Morgan Advanced Materials has revealed plans to open its first dedicated Middle East production facility in Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (Kizad), UAE.
The UK-headquartered firm has penned a 30-year Musataha agreement with Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) for a 37,000m2 production facility.
Morgan has committed an opening investment of $13.6mn for the plant, which will initially be used to produce high-temperature fibre products for use in the oil and gas, aluminium, steel, energy, petrochemicals, and fibre-protection sectors.
“The latest phase of our strategy of expanding our local market capabilities to better serve our customers is now to establish a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Abu Dhabi, a region of great importance to us,” said Mark Robertshaw, CEO of the British manufacturer.
“This new production site will be integral to maintaining and strengthening Morgan’s position as the world technology leader in high-temperature insulating fibres. These products are at the heart of operations in major industries worldwide, delivering exceptional performance and energy savings in the harshest operating conditions.
“Morgan’s significant investment and long-term commitment to the region also provides us with an exciting platform for future growth in other advanced materials technologies,” he explained.
Morgan opened its first Middle Eastern sales office in the UAE 13 years ago. The Kizad manufacturing plant, which is expected to commence operations in 2015, forms part of the firm’s strategy to further expand its footprint in the GCC and wider Levant.
“As a world leader in the production of advanced materials, we have found another key business partner in the development of Kizad with Morgan Advanced materials,” commented Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of ADPC and chairman of Kizad’s board of directors.
“One of the big advantages of Kizad is its close proximity to Khalifa Port, which provides an excellent shipping network for customers with direct links to 52 destination ports across the globe.
“In addition, Kizad offers an excellent transportation network through road, air, and soon, rail, which will further support Morgan Advanced Materials with their expanding business,” he concluded.
