In an exclusive interview with the U.S.-Saudi Business Council (USSBC), Abdullah Bin Abdulwahab, GM & Founder of Innovative Insulators Company, a Platinum-level member of the USSBC, sheds light on the company’s strides in enhancing Saudi Arabia’s manufacturing sector. With years of dedicated service, Abdullah Bin Abdulwahab delves into the government’s support for local manufacturers and their journey towards global competitiveness, providing valuable insights into the role played by Innovative Insulators Company in bolstering Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification efforts.
You represent the government’s efforts to diversify the economy and promote local manufacturing. How has the government supported your business establishment and growth?
The government has supported local manufacturers with various initiatives to help local companies compete with exported products. For example, local manufacturers have the privilege of offering prices up to 10 percent higher than exported products. Not only that, but there is also an initiative to encourage companies to hire Saudi employees. The government will pay up to 50 percent of the total salary of fresh graduate Saudi employees. This support has encouraged us to hire fresh graduated, talented Saudis without worrying about the cost.
Can you describe your product and how it is used?
Our product is polymeric insulators. They are installed in electrical overhead distribution lines. The insulators provide necessary insulation between line conductors and supports, preventing any leakage current from conductors to the ground. Insulators also provide support to the conductor. The insulator should have the following desirable properties:
- High mechanical strength to withstand conductor load and wind load.
- High electrical resistance of insulator material to avoid leakage current to the earth.
Abdullah Bin Abdulwahab, GM & Founder, Innovative Insulators Company
Are you currently selling your product internationally? How do you plan to enter the global market?
Yes, we have sold our insulators to Sudan, and we are currently making great efforts to penetrate some Arab countries and the U.S. To do so, we have tested our insulators at EGU in the Czech Republic, which is considered one of the most distinguished laboratories for electrical testing. Our insulators passed all the tests, and these certificates are clear proof of the high quality of our products.
Do you think your business can compete in established markets like the U.S. and Europe?
Yes, indeed. We can offer very competitive prices of high quality. As mentioned earlier, our products have been certified by a well-known laboratory, indicating the high quality of our products. We have also implemented production system techniques such as Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma to ensure that our production processes are very lean, efficient, and stable.
What were your objectives in becoming a member of the U.S.-Saudi Business Council?
Our objectives in becoming a member of the U.S.-Saudi Business Council were to establish connections with companies that could collaborate with us, either by representing our company in the U.S. or becoming our partner within the Kingdom.
