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.

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Aluminium fluoride is an important additive in the production of aluminium metal. The Arab Gulf has become a major center for aluminum production due to its attractive energy prices and vast energy resources.

Hydrofluoric acid is also used as intermediate product for the manufacture of fluorocarbons, such as R-134a and R-125, which are widely used in refrigeration and cooling applications, and fluorinated polymers. It is also used for petroleum alkylation, steel pickling, glass etching and production of nitrogen trifluoride.

About Gulf Fluor
Gulf Fluor is chemical manufacturing company producing high quality products for customers in the aluminium, building, agricultural and refrigeration sectors across the Middle East. The company uses the latest technology to produce the most advanced, cutting edge solutions for hydrogen fluoride, aluminum fluoride and sulphuric acid plant. Its products are used in the aluminium, building, agriculture and refrigeration industries.

The company operates a world-class fluorine complex in Industrial City Abu Dhabi (ICAD). Over AED 1bn has been invested in the complex, which has a capacity of 60,000 tonnes/annum of aluminum fluoride (AlF3), 10,000 tonnes/annum of hydrofluoric acid (HF) and 195,000 tonnes/annum of anhydrous calcium sulfate. This capacity makes it the largest in the region and the fifth largest in the world.

Gulf Fluor works with strategic international partners Buss ChemTech AG and Simon Carves to ensure it has the highest standards in technology. Gulf Fluor also places an unsurpassed focus on safety and environment.

About ZonesCorp
ZonesCorp is a dynamic industrial development organization located in the heart of Abu Dhabi. Launched in 2004 by the Abu Dhabi Government, we are the largest operator of purpose-built industrial zones in the United Arab Emirates.

Within just ten years, ZonesCorp has helped shape Abu Dhabi's industrial landscape through the development of six world-class, fully integrated industrial zones that generate almost half of the manufacturing GDP of the Emirate. Our zones currently house more than 600 manufacturing facilities that are home to some of the world's leading global industrial players in a variety of sectors.

Building on our track record and reputation for excellence, ZonesCorp continues to develop unique industrial cities, strategically positioned across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. This expansion will further solidify ZonesCorp's position as the UAE's manufacturing hub for years to come.

Media Contacts:
Mohammed Zain
Mubadra PR & Media Consultancy
+971 55 541 3553
m.zain@mubadra.com

© Press Release 2015