Muscat, Oman—Oman Cables Industry on Oct. 15 laid the foundation stone for a third manufacturing plant at Al Rusayl Industrial City, launching a RO10 million (about $26 million) expansion that will incorporate AI-enabled production and what the company says is Oman’s first 42 m cable tower. The project is expected to create more than 60 jobs and bolster supply for the country’s energy and infrastructure programs aligned with Oman Vision 2040.
Scope and features
The new facility adds to Oman Cables Industry’s existing footprint at Al Rusayl, advancing a smart-factory approach that integrates sensor-rich equipment, data analytics, and predictive quality controls across wire drawing, insulation, sheathing, and testing operations. The 42 m tower is designed to improve process stability for long-length cable production and precision-controlled vertical processes, supporting tighter tolerances and higher repeatability.
While the company did not disclose capacity details, the added lines are positioned to lift domestic availability of medium- and possibly high-specification power and infrastructure cables. Automation and AI-driven process control can reduce scrap, shorten changeovers, and enable faster qualification cycles—critical advantages as utilities and contractors work to compress project schedules.
Market impact and Vision 2040
The investment supports Oman’s Vision 2040 goals of industrial diversification and higher-value manufacturing. By expanding local production, Oman Cables Industry can help shorten lead times for grid reinforcement, building electrification, and utility-scale projects, while lowering exposure to import bottlenecks and shipping volatility. The additional capacity also positions the firm to serve regional demand in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), where grid upgrades, renewable integration, and data center growth are driving steady pull for power and control cables.
Workforce and supply chain
More than 60 new roles are planned across operations, maintenance, quality, and digital manufacturing. The company’s emphasis on AI-enabled equipment suggests growing need for multi-skilled technicians capable of managing automation, data collection, and in-line diagnostics—capabilities that align with Omanization objectives and technical upskilling across the manufacturing sector.
Timeline and next steps
Groundworks at Al Rusayl have begun following the foundation ceremony. Oman Cables Industry has not announced a startup date or detailed product mix, though project scope indicates a focus on higher-throughput and vertically controlled processes supported by the new tower. Supplier selections for capital equipment were not disclosed. The project’s scale and technology choices indicate a targeted push to enhance in-country cable availability while improving quality assurance and operational resilience.
Industry significance
For wire and cable manufacturers, the build signals continued regional momentum toward digitalized plants and vertically oriented production lines that support tighter tolerances and qualification for critical infrastructure. For buyers, it promises shorter lead times, more consistent lot quality, and options for localized technical support.
