Advancing Saudi-made high-spec equipment

Saudi Arabia

Adnan Sayed, managing director of Precision Engineering Group, talks to The Energy Year about advancing domestic manufacturing and technology and developing equipment to improve worker safety in hazardous project sites. Precision Engineering Group is a Saudi provider of engineering equipment and services for the oil and gas, petrochemicals, water and industrial sectors.

How is Precision Engineering Group positioning itself to capture business within Saudi Arabia’s energy industry?
At Precision Engineering, we believe in quality work and aligning with Vision 2030. Our primary goal is to contribute in every way possible to the country’s future growth. Saudi Arabia has been very generous to us, and we aim to give back by being an active player in the energy, tourism and industrial sectors.
The energy sector, particularly oil and gas, is booming, and we are prepared to invest in any project that brings innovative technology to Saudi Arabia. Our partnerships with foreign companies – whether from Singapore, the UK, the USA, Germany or Japan – allow us to bring world-class technology and expertise to the region, ensuring Saudi Arabia remains at the forefront of global energy markets.
Precision Engineering is positioning itself as a key player in the energy industry by manufacturing high-quality products and developing technologies domestically. We are not just assembling products, but fully manufacturing them in Saudi Arabia, which sets us apart from others in the market.
Our investments in land and joint ventures with international companies speak to our long-term commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s energy industry. We have opened one of the largest calibration labs in the GCC and introduced cutting-edge technology for high-pressure fittings and gaskets, and we are ready to play an even larger role as Saudi Arabia’s economy diversifies.

Can you tell us about your new gasket manufacturing facility and its impact so far?
We are thrilled to announce our new gasket manufacturing facility, which is being launched in partnership with a highly experienced sealing specialist. This collaboration enables us to serve the oil and gas, petrochemicals and various other sectors directly with the reliability and expertise they require. In our first phase, we are producing metallic and semi-metallic gaskets – critical components for plants. While these may seem like small parts, a single leak can jeopardise an entire facility, so ensuring top-tier performance is essential.
To achieve a high level of reliability, our manufacturing process incorporates both semi-automated and fully automated systems, underpinned by IoT technology that ensures full traceability. Every gasket we produce is tagged with details on its raw materials, manufacturing history and certification, so that customers have complete confidence in its quality and provenance.
We are also introducing specialised gaskets for environmental protection and extreme operational conditions. Our Eco Seal line is designed as a low-emission solution, with rigorous testing confirming an average leakage rate of less than 5 ppm even at 260 degrees Celsius. We know all gaskets will inevitably leak in some measure, but Eco Seal’s exceptional tightness helps reduce emissions, aligning with carbon-reduction efforts across the industry.
Another standout product is our Dragon Seal, which is designed to be fire-resistant and withstand temperatures exceeding 870 degrees Celsius. It has successfully met and surpassed API 6FB specifications by maintaining only 4.0 ml/min leakage during a 60-minute fire test, well below the required 24.25 ml/min threshold. Dragon Seal also features remarkable cryogenic capabilities, performing reliably at -160 degrees Celsius with a minimal leakage rate. This durability under extreme heat and cold not only enhances safety and environmental protection but also helps operators maintain continuous, efficient operations.
Overall, our new facility isn’t just expanding gasket availability – it’s bringing to market crucial innovations that address the industry’s growing emphasis on sustainability, operational efficiency and safety. By offering gaskets with advanced sealing technology, fire resistance and ultra-low emissions, we believe our products will make a significant positive impact on plant reliability and help our customers meet increasingly stringent environmental standards.

What role do local content and manufacturing play in Precision Engineering’s business plans?
Local content is central to our operations. We are committed to manufacturing products entirely in Saudi Arabia, not just assembling them. While we aim to source raw materials domestically to support the local economy and follow the IKTVA [In-Kingdom Total Value Add] programme, we source materials from Europe when necessary.
Our manufacturing strategy aligns with the national vision of fostering innovation, creating jobs and boosting the domestic economy. We meet API and ASME [American Society of Mechanical Engineers] standards, and we want to bring the best and most advanced technologies to Saudi Arabia.

What can you provide to companies that want to invest in Saudi Arabia?
At Precision Engineering, we offer comprehensive support to companies looking to invest in Saudi Arabia. With almost two decades of experience in the market, we provide technical, legal and financial support to help navigate the complexities of doing business here. Our deep understanding of local procurement processes, regulations and the business environment makes us the ideal partner for foreign investors.
What sets us apart is our ability to manufacture domestically and sell to global markets. Our efficiency and competitive pricing enable us to succeed in the international market. By manufacturing in Saudi Arabia, we contribute to the growing presence of Saudi products on the global stage.
We are very interested in investments or joint ventures that involve manufacturing within Saudi Arabia. If companies are looking to sell products domestically, we will support them as long as the production is based here.

Do you have plans to manufacture in other GCC countries?
We already export to multiple GCC countries and have a strong presence in Malaysia and Indonesia. We will also export to the US and the UK soon. We are proud to carry the Saudi flag to international markets.

What is your assessment of the Saudi competitive environment and what is your share of the markets in which you operate?
In our sector, we don’t view competitors as rivals; we consider them more as collaborators or friends. If a competitor requires assistance, we are happy to help. If we have a project they can work on, we have no issue passing it to them directly. It’s all about co-operation and shared success.
In terms of market share, we believe we lead with technology and quality. Our focus is to always bring the best technology to the market. If it’s not readily available, we have an R&D team dedicated to creating and testing innovations. Our skilled design team is continually advancing and improving our technologies, maintaining our position at the forefront of the industry.

How would you describe the synergies among companies in the Precision Engineering Group?
We are essentially a one-stop solution, with all our companies – ICCL, Precision Valves, Precision Scientific Equipment and Precision Seal – working together under one roof. Our processes are streamlined, so it is fast and efficient for clients to access any single service or product they need from our group, and they benefit from significant cost and time savings.
The oil and gas sector never sleeps, and being able to work 24/7 is key. We operate around the clock and are always ready to meet client demands with quick, consistent and high-quality service.

Out of the projects you are working on, which are you most proud of?
We are currently working on several significant projects. One is the Amiral project with Aramco and TotalEnergies, but we are also involved in several shutdowns for SABIC and working in Yanbu. These engagements are taking up a significant amount of our resources and attention.
Projects in gas plants are high-risk, and safety is paramount. We are focused on advancing technology that protects human lives while maintaining efficiency. For example, we are developing gas detectors and other specialised equipment to reduce the risk to workers. AI and other advanced technologies can also be used to save lives and enhance the overall safety and efficiency of these operations. We are already seeing promising results with these innovations.

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