Saudi Arabia’s industrial realm is expanding with steady momentum, supported by national plans to strengthen local manufacturing. Around 13,000 factories operate today, and the goal is to raise that number to 35,000 in the coming decade.
Rising labor costs and pressure to increase output are pushing companies to look for smarter ways to manage production. The Ministry of Industry is also preparing to automate 4,000 factories, creating a real need for partners who understand both the technical and practical sides of industrial work.
This increased demand paved the way for Maknana, which was the creation of founders who developed an interest in industrial systems at an early age. Abdulaziz watching “How It’s Made” created a fascination with machines and production lines. Despite the intention of studying industrial engineering, the course shifted to a business degree. Still, the interest never faded.
When Abdulaziz worked in the Saudi Industrial Development Fund as an intern, he got exposed to how a factory worked and the difficulties producers encountered. A meeting with his partner revealed a recurring concern; almost all factories lacked local technical support in their effort to modernize. That gap inspired the company’s creation, which was founded on the premise of reliable mechanization solutions that would meet the industrial demands of Saudi Arabia.
Strengthening the Backbone of Automation
Since its inception, the company has focused on a specific question: how can factories become automated without delays, high expenses, and limited support? Smaller manufacturers were often affected the most. They wanted robotics but the procedure proved complicated particularly when the providers were located abroad. Failure caused delays in response, and the operators were confused on how to deal with new systems. Maknana entered this market with clear priorities - fair price, quick assistance service, and practical training.
It currently employs approximately fifteen employees, most of them engineers trained in automation, robotics, and production systems.
Some have international experience, while others are local graduates with the aspiration to grow. This combination assists the business to switch between advanced planning and hands-on fieldwork. “We established an R&D department early on to create advanced products and services, integrating future technologies customers require”, says Abdulaziz S. Al Saud, Founder, Maknana.
Expanding Capabilities for a Changing Market
The company’s mission is to increase production efficiency and maintain solutions at realistic levels for factories of various sizes. It helps clients by increasing output, minimizing wastage and fortifying the quality of products. Although they offer entire production lines when required, Maknana primarily deals with robotics, particularly in the construction and building materials industry, currently having seven key applications in this area and while constantly enhancing their abilities as customers grow.
With the increase in demand for robotics with more advanced functions, the company plans to develop and manufacture robotic arms locally to meet the expanding needs of the region.
Abdulaziz also mentions that Maknana is also preparing to launch CNC laser machines, which are essential tools for many industrial operations. Alongside this, it is building systems that help factories monitor and analyze their production data. Many large manufacturers already use such systems, but smaller ones often lack access. The company wants to change that by offering tools that highlight bottlenecks and give factory owners a clearer picture of what is happening on their production lines. For the company, better decisions begin with better visibility.
Its work received further structure when it became part of the Ministry of Industry’s Future Factories program. Being registered in this initiative connects with manufacturers seeking trusted guidance for automation projects, placing Maknana in a network designed to encourage local industrial growth.
We established an R&D department early on to create advanced products and services, integrating future technologies customers require
Entering a New Phase of Industrial Growth
The Saudi Arabian market is poised to open up significantly to companies operating in robotics, advanced manufacturing, and emerging technologies in the next decade. The most successful companies in the Kingdom have traditionally represented oil, finance and heavy industry. However, as the economy diversifies, new opportunities are rising for businesses rooted in innovation and technical skill. Examples from other economies show how industries built around technology can quickly move from early-stage development to a strong national impact.
For Maknana, its future is in enhancing collaboration with other manufacturers across the country. Its goal is to become a full provider of automation support, from upgrading current production lines to introducing locally developed robotic systems and data-driven tools, aiming to help factories prepare for the next wave of industrial technologies. “As Saudi Arabia accelerates its industrial ambitions, we intend to remain a steady partner for factories ready to modernize, grow, and take confident steps into the next stage of manufacturing”, Abdulaziz concludes.
Abdulaziz S. Al Saud, Founder, Maknana
Abdulaziz S. Al Saud is one of the founders of Maknana, a Saudi industrial-automation firm committed to equipping local factories with robotics, CNC tools, and data-driven production solutions. He combines business training with a lifelong interest in manufacturing systems, aiming to make modern automation accessible to SMEs across the Kingdom.
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