Oman Daily Observer reported that Installation of plant machinery at the Sohar site of Gulf International Pipe Industry LLC is close to completion ahead of the scheduled October launch of the project.

GIPI will be the first high pressure steel pipe and casing mill in the GCC region, capable of manufacturing 8 to 24 inch products. This mill will further enhance the Sultanate's aspirations to reduce dependence on import of finished products needed to service its strategic oil and gas sectors. Developing this downstream venture in the Sultanate will complement similar efforts by the government towards promotion of local industries.

EPC equipment supplier Milltech is close to completing the installation of fifth generation plant machinery, based on American technology but manufactured in Korea with certain parts fabricated in the US, UK and China.

Mr Masoud al Barwani deputy CEO and Project Director of GIPI said that the project had made major progress since the ground breaking in April last year. All aspects of the project are progressing on schedule with the company targeting the start of pipe production by October this year.

Mr Hamdan al Shaqsy MD and CEO of GIPI said that "We are pleased with the speed and effectiveness demonstrated by our staff and contractors during this crucial installation period."

He also thanked all the GIPI shareholders and the highly experienced and professional team from MillTech, JK Engineering and GIPI for ensuring the timely completion of project. The shareholders of GIPI are Oman Investment Corporation, Golden Dunes Investments, Gulf Investment Corporation, POSCO steel Services and Sales Company and Arkan Group LLC.

(Sourced from Oman Daily Observer)