Founded in 1981, Saudi Dolomite runs a limestone processing plant in Abqaiq to the southwest of Saudi Arabia’s eastern province capital of Dammam, where it covers an area of 250,000m², and processes 5,000 tonnes of material per day in a round-the-clock operation.
Employing 280 people today, and Saudi Dolomite attributes the significant success it has enjoyed in the market to the stance it takes in driving technology, productivity and quality – all of which are reflected in its Volvo CE machines.
“We have a long relationship with Volvo,” says Ali Al Mubarak, managing director at Saudi Dolomite. “We started out with two small BM wheel loaders over 30 years ago and due to their uptime and reliability, in what are really harsh conditions, I’d say we have grown this business together.”
The BM L150 and BM L180F wheel loaders are used for material handling duties across the site, working 12-hour shifts, and through the decades have proved they are in it for the long haul, having both now passed the 50,000-hour mark.
Saudi Dolomite also operates 35 Volvo on-highway trucks for shipping in addition to further wheel loaders.
“The wheel loaders are strong and comfortable,” says Joal Saclao, veteran operator at Saudi Dolomite. “The cabin environment protects me from the dust and heat, which makes a real difference to my work and wellbeing, as I spend up to 12-hours per day in this machine.”
Supplied by FAMCO, Volvo CE’s dealer in the region, Saudi Dolomite has been impressed with the service that comes with the equipment.
Al Mubarak continues: “I have no doubts about Volvo machines or Volvo as a company. Additionally, with FAMCO as the dealer for construction equipment here in Saudi Arabia, I think it’s fair to say that I’m happy for my business to depend on Volvo.
“Breakdowns are rare, the initial price when considering the overall lifetime cost is really favourable, and I firmly believe that with Volvo and FAMCO, we have a partnership rather than a basic supplier-customer relationship.”
