A new dealer partnership with Saudi Arabia-based Saleh Abdulaziz Al Rashed & Sons Co. (Al Rashed & Sons) has been announced by Astec Industries. It will enhance and expand the sales and service of high quality Astec crushers and other materials handling equipment in the Kingdom – including the Telsmith, Osborn, KPI, BTi and Telestack brands.

According to Ricardo Isaacs, Regional Sales Manager at Astec Middle East and Africa (AME), the timing of this alliance is ideal, with Saudi Arabia currently focused on diversifying from an oil-based economy and aiming to attract investments in mining and construction. It is also in line with the OneASTEC business model and the organisation’s growth strategy that is founded on the “simplify, focus and grow” principles, he notes. ““Our vision as OneASTEC has seen the coming together of 16 brands. Our focus is on innovation and a passion to help our customers around the world to succeed. It is this commitment that drove our decision to unify as one OneASTEC and is spurring us to seek dealer partnerships with industry leaders like Al Rashed & Sons who share our commitment to customer service and quality,” Isaacs states.

“Astec AME is excited to start this journey with our new partner in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. There are exciting new mining and infrastructure major projects planned, and it is therefore strategic to find a partner that shares our values.” He explains that Al Rashed & Sons’ areas of operation – including mining and contracting, manufacturing, spare parts, asphalt works, transport and logistics – complement Astec’s portfolio of material and infrastructure solutions.

Headquartered in Riyadh, Al Rashed & Sons has around 14 000 employees. The business operates in six sectors but is mainly focused on mining and contracting, explains Faisal Alrashed, Operations Manager at Al Rashed & Sons.

He says that Al Rashed & Sons seized the opportunity to become Astec Industries’ dealer in Saudi Arabia, where there are currently significant opportunities, especially in the sale of crushers and rock breakers needed in the major projects that are underway. “Our partnership with Astec Industries will enable Al Rashed & Sons to enter and compete in a new market and meet customers’ growing demand for high quality, high-capacity crushers.” He notes that Astec’s premium equipment and brands already have a presence in the region and have earned a reputation for quality, performance and innovation.

“Al Rashed & Sons brings 40 years of experience and an expansive network in the region to our partnership. This, combined with Astec’s comprehensive equipment solutions, backed by our training and aftermarket service and support, will ensure that we achieve our aim of supporting new equipment opportunities and the current population of Astec equipment in operation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” Isaacs concludes.