• INDUSTRY OUTLOOK •
Specialization exists within types, too, with some suppliers focusing on large sizes, high-pressure / upstream applications, or small sizes for clean / instrumentation uses.
“ We rigorously evaluate a supplier’ s technical and quality performance before adding them to our Regulated Vendor List( RVL), assessing financial stability, technical capabilities, R & D, and quality systems to ensure consistent product quality,” Mousa explained.“ Products undergo varying levels of in-process and final inspection, tailored to application needs. We periodically review suppliers’ performances with different metrics, delisting some and limiting others’ scopes. Many suppliers have grown with Saudi Aramco, expanding product portfolios and approvals gradually.”
“ The valve industry evolves with market trends, causing supplier performance and status to fluctuate. In market downturns, some suppliers scale back production, while in growth phases, key suppliers expand to meet demand and gain market share.
Production philosophies have shifted from vertically integrated models, which ensure quality control but drive up costs, to relying on specialized subcontractors and sub-suppliers for cost-effective production.
This trend has expanded internationally, optimizing key processes and cutting costs, allowing suppliers to focus on design, partner assessment, and received goods inspection with final testing.”
Partnering with Suppliers“ I find it interesting that although valve design and manufacturing know-how is a well-established field, R & D cannot stop, and those who invest in this thrive and can more easily adapt to changing industry conditions,” said Mousa.“ Rapid changes and advancements affect all factors, from materials used to manufacturing methods, valve design, and the supply chain. Therefore, for a supplier to be part of this development, they have to adapt how they do business, invest in development, and work as partners with their clients to form a cohesive team.”
One of the success stories Mousa and his team are proud of is the level of engagement they have with their partners, both valve suppliers and field operators. The team conducted a detailed and comprehensive assessment to study the trend of failures and address these on a company level. The main goals were:
• to move from a reactive to a proactive response to failures
• to identify failures before they occur.
• to improve performance.
The study identified major areas of improvement in areas such as governance( improving specifications and requirements), and enablers to identify new technologies for valve inspection and maintenance. Valves are now assigned different classifications and included in periodic maintenance programs, so they are inspected and maintained continuously to assure integrity and reliability.
Future Trends in the Oil & Gas and Valve Industries
The valve industry is continuously evolving to meet new demands and energy trends within the oil & gas sector. Challenges related to industry regulations and standards are pushing valve manufacturers to innovate new
Stringent material requirements are imposed for valves and intended for extended service lives and arduous applications.
24 Valve World Americas | June 2026 | www. valve-world-americas. com