Unique Group, a titan in the domain of subsea technologies and engineering, has made a significant leap by enlarging its operations in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
As per the company’s announcement, this expansion represents a critical juncture for Unique Group, marking a culmination of persistent efforts and partnerships with prestigious entities like Aramco, NEOM, the National Center for Wildlife (NCW), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information (GEOSA), and Red Sea Global. These relationships have been cemented through direct collaborations and contractual agreements.
This move is synergistic with Saudi Arabia’s vision for 2030, aimed at fostering growth and development. It exhibits Unique Group’s dedication to providing avant-garde solutions to advance the local sector. The company’s strategy includes local production and assembly of its signature subsea technologies and engineering services, promoting job localisation and establishing Dammam as a strategic industrial hub.
The company has highlighted that about half of its manufacturing and assembly processes, particularly for air dive systems, power packs, and scuba replacement units, will take place in Saudi Arabia, with a commitment to employing at least 40% local workforce.
All about the New Facility
The newly inaugurated 2,000 square meter facility is poised to handle a vast spectrum of equipment, encompassing survey tools, unmanned surface vessels (USVs), diving and life support systems, buoyancy, and Water Weights equipment, all of which are accessible for purchase or lease. A regional first, the facility extends its prowess to include lifting and mooring products, offering regional clientele unprecedented access to these services.
Notably, it is the first facility in the region to provide calibration and servicing for prominent brands, thereby increasing the availability of sophisticated technology in the local marketplace. It also houses the largest dynamic winch test bed in Saudi Arabia, capable of a static pull of 600 tons and dynamic live load testing up to 40 tonnes.
Equipment Range and Lifting and Mooring Services: The workshop’s extensive inventory is designed to meet diverse needs, offering both sale and rental options. The inclusion of advanced technology through calibration and servicing facilities, and the showcase of a state-of-the-art dynamic winch test bed, further distinguishes the workshop in the region.
Sahil Gandhi, Chief Executive Officer of Unique Group, shared insights on the venture, stating, “The strategic expansion in Saudi Arabia is a defining moment for Unique Group, heralding the launch of the Lifting and Mooring Solutions division and the commencement of local diving equipment assembly. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to fulfilling the unique needs of our clients in the region.”
Gandhi expressed confidence that these strategic efforts will significantly enhance the company’s support to its clients in Saudi Arabia, allowing for comprehensive solutions to their challenges through superior products, integrated services, and cost-effective solutions. This milestone is not only crucial for the company’s growth but also fosters the development of the Kingdom.
“The decision to expand to Dammam was influenced by our long-term collaborations with government bodies, academic institutions, and marine survey organizations in Saudi Arabia over the past two decades,” he added. These partnerships have been instrumental in spearheading developments in the Red Sea region and NEOM, and Unique Group’s commitment to marine sustainability and academic support in the Kingdom has also played a role.
Additional factors favoring Dammam included the Saudi government’s investment plans, the area’s proximity to port facilities, and the presence of key clientele, including governmental and EPC companies. This expansion is geared towards generating employment through local talent while driving progress in the local subsea and marine industries, aligning with Unique Group’s commitment to supporting the sector’s evolution within the Kingdom.
Over two decades, Unique Group has forged robust ties with Saudi Arabia’s governmental authorities, educational institutions, and marine hydrographic survey organizations, collaborations that have yielded successful large-scale projects in the Red Sea and NEOM.