MUSCAT: Made in Oman flanges manufactured by Hema Energy's subsidiary, Oman Flanges, are set to enter the European market. This expansion represents a significant milestone for Oman Flanges, which has established itself as a reputable manufacturer since its inception in 2015. With the capability to produce flanges that meet ASME standards up to class #2500, and sizes ranging from 1/2" to 12", the company is well-equipped to meet the demands of its new target market. ASME, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, sets codes and standards for mechanical devices.
Central to this ambitious expansion is the partnership between Omani company Hema Energy and Oman Reservoir Services (ORS). Last week, Hema Energy and ORS signed a partnership agreement which aims to facilitate the entry into Norway by leveraging mutual strengths in product exchange and market intelligence.
In an interview with Observer, Azzan Moghrob Asmi, Acting Group Managing Director of Hema Energy, said, “One of the high-demand products in the energy industry is flanges, which we proudly produce from our facility in Nizwa. Our products are approved as per the global requirements and as per the main exploration & production (E&P) companies in Oman.” However, entering the European market poses its own set of challenges. Market intelligence is a primary obstacle that the partnership aims to overcome. Oman Reservoir Services' expertise will be instrumental in navigating this complex landscape. Asmi explained, “The main challenge is market intelligence, which our partner will support us to achieve and to start getting more into exporting our products to Europe.” Another critical aspect of this expansion is ensuring compliance with European regulatory and quality standards. Oman Flanges has proactively conducted thorough checks against various European standards and confirmed compliance. Engaging with the Italian embassy in Oman has further solidified their commitment to meeting these exacting requirements. “We have also started to communicate with Italy via the Italian embassy in Oman to explore the opportunities across the two countries,” Asmi noted.
The initial feedback from European clients has been promising. Oman Flanges received a letter of acceptance regarding its product standards and is preparing to ship samples to Norway for testing. This positive reception underscores the company's dedication to stringent quality control and adherence to international standards.
Hema Energy has ambitious plans for Oman Flanges in Europe. The long-term vision includes establishing Europe as a primary export destination for their products. This expansion is not merely about selling flanges; it signifies a notable advancement in Oman's manufacturing industry. “The long-term plan is to have Europe as one of our main lines of export, which I believe will demonstrate how Oman has moved forward in the manufacturing industry,” Asmi shared. In addition to flanges, there are plans to expand the current facility to produce other essential products for the energy sector.
The partnership between Hema Energy and Oman Reservoir Services will be crucial in this journey. Their mutual agreement is expected to pave the way for Oman's presence in numerous other countries, enhancing the global footprint of Omani manufacturing. “The mutual agreement between the two companies will help in expanding the presence of Oman in many other countries, which we are all looking for,” Asmi concluded.
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