After years of supporting international contractors both remotely and on the ground, trenchless technology pioneer Stuart Harrison is now stepping fully into the Middle Eastern market – not just to assist, but to solve.
This marks the first official rollout of AdaptX in the region: a purpose-built microtunnelling solution for the ground conditions and constraints local contractors face.
OptionX CEO Stuart Harrison said the trip to the Middle East served as a turning point.
“For the first time, we weren’t just supporting others; we brought in a complete, custom-built solution designed to overcome the unique challenges contractors in the region face every day,” he said.
Landing in Saudi Arabia and heading straight into meetings with suitcase in tow, Harrison’s recent visit was anything but ceremonial. “I didn’t even get to my hotel room, it was go, go, go from the moment I arrived,” he said.
Although the Vermeer AXIS system – also invented by Harrison – had earned strong market share in the Middle East, its limitations restricted its application.
“The AXIS machine had a range of about 350 to 500mm in rock,” he said. “With AdaptX, we’ve extended that from 350mm all the way to 1500mm without sacrificing efficiency. But the most exciting part is still the sub-one-metre work. That’s where AdaptX is unmatched.”
“We’ve been upgrading our AXIS machines with AdaptX technology for some years now, it’s really what led to the development of the AdaptX machine, but even our fleet of AXIS machines do more than what the original AXIS could do.”
Much of Harrison’s connection to the Middle East began in 2018 when he met Adam Ibrahim, then founder of Tunnels by Masters. Ibrahim, a major AXIS owner, had heard about the results Harrison was achieving in Australia, often pushing the technology far beyond what others thought possible.
“He reached out, asking how I was getting so much more out of the same machine,” Harrison said. “I shared what I could, even though I had no obligation to. That’s always been my approach: if someone’s using our technology, I want them to succeed.”
That connection has since evolved into a partnership. Ibrahim, with over 20 years’ experience in the region and a deep understanding of its contractors and project demands, is now leading OptionX Group’s business development in the Middle East.
“Adam’s experience and credibility in the region are unmatched,” says Harrison. “Together, we’re not just offering new technology, we’re offering local understanding and genuine support.”
For Harrison, it’s a return to the team mentality that’s shaped his career and a chance to do trenchless better, globally.
Do you have news for the international trenchless industry? Contact journalist Gerald Lynch at gerald.lynch@primecreative.com.au
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