Offshore staff

(Dallas) -- Al Rushaid Group and Flowserve Corp. ratified an agreement to build the largest original equipment manufacturer pump repair, manufacturing and training facility in the Middle East.

Construction of the 20,500 square meter (220,660 square feet) complex to be at the Al Rushaid Oil Field Center in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, will begin in July. It is expected to be fully operational in October 2007.

The facility will be include a 17,500 square meter (188,370 square feet) pump repair, manufacturing and test facility (Quick Response Center) and a 3,000 square meter (32,290 square feet) hydraulics training center.

Total cost will be approximately $14 million. It will employ more than 100 people.

Designed to support Aramco, Sabic, SEC, SWCC and other major industries within Saudi Arabia and the surrounding Arabian Gulf countries, the complex will be able to address service and repair needs of all pump products regardless of manufacture. Field service along with installation and commissioning also are to be provided.

A key component will be the region's largest hydraulics test bed. Certified testing to API and international standards will be available for both horizontal and vertical pumps (including high-pressure applications) to more than 5,965 kW (8,000 hp). The test bed will allow equipment performance verification and diagnosis.

Another feature will be the Middle East's first hydraulics training center. This 3,000 square meter (32,290 square feet) unit will have state-of-the-art classrooms. and static and dynamic laboratories. The training center is being funded by the Al Rushaid Group and will duplicate the Flowserve Learning Center in Dallas.

6/15/06