Al Masaood group along with its partner KSB AG of Germany – one of the world’s leading manufacturers of industrial pumps, valves, and related systems and services – jointly announced the inauguration of their new facility in Abu Dhabi Ports’ Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (Kizad). The official inauguration was hosted by HE Masaood Ahmed Al Masaood, Partner-Al Masaood Group, in the presence of HE Dr Eckhard Lübkemeier, German Ambassador to the UAE; Dr Bernd Garbe, Global Executive Officer Service-KSB GmbH; Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports and other senior officials and key partners of Al Masaood Group and KSB. KSB Service LLC is a joint venture between Al Masaood Group and KSB and is a perfect example of the investment initiatives local companies pursue to bring best quality products and offer highest standards of services as part of their commitment towards the development of the local economy. KSB’s new 12,141 sq. metre facility in Kizad is their largest in the GCC region and one of their biggest from over 160 industrial service facilities across the globe. Its high production capacity will cater to KSB’s regional customers, offering services related to pumps, valves, gearboxes, speed converters, compressors and electro motors. Speaking on the occasion, Eng. Raymond Hiel, General Manager KSB Service Centre ME said: “Our new facility in Kizad, and with Khalifa Port at our doorstep, will allow for numerous opportunities to expand our business in the region. Kizad is also an ideal location for us with its proximity to our key customersincluding ADCO, ZADCO and the Taweelah Power Station.” “We have increased machining capacities to allow for in-house production of spare parts- which reduce overhaul times, a mechanical seal refurbishment setup, pump and electrical motor testing facilities up to one megawatt and a hub for Reverse Engineering,” continued Eng. Hiel. Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports, congratulated KSB Service LLC on their start of operations, “With the oil and gas business being a paramount industry in the region, the quality infrastructure and multi-model connectivity provided by the integration of Khalifa Port and Kizad provides KSB a prime advantage to cater to this growing industry. Having a global company like KSB operate from the UAE, producing and servicing superior products locally, gives them the strategic edge to expand their operations further.” Materials for the facility, including engineered pumps and valves, are brought in from Germany through Khalifa Port, its main import hub. KSB is also working on implementing a technical training programme (practical and theoretical) targeted towards employees and engineers within the oil and gas industry as well as university students in the same field.