital development and the development of the SME sector.”