Box Int'l to provide technical services for new Al Jouf expansion, Saudi Arabia

Box International Consulting LP, a Texas, US-based cement industry consulting firm, announced today that they been issued a Grant of Authorisation by Saudi Arabia-based cement producer Al Jouf Cement Company to provide a variety of technical services at its plant located in Turaif, Saudi Arabia.

Al Jouf Cement currently owns a 5000tpd cement plant and is building a second line with the same capacity. The third line, which Box International is to assist in developing, is also set to have a capacity of 5000tpd. Box International will provide consultation and recommendations regarding the plant layout, design, process upgrades, equipment, plant and facility specifications and recommendations of vendors, along with the considerations regarding integration of the plant and infrastructure.

On behalf of Al Jouf Cement, Box International is to manage requests for proposals, receive and negotiate bids from equipment vendors, suppliers, contractors and construction companies. Box International will also provide proposals for technical training programmes consistent with US cement industry practices for Al Jouf Cement personnel. Box International is authorised to source, negotiate and secure financing for the plant expansion, facility upgrades and any other corporate requirements on behalf of the Saudi Arabian cement producer. Box International is also requested to present a proposal to operate and manage the new plant on behalf of Al Jouf Cement upon completion of construction and commissioning.

Thomas D Box, president of Box International, said: "The Saudi Arabian construction sector is the most dynamic in the world and will continue to be because the economy in the Saudi Arabian Kingdom is incredibly robust. Recently reported GDP in the Kingdom exceeded SAR2.2trn in 2011, wit a growth rate of 31 per cent, preliminary reports of the Kingdom's GDP increased by almost six per cent. Given this economic strength, along with a rapidly increasing and well-educated population and the significant investment and support of large strategic infrastructure and development projects by the government, the construction sector will continue to increase unless there are shortages of building materials."

He further added: "Domestic cement manufacturing capacity is required to sustain construction and development activity. Accordingly, Box International is very pleased to work with Al Jouf Cement regarding their plant expansion and to support their vision of furthering the construction sector and cement market in Saudi Arabia."