Oman Daily Observer reported that Gulf International Pipe Industry LLC recently announced achievement of first pipe production at its integrated pipe manufacturing facility in Sohar Industrial Estate.

This comes just 20 months after its ground-breaking ceremony in April 2008.

Mr Hamdan Al Shaqsy CEO of GIPI said “We are proud to have successfully reached this ultimate milestone within budget and three months earlier than the contractual schedule and we expect to compliment this great accomplishment by completing the final formalities for obtaining our API/ ISO certification by January 2010 when we are due to start full commercial production.”

Mr Al Shaqsy said this achievement could not be made possible without the dedication and commitment of all GIPI staff and its contractors as well as the full support received from the shareholders and lenders alike.

GIPI manufactures high grade carbon steel pipes and casing within a diameter range of 8 inches to 24 inches and capability for wall thickness of up to 25mm and pipe length of up to 18 metres. The coating facilities are also being commissioned and capable of both internal and 3 layer external coating.

The shareholders of GIPI are Oman Investment Corporation 30%, Golden Dunes Investments 30%, Gulf Investment Corporation based in Kuwait 20%, POSCO Steel Service and Sales Company based in Korea 15% and Arkan Group LLC 5%.

(Sourced from Oman Daily Observer)