- The first dedicated Power Transformer plant in the region, built to substitute imports and supply local power distributors -

Abu Dhabi, 1st November 2007: Brush Transformers Gulf LLC, a joint venture between Al Nasser Industrial Enterprises (ANIE) and Brush Transformers Ltd., the leading British manufacturer of power transformers, today announced the start-up of the first dedicated power transformer plant in the Middle East, based in Abu Dhabi.

The 20,000 square metre plant, located at the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD) in Mussafah, was officially opened by Abdulla Nasser Hawaileel Al Mansoori, Chairman of ANIE and Paul Heiden, CEO of FKI plc, the parent company of Brush Transformers Ltd. in the presence of British Ambassador to the UAE, Edward Oakden. Senior officials from the government and private institutions and the media were present at the opening.

The local availability of power transformers is expected to reduce the current reliance of the region on the import of units from Europe and Japan.  The range of units the factory will build is between 33KV to 132KV voltage class, up to 90 MVA (megavolt ampere). This range is widely used in the transmission of power from a generating plant to the end-user.

Addressing the media at the event, Abdulla Nasser said ANIE and its partner Brush Transformers Ltd. were extremely proud of the new industrial venture.  "This landmark project is a pioneering initiative for the UAE industrial sector. Local transformer production will support the industrial growth of Abu Dhabi, the UAE and the whole region, where economic growth and industrialization have spurred the demand for power transformers."

"This partnership is evidence of the capabilities of Abu Dhabi in attracting investments into the industrial sector and providing the appropriate facilities and environment necessary for the growth of this sector. I would like to thank the management of the Higher Corporation for Specialized Economic Zones (HCSEZ) for their support of all our endeavours," said Abdulla Nasser.

"The new facility is also an example of economic growth leading to industrial diversification, which feeds back into the local economy," he added.

Speaking on behalf of Brush Transformers Ltd., Heiden noted: "This partnership between Brush and ANIE is an opportunity for Brush to continue serving our long-standing and valued customers in the region, with an improved level of local support."

David Woolhouse, Managing Director of Brush Transformers Ltd. commented: "In partnership with ANIE, we have built a factory that will be a centre of excellence for transformers in the region.  The operation will utilise state of the art design and manufacturing techniques, such as finite element analysis, 3D modelling and Lean Manufacturing"

Noting the benefits of establishing the plant in the UAE, Tim Walker, General Manager of Brush Transformers Gulf, said: "The production of units here will reduce delivery times, shipping costs and the possibility of damage during transportation. Dedicated treatment and a high level of support will be given to our local customers by our specialist team of support service engineers."

Construction of the new plant began in 2006 with the first shipment to local customers already completed.  The factory has already been accredited with ISO 9001.

"Buying globally will now change to buying locally. Access to high technology, global power products that are designed and produced here is now a welcome reality for Gulf businesses" said Sanjay Mehta, CEO of ANIE.

-Ends-

Brush Transformers Gulf LLC
Brush Transformers Gulf LLC was formed in 2005 as a joint venture agreement between Al Nasser Industrial Enterprises (ANIE) and Brush Transformers Limited, the leading British manufacturer of power transformers. Its new high technology facility in the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD) in Mussafah manufactures the largest power transformers produced in the Middle East. The company supplies distribution power transformers to oil and gas, steel, cement and other classes of the industrial sector as well as power companies in the region.

Al Nasser Industrial Enterprises
Al Nasser Industrial Enterprises (ANIE) is a private sector holding company that maintains investments in several companies engaged in Steel manufacture, Power & Distribution Transformers, and Polymers in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman.

Brush Transformers Limited
Brush Transformers Ltd., has been building power transformers since 1879. The company now supplies transformers to multiple industrial sectors across the world, from mining transformers in China to generator units in the United States. As a leading supplier of transformers in the Middle East region, the company already has a firm base in the regional market.

FKI plc
FKI is a major international diversified engineering group. It focuses on businesses that have superior and sustainable market positions in sizeable, attractive markets, leading brands and world class technology.

For further information:
Tim Walker
General Manager
Brush Transformers Gulf LLC
Tel: +9712 5501910
Fax:+9712 5501920
E-mail: tim.walker@btg.ae

Olivia Olarte
Asda'a Public Relations
Tel: +9712 633 4133
Fax: +9712 633 4233
E-mail: o.olarte@asdaa.com

© Press Release 2007