Global Manufacturing Excellence regional office established in the Americas

Aramco Americas is the first overseas affiliate to establish a Global Manufacturing Excellence (GME) regional technical support office to further the Company’s long-term strategy across its value chain and global portfolio.

In January, Ibrahim Q. Al Buainain, Aramco’s executive vice president of Global Manufacturing, joined Houston leadership in an inauguration ceremony.

The regional office will comprise subject matter experts that will identify, share, and implement best practices from within the Aramco family of companies, including affiliates with operations in the Americas. Motiva will be a key partner considering its strength in refining and petrochemicals, and interactions with Valvoline Global Operations and Arlanxeo are also anticipated.

The regional office will be embedded into the Aramco Americas Technical Services Department (TSD) as part of the Engineering Division.

“GME has the ability to accelerate deployment of technology that works in one location to other assets,” said Al Buainain.  “It provides a direct connection with technology scouting and an opportunity to accelerate talent development.”

Engineering Division Manager for Aramco Americas Theo Mallinson explained the concept further, saying that we look to identify and learn from each other as companies such as Valvoline and Motiva may have procedures and practices that can be adopted. Conversely, Aramco can share its expertise and incorporate its methods and standards into affiliate operations.   The office aims to similarly streamline the interaction between Aramco group companies in support of this target.

GME has identified 13 key technical focus areas across a range of downstream activities, including: Advanced Process Solutions, Turnaround Management, Maintenance, Equipment Care, Energy Management, Decarbonization, Hydrocarbon Product Quality and Losses, Process Technology, Operations, Reliability Management Framework, Digitalization, Incidents and Investigations, and Community of Practice.

Al Buainain, who was named EVP in 2023, believes in the importance of having a mix of the right people, processes, practices, and technologies for operational success—critical in the downstream industry.