(EnergyAsia, September 23, Wednesday) —- Gates Corporation, the largest non-tire rubber manufacturer of automotive and industrial products, systems and components in North America, said it recently acquired Dubai-based Hydrolink, a provider of engineering, fabrication services for the oil and gas industry as well as service operations for fluid power products in the Persian Gulf region.

Gates Corp said the acquisition allows the company to penetrate the fluid power products market in the Middle East and CIS regions, which is estimated to be worth US$480 million per year.

Group president David Gau said: “As an established leader in this vibrant and growing oil and gas market, Hydrolink is uniquely positioned to serve the oil and gas industry needs, and is a natural addition to Gates engineering and services group.

“The acquisition creates new opportunities for Gates to expand our product and services offering at existing clients as well as extend some of our core competencies to Hydrolink.”

Hydrolink’s group managing director, Kevin Roberts, said: “The alignment with Gates will give us a great opportunity to accelerate growth in the region and other oil and gas hotspots and further enhance customer satisfaction.  I am delighted to be associated with an internationally respected company like Gates.”

Hydrolink began operating in 1988 and has since expanded to 20 locations in the Middle East and CIS regions.

Gates Corp is part of the Industrial and Automotive Group of UK’s Tomkins plc.