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HH Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan inaugurates an AED1.5 billion fluorine complex in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, 6 May 2015: At a ceremony in Abu Dhabi yesterday, Gulf Fluor – the UAE’s leading chemicals manufacturer - opened its new state-of-the-art, world-class fluorine complex at Industrial City Abu Dhabi (ICAD2). In the region the complex is both a first in its kind and the largest, as well as being the fifth largest in the world.
Gulf Fluor's new complex cost over AED1.5 billion (USD 410 million) in the Industrial City Abu Dhabi (ICAD II), a zone under Higher Corporation for Specialized Economic Zones "ZonesCorp", an industrial development organisation launched in 2004 by the Abu Dhabi government to become the largest operator of purpose-built industrial zones in the United Arab Emirates.
The complex has a production capacity of 60,000 tonnes/annum aluminum fluoride (AlF3), 140,000 tonnes/annum sulphuric acid (H2SO4) and 54,000 tonnes/annum hydrofluoric acid (HF), in addition to a water purification plant. Gulf Fluor supplies chemicals for use in the aluminium, building, agriculture and refrigeration sectors.
Gulf Fluor CEO, H.E. Owaida Al Khyeli, said: “This is a very proud moment for everyone involved in delivering this world-class project. Today is a very significant moment as it marks a key operational milestone in our plan to meet the growing demand for high quality chemical products, both locally and abroad. In line with the President of the UAE, HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s vision, this plant will deliver diversification to the local economy and support other industries, in particular the country’s growing aluminium sector.”
The construction of the plant followed a feasibility study which confirmed the technical and economic viability of the project. Gulf Fluor established strategic international partnerships with Buss ChemTech AG of Switzerland and Simon Carves of the UK, to ensure the company had the most advanced, cutting edge solutions for hydrogen fluoride, aluminium fluoride and sulphuric acid plant.
H.E. Al Khyeli added: “One of the pillars of Gulf Fluor's success has been the formation of strategic partnerships with leading organisations. Teaming up with Buss ChemTech AG of Switzerland and Simon Carves of the UK, Gulf Fluor has, uniquely, had access to unparalleled products of exceptional quality. This strong foundation will help establish Gulf Fluor’s status regionally and globally as a company of repute.”
Commenting on the event, His Excellency Ali Majid Al Mansouri, Chairman of the Higher Corporation for Specialized Economic Zones - ZonesCorp said: "The opening of this new complex is in-line with the strategy and vision of the Abu Dhabi Government and ZonesCorp, to achieve greater economic diversification by developing a world class, domestic industrial sector and advanced industrial infrastructure in the emirate of Abu Dhabi as part of the tireless efforts by ZonesCorp under the guidance of the government and the wise leadership in the country."
On his part HE Said Issa Mohammed Al Khaili, Acting Chief Executive Officer, ZonesCorp said: "The Gulf Fluor complex in the industrial zone in Abu Dhabi is a one if kind in the Middle East. It is a highly sophisticated, fully integrated facility producing high quality Fluorine products in accordance with the highest international standards to meet the needs of the local, regional and international fluorine markets. We are proud to add this first class facility to the list of advanced industrial complexes in the specialized economic zones in Abu Dhabi."
Gulf Fluor is located just 30 kilometers from the center of Abu Dhabi at ICAD II. The industrial zone is home to light to medium manufacturing, engineering and processing industries. It covers 300,000 square meter with marine access and provides Gulf Fluor with a variety of convenient services, which all contribute to the company’s competitive advantage in the region.
