AOC Has New Home in The Hague

THE HAGUE, The Netherlands, October 07, 2009 --Aramco Overseas Co. (AOC) has opened the doors of its new 5,534-square-meter headquarters in The Hague

"We recognize the important contributions to our operational success made by manufacturers, service providers, and other business associates in Europe and the Far East,” said Khalid G. Al-Buainain, Saudi Aramco’s senior vice president of Refining, Marketing and International, who officially inaugurated AOC’s new headquarters Sept. 21. “I am confident that from its new home here in The Hague, and with the improved infrastructure that has been put into place over the past year, AOC will further strengthen its capacity to listen to and work with our vendors and service providers, assist us in navigating the complexities and diversity of the European and Asian markets, and helping those of us back in the Kingdom better understand important trends and developments in these vital regions.

Al-Buainain stressed that the relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of the Netherlands go back in history and are reinforced by the Netherlands’ position as a gateway to Europe and The Hague’s status as an international, cosmopolitan city.

He went on to note the significant achievements of AOC’s worldwide team, pointing in particular to AOC’s support for one of the company’s most challenging undertakings. “The recent project engineering, supply chain, financial and HR services that AOC has provided for the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) are indicative of the added value that AOC contributes to Saudi Aramco’s drive for excellence,” Al-Buainain said

As well as being home base for its 160 Netherlands employees, the new building underscores AOC’s ambitions to provide the highest level of service and support to Saudi Aramco and AOC’s sister affiliates, AOC managing director Ahmed M. Alzayyat said.

“Not only does the move exemplify AOC’s return to The Hague, from which it began operating in 1952,” said Alzayyat, “it also means that employees are no longer scattered over different buildings, amplifying a productive spirit of cross-functional teamwork and a consistent ability to respond effectively in a challenging business environment.”

“Our new headquarters is a clear statement that we are determined to pursue excellence and continue to step up our service level,” said Sultan Al-Ghadery, manager of Purchasing and Logistics for Europe and the Far East.

“We are increasingly more involved in major projects,” Al-Ghadery said, “making significant contributions in such areas as procurement, engineering and inspection, and in supporting Saudi Aramco’s project management teams in Europe and the Far East.”

The Hague, he said, is a logistically efficient headquarters and is close to business partners and suppliers. “Moreover, The Hague’s service industry enjoys a high reputation, and the city is renowned for efficiently catering to expatriates’ needs.”

Controller and treasurer Brian Leighton added: “The Hague, being the administrative capital of the country, positions AOC in a location to adequately represent the world’s largest oil producer in Europe and the Far East. The move raises our profile.”

The building’s design includes movement-activated lighting; a state-of-the art energy management system, including environmentally friendly climate control; open offices; an internal restaurant; and several meeting spaces. “The improved work environment will increase productivity and stimulate creativity of the employees,” Leighton said. “For those not living in The Hague, it is worth traveling the extra distance to work in the new office.”