Perma-Pipe International Holdings Announces First Major Contract in Qatar, Marking a Strategic Expansion into the Gulf Region
Perma-Pipe International Holdings, a leading global provider of pre-insulated piping systems and leak detection technologies, has officially announced a major milestone in its ongoing expansion strategy: the award of its first project to be executed in the State of Qatar. Valued at USD $2.4 million, the contract signals not only a significant business win but also the tangible beginning of Perma-Pipe’s operational footprint in this vital Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nation.
This project, a first since the company announced its intention to mobilize in Qatar, leverages Perma-Pipe’s advanced fabrication capabilities and its proprietary XTRU-THERM® insulation system—a state-of-the-art solution involving spray-applied polyurethane foam insulation encased in a durable high-density polyethylene (HDPE) jacket. The project will be executed initially from a temporary facility in Doha, Qatar’s capital city, while construction continues on the company’s new permanent plant, which will serve as a regional hub.
Strategic Significance of the Qatar Market Entry
This contract award marks a strategic breakthrough for Perma-Pipe in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The State of Qatar, one of the wealthiest countries per capita and a global leader in liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, has been investing heavily in infrastructure development, particularly in its oil and gas, district cooling, and construction sectors. These are core areas of expertise for Perma-Pipe.
The company’s entry into Qatar is especially timely, given the country’s ongoing initiatives under Qatar National Vision 2030, a long-term development plan aimed at transforming Qatar into an advanced society capable of sustaining its development and providing a high standard of living for its people. Infrastructure and energy diversification are central to this plan, and Perma-Pipe is well-positioned to contribute its technological solutions to support these ambitions.
Temporary Operations and Facility Build-Out in Doha
Adham Sharkawy, Senior Vice President of Perma-Pipe’s MENA operations, underscored the operational planning already underway. “In response to this important award,” he said, “we will begin executing the project from a temporary facility in Doha, ensuring timely delivery and uninterrupted service to our client. Simultaneously, we are advancing the construction of our permanent facility in Qatar, which will serve as a long-term base for our regional operations.”
This dual approach—starting with a temporary setup while building a permanent presence—demonstrates Perma-Pipe’s agility and its commitment to customer satisfaction. It also signals to the market that the company is serious about becoming a long-term player in the Qatari industrial ecosystem.
“Our team is incredibly grateful for the trust and confidence placed in us by our new partners in Qatar,” Sharkawy added. “We look forward to fostering strong business relationships and providing solutions that set new standards for safety, quality, and performance.”
Reinforcing Regional Growth Ambitions
The expansion into Qatar aligns with Perma-Pipe’s broader goal of strengthening its position in the MENA region. Saleh Sagr, President of Perma-Pipe International Holdings, emphasized the strategic importance of this move. “Expanding in Doha has been a priority for us and is a key step in broadening our footprint in the region,” he noted.
He continued, “This investment underscores our long-term commitment to the Qatari market and supports our broader vision of sustainable growth and local economic participation. Once operational, the new facility will not only anchor our presence in Qatar but also serve as a launching pad to supply markets in Southeast Asia, particularly those with similar infrastructure needs.”
Sagr’s comments echo a theme consistent throughout Perma-Pipe’s global strategy: deploying engineering expertise and capital to locations where demand for district cooling, oil & gas pipelines, and insulated fluid transport systems is poised to grow rapidly. Qatar represents an ideal location for this expansion due to its business-friendly environment, robust infrastructure pipeline, and proximity to additional emerging markets.
CEO Perspective: Strengthening Global Market Presence
David Mansfield, Chief Executive Officer of Perma-Pipe International Holdings, expressed his confidence in the significance of the award. “This project marks a major milestone in Perma-Pipe’s journey and aligns with our strategic vision for geographic expansion and customer proximity,” Mansfield stated.
He emphasized that this was more than just a contract win. “This award validates the strength of our technological solutions, particularly the XTRU-THERM® system, which is widely recognized for its energy efficiency, thermal performance, and durability. It also serves as a foundation for solidifying our market presence and building long-term value through sustained client relationships and operational excellence.”
According to Mansfield, the successful execution of this first project in Qatar will have ripple effects beyond the country. It will enhance the company’s visibility in the GCC and MENA region and open doors to further collaboration with regional governments, energy providers, and construction firms.
The Technology Behind the Project: XTRU-THERM®
A significant component of the awarded project will be the deployment of Perma-Pipe’s XTRU-THERM® insulation system. This proprietary technology involves the application of polyurethane foam insulation using advanced spray techniques, all encased in a robust HDPE outer shell. The system is designed to offer superior thermal insulation, mechanical strength, and long-term reliability in harsh environmental conditions, which are typical in the Gulf region.
XTRU-THERM® is especially well-suited for applications in district cooling networks, hydrocarbon transport, and municipal infrastructure projects, all of which are prominent sectors in Qatar’s development plans. The system reduces energy loss, extends pipe longevity, and lowers maintenance costs—key benefits that support both economic and environmental sustainability.
Perma-Pipe International Holdings, Inc.
Headquartered in Niles, Illinois, Perma-Pipe International Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: PPIH) is a global engineering firm and manufacturer specializing in pre-insulated piping systems, leak detection technologies, and engineered pipe solutions. The company provides critical infrastructure solutions for clients in a wide array of industries including oil and gas, district energy, chemical processing, and municipal utilities.
With more than 14 operational facilities across six countries, Perma-Pipe’s global reach is supported by a team of highly skilled engineers and production staff, along with proprietary technologies that set benchmarks in insulation and fluid transport systems. Over its decades-long history, the company has earned a reputation for quality, innovation, and customer service.
Future Implications and Opportunities
As Perma-Pipe ramps up its presence in Qatar, the implications go far beyond a single contract. This move represents a strategic deepening of its engagement in one of the world’s most infrastructure-intensive regions. Qatar, with its ongoing mega-projects such as the North Field Expansion Project, new district cooling plants, and smart city developments like Lusail, is poised to be a high-growth market for engineered piping solutions.
Moreover, by establishing a permanent facility in Doha, Perma-Pipe will be well-positioned to respond rapidly to customer needs, reduce logistics costs, and participate more actively in local value creation—a major focus for regional policymakers. The company’s focus on technological differentiation, customer proximity, and sustainability is expected to drive further growth not only in Qatar but across the broader region.
A Defining Moment for Perma-Pipe
The announcement of this contract award in Qatar is more than just a business transaction—it is a clear indication of Perma-Pipe’s commitment to international expansion, technological leadership, and regional partnership. From the deployment of its XTRU-THERM® system to the establishment of a new operational base in Doha, the company is making a bold statement about its future.
Perma-Pipe’s leadership—from David Mansfield to Saleh Sagr and Adham Sharkawy—has outlined a compelling vision for regional growth, underpinned by technical excellence and strategic foresight. As Qatar continues to position itself as a hub of innovation and energy infrastructure, Perma-Pipe appears poised to play a significant and growing role in that journey.
