Global steel pipe manufacturing company Interpipe has announced the installation of a ground-based Basra local support team after being approved by South Oil Company as a preferred supplier for Iraq. South Oil is one of the major fundamental formations of Iraq National Oil Company.
Following several recent meetings in Iraq with South Oil and a lengthy audit of its steel mill in Ukraine, the approval allows Interpipe to participate in local tenders. The company also toured Iraqi oil fields during the meetings due to a growing need to provide a better service of transporting and stocking pipes from the ports.
Interpipe regional director for the Middle East, North Africa and Asia Duncan Pell said: "The development of Interpipe in Iraq is part of our overall growth strategy across the wider Middle East and Africa region. While at the World Economic Forum last week in Jordan, it was clear that the potential of Iraq will be realised over the next few years and Interpipe aim to contribute significantly to driving the Iraqi infrastructure, economy and development."
Interpipe regional director, market development Andrey Burtsev said: "The approval from South Oil signifies Interpipe’s commitment to Iraq, which has the potential to reclaim its historic position as one of the most prosperous economies in the Middle East. With the National Development Plan well under way, we expect to see early signs of success in Iraq from our efforts in the latter half of 2013."
Interpipe will appoint a new Iraq country manager with immediate effect based in Basra. A new local partner based in Basra, Al Nukhba Oil Field Services, will provide company facilities and fulfil on-the-ground security requirements.
Interpipe has been working in the steel manufacturing industry since 1895. It produced over 1.1 million tonnes of carbon steel pipes in 2012.