Some might view obtaining the Saudi Quality Mark as merely an administrative procedure or a sticker on a product. However, in reality, it represents the culmination of a long series of stringent measures, a true transformation in production structure, and a distinctive mark that signifies not just recognition of quality, but an ongoing commitment to it.
This is precisely what Darbk Company did. It didn't just settle for keeping pace with the local market; it aimed to make a real difference in the tire industry. Obtaining this mark serves as a clear call to all emerging companies to follow the same approach, with the goal of transforming the tire industry in particular, and heavy industries in general, from an exceptional phenomenon into a strategy and plan that will elevate the Arab region to the ranks of great nations.
So, how did Darbk obtain the Saudi Quality Mark? And what does this mean for the future of the industry?
What is the Saudi Quality Mark?
The Saudi Quality Mark is a certification granted by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) to products that adhere to the highest standards of quality and safety. This mark is not easily awarded; rather, it involves a series of evaluations, including:[SEG 6]Material quality.[SEG 7]Production line efficiency.[SEG 8]Laboratory test results.[SEG 9]Continuous conformity.[SEG 10]It is not limited to tires; it covers thousands of products in the Saudi market. However, specifically in the tire sector, the mark is a crucial tool for distinguishing between a product that adheres to safety standards and one that could pose a risk on the road.[SEG 11]Why did Darbk seek this mark?
- From the very beginning, Darbk's vision was not merely to sell tires, but to establish a Saudi brand that rivals global ones. The Saudi Quality Mark is considered the first and most crucial step towards achieving this vision, for several reasons:
- Because obtaining the mark means entering the market with official confidence.
- Because it opens the door to compete with international companies on equal terms.
- And most importantly: because safety is not an option, but a responsibility for us.
According to a report published by the General Authority for Competition in Saudi Arabia in 2021, 72% of local consumers prefer products bearing the Saudi Quality Mark over others, even if they come at a higher price.
Steps to obtain the Saudi Quality Mark:
According to a 2021 report by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), products with internationally recognized quality certifications saw an increase in consumer trust of up to 54% and an improvement in supply chain performance of 37%.
- Obtaining this mark is not merely a symbolic achievement; it signifies passing a long series of stringent stages set by the Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization. These stages demonstrate a company's genuine commitment to quality, from the planning and design phase through manufacturing, testing, and marketing.
- In Darbk's case, the goal was not just to obtain the certificate, but to prove that a local tire could genuinely compete with international products, under rigorous standards that leave no room for compromise. This was achieved by completing all technical steps, under the direct supervision of accreditation bodies, and by demonstrating consistent quality over time, not just a one-off instance.
Step One: Submission of Technical Documentation:
- This includes manufacturing files, material details, durability tests, and applicable codes.
- All this data must comply with SASO specifications.
What do we mean by "applicable codes"?
These refer to the approved technical specifications or Standard Codes that define the technical standards required for tire manufacturing. These codes include:
- There is a code that specifies the minimum tire wall thickness.
- And there is a code that specifies the level of resistance to heat, pressure, or wear.
- And there is a code specific to the testing method or acceptable performance limits.
These codes are often derived from international organizations such as ISO, or from the specifications of the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO). The company must fully comply with these standards to obtain the quality mark.
Step Two: Sample Inspection and Testing:
Random tire samples are sent to accredited local or international laboratories. Tests include:
- Wear resistance.
- Burst resistance.
- Adhesion in various conditions.
Step Three: On-site Factory Visit:
A team from the Authority visits the production lines to inspect the manufacturing process. During these visits, the following are evaluated:
- Quality control.
- Training.
- Internal procedures.
- Material control.
Step Four: Stability Testing and Consistent Production:
Even after successfully completing all previous stages, the mark is not immediately granted. Instead, it must be proven that the product quality is stable over a specific period, and that the production process maintains the same efficiency over time.
Step Five: Certification and Continuous Monitoring:
After Darbk Company successfully passed all the preceding steps, it was officially awarded the Quality Mark. However, the journey didn't end there, as the Quality Mark represents a continuous, evolving path, much like a river's flow. Products are subject to periodic and random inspections even after certification, to ensure ongoing compliance.
The stages Darbk Company underwent to obtain the Quality Mark mean that every tire bearing the Darbk logo and the Quality Mark stamp has truly gone through a difficult and long journey before reaching your vehicle.
What do these steps mean in the Saudi tire manufacturing industry?
Simply put... it means we no longer accept quality as a general term but as a manufacturing methodology, where:
- Production lines have become more committed to specifications.
- Acceptance standards have risen in the local market.
- Consumer perception of local products has shifted, from skepticism to trust.
According to a 2022 study by the International Rubber Study Group, markets that adopt strict national systems for granting quality certifications saw a 24% decrease in counterfeit or substandard tires over three years.
How has Darbk changed the traditional perception of local tires?
Years ago, local tires were seen only as an economical option, often compared to imported counterparts based on price, not quality. However, Darbk has flipped this equation:
- By producing locally to international standards.
- By linking quality with innovation, not just cost.
- By investing in technology, not just cost reduction.
During the quality tests conducted on Darbk tires at the laboratory inspection stage, results showed that most models significantly exceeded the minimum requirements in the burst resistance test, indicating the strength of the internal structure and the quality of materials used in manufacturing.
Darbk... A Step Towards Leading Regional Industry
Today, Darbk's ambitions are not limited to the local market. Instead, it looks towards the Gulf and neighboring markets. The Saudi Quality Mark has become a key to export, as quality certification facilitates entry into markets such as Bahrain, Jordan, Egypt, and even some African countries.
A report issued by the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority (Monsha'at) stated that products bearing the Saudi Quality Mark enjoy a 38% higher acceptance rate when presented in export markets.
Finally,
A quality mark is not merely a certificate displayed on a product, but a responsibility borne by every frame. Achieving it was not the end of the story, but its beginning.
Today, Darbk is not only proud to be the first to achieve the quality mark, but also for forging a path that other companies can follow. Quality is no longer an option; it has become an identity.
And Darbk... has forged this identity into a tangible frame on the road.
