Shaji Pothi, general manager of Altrad, talks to The Energy Year about the company’s leading role in Bahrain’s industrial maintenance sector and its strategy for expanding into mechanical services through global expertise. Altrad delivers integrated scaffolding, insulation, painting, refractory and fireproofing solutions under long-term contracts for Bahrain’s energy and infrastructure operators.
What are Altrad’s core activities in Bahrain?
In Bahrain, Altrad operates through three key entities – Hertel, RB Hilton and RMD Kwikform – delivering a wide range of industrial services. These include scaffolding, insulation, blasting, painting, fireproofing, refractory works, formwork, falsework/shoring, heavy-duty support and ground shoring. We support some of the country’s most prominent asset owners in the areas of oil and gas, processing, metal, power and infrastructure.
Our integrated service model enables us to support complex, large-scale projects with consistent quality and safety standards.
Which current projects best demonstrate the company’s capabilities?
Altrad maintains long-standing contracts with key clients across scaffolding, insulation, painting, refractory and fireproofing services. A recent highlight is a six-year contract for painting maintenance in the oil and gas sector, underscoring over a decade of trusted collaboration with asset owners.
We also support a multi-decade term contract for insulation, refractory and fireproofing works, along with a newly secured maintenance agreement that further cements our enduring presence in the industry.
What is Altrad’s position in Bahrain’s maintenance sector?
Across the oil and gas, process, metals, power and infrastructure sectors, Altrad is estimated to hold a considerable share of the market. What continues to set us apart is our unwavering commitment to safety, quality and the delivery of fully integrated service solutions, hallmarks that consistently position Altrad as a leader in these highly demanding industries.
What sets Altrad apart from its competitors?
Altrad delivers a comprehensive, one-stop industrial services solution bringing together scaffolding, insulation, painting, fireproofing and refractory works under a single, integrated model. Backed by deep technical expertise, this approach positions Altrad as the partner of choice for high specification, high risk projects across the region.
A standout example is the Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Causeway Bridge project, where Altrad was entrusted with delivering advanced painting works using specialised coating systems. The award was a direct reflection of the company’s proven ability to meet rigorous performance and durability standards.
In complex disciplines such as refractory, clients continue to place their trust in Altrad, drawn to the company’s unwavering commitment to safety and quality principles that set us apart in a highly competitive market.
What role has the company played in the Bahrain Modernisation Programme?
As part of the Bahrain Modernisation Programme, Altrad played a supporting role through strategic subcontracting engagements. The company delivered specialised fireproofing, refractory and scaffolding solutions, contributing significantly to the successful execution of critical infrastructure enhancements across the kingdom.
What are Altrad’s growth plans in Bahrain?
At Altrad, we see Bahrain as a stable and strategically significant market, underpinned by robust long-term growth potential. Our strategy focuses on renewing essential maintenance contracts while introducing value-added services successfully implemented by other Altrad entities across the Middle East and globally.
Our operations in Bahrain are further strengthened through the support of our sister company, Altrad RMD Kwikform, a recognised leader in formwork, shoring, heavy-duty propping, ground support and integrated access and safety systems. This close collaboration within the Altrad Group enables us to share resources, drive innovation and consistently deliver greater value to our clients.
Additionally, our recent acquisitions – particularly of companies celebrated for their mechanical and boiler service expertise – have expanded our capabilities and opened new avenues for growth. We are actively engaging with clients to present these enhanced offerings, reinforcing our commitment to delivering world-class, integrated solutions tailored to Bahrain’s evolving industrial landscape.
Are these new services already being rolled out?
We have commenced discussions and submitted technical proposals to several key clients as part of our expansion strategy. This initiative follows a proven framework that has consistently delivered positive outcomes in other Middle Eastern markets.
By introducing this model to Bahrain, we aim to replicate its success and deliver broader, integrated service solutions. Drawing on Altrad’s global expertise, our offering is specifically tailored to meet the evolving needs of Bahrain’s industrial sector, reinforcing our long-term commitment to the local market.
