Siemens Plans for Strong Job Training at Saudi Manufacturing and Service Center

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Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--The push by Saudi Arabia to adopt the latest technology in manufacturing, service and engineering for the country's Power Industry has received a boost with news that Siemens AG (NYSE:SI) (Munich, Germany) is planning to set up a manufacturing and service facility in the Eastern Province. No specific figures have been given on the size of the investment in the project, but it is said to be worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

Gas turbines and rotating equipment will be manufactured at the plant, which will include a repair workshop and service facilities for the Saudi Arabian and Middle East market.

Another national priority will be met by Siemens' plan to train and educate younger Saudis with the implementation of vocational training, including theoretical courses and on-the-job training. The median age in Saudi Arabia is 24.9 years; out of a population of 25.73 million, 12.86 million are in the younger generation and are looking for jobs. The potential for unemployed youth to become a social problem is high.

Peter Loescher, president and chief executive officer of Siemens, said that the center will be state-of-the-art, produce the latest sustainable technology, and would be a "job machine" and a center of excellence for engineering. The establishment of the manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia was a natural progression in Siemens' historic relationship with the country, he added. Loescher announced the project investment decision at a meeting with the top executives of the Saudi Electric Company and Saudi Aramco.

Siemens has been present in the country for 75 years and has completed many infrastructure projects, including power and desalination; grid development; hospital equipment; and the recently completed Phase I of a rail line that will bring Haj pilgrims to visiting holy sites.

After final government permits and approvals, the center will be operational in 18 months. Siemens is committed to gradually creating 1,000 jobs at the plant, and it is estimated that 3,000 indirect jobs would be created in the Eastern Province.

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