RIYADH: Rolls-Royce, which has most of its in-country workforce consisting of citizens, has highlighted the importance of Saudization in supporting the Kingdom’s defense readiness.
Cate Wilkinson, senior vice president at Rolls-Royce PLC Middle East, told Arab News on the sidelines of the World Defense Show recently that the company’s Saudization level is “over 80 percent” in the Kingdom, with figures varying by site.
“Depending on whether or not we’re talking about our MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) facility in Taif or more generally, we are well over 82 percent, nearly 90 percent,” she said.
Wilkinson said the company focuses on developing local talent as a part of that push. “We take talented Saudis from fresh out of school, and we give them skills and help them grow.”
She said localization strengthens the company’s day-to-day processes inside the Kingdom. “We are integrated within the nation. We are there to support it regardless of what happens.”
