RIYADH, 15 February 2004 — Riyadh Governor Prince Salman inaugurated the new extension of SABIC Industrial Complex for Research and Development here yesterday.
In his address, he emphasized the petrochemical giant’s efforts to consolidate its position in world markets by supplying quality products.
“This complex shows the commitment of SABIC’s management to develop and modernize its products in line with technological and marketing developments and ensure its competitiveness and superiority in international markets,” the prince told reporters.
The governor also praised Saudi Basic Industries Corporation’s efforts in training and employing young Saudis. Sixty-two percent of scientists, researchers and technical experts at the complex are Saudis.
Prince Salman said the R&D center had achieved remarkable progress during the past nine years. “Within a short span, it has become an center of advanced research and technology,” he added.
The prince lauded SABIC’s efforts that resulted in its position as a world market leader. According to Muhammad Al-Mady, deputy chairman and managing director of the corporation, SABIC stands 11th in the world’s top petrochemical companies.
“Our ambition is to reach greater levels of development and obtain higher positions,” Al-Mady said, adding that SABIC wanted to establish quality control workshops and laboratories at its industrial complexes.
SABIC has already set up a central industrial laboratory in Riyadh and technical centers at the Jubail Industrial City, the United States, Europe and India.
“These centers have made great strides in a short time and have registered 365 patents around the world,” the managing director said.
Prince Saud ibn Abdullah ibn Thunayan, chairman of the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu and SABIC’s board of directors, reiterated the center’s contributions toward improving the quality of SABIC products and solving technical problems of its companies. He announced plans to open new factories in Jubail and Yanbu. “SABIC will have massive investment projects in the second industrial city in Jubail,” the chairman said, adding plans were also under way to establish a major project in Yanbu.
Earlier, Prince Salman watched a documentary on the center and inspected its facilities. He also honored the students who won a SABIC competition for best projects in chemical engineering.
Prince Saud announced SABIC’s donations to Prince Salman Charitable Housing Project (SR1 million), Prince Fahd ibn Salman Charitable Society for Care of Kidney Patients (SR1 million) and the Disabled Children’s Association (SR1 million).
