Dubai, UAE – Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) has signed an agreement with German technology group Allied Heat Exchange AG (A-HEAT) to develop the largest heat exchanger production facility in the GCC.

The state-of-the-art facility, set to be developed by Jafza, will meet the rising demand for energy-efficient cooling solutions, particularly for data centres that require advanced thermal management to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability.

Spanning 1.2 million square feet with a built-up area of 400,000 square feet, the built-to-suit facility will be located within DP World’s flagship free zone, Jafza and operated by Güntner, A-HEAT’s flagship brand. With a legacy dating back to 1931 in Munich, Güntner is a global leader in heat transfer technology.

The new facility will serve as a key production and distribution hub, and by localising production, A-HEAT aims to strengthen its supply chain efficiencies, enabling faster, more flexible deliveries across the GCC, India, China, Africa, and Asia.

The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the World Government Summit in Dubai in the presence of His Excellency Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DP World; Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World GCC; Abdulla Al Hashmi, Chief Operating Officer Park & Zones of DP World GCC;  Hubert Spegel, Chairman at A-Heat; Dr. Robert Hanea, Board Member; and other senior executives.

The exponential growth of data centres, driven by artificial intelligence and cloud computing, has significantly increased the need for energy-efficient cooling solutions. Cooling remains one of the largest power-consuming components in IT infrastructure, making high-performance heat exchangers essential for optimising efficiency and reducing energy consumption.

Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World GCC, said: “The agreement with A-HEAT reflects Jafza’s role in driving innovation and sustainable industrial growth. By facilitating the development of specialised manufacturing, we align with the ‘Operation 300bn’ initiative under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 strategy to position the UAE as a preferred location for industrial innovation. Our build-to-suit approach ensures A-HEAT benefits from a facility designed to meet its operational needs. We remain dedicated to delivering customised solutions that drive manufacturing excellence and supply chain efficiencies for our partners.”

Hubert Spegel, Executive Board Member at A-Heat, said: “This milestone marks a significant step in our ongoing commitment to the Middle East and global markets. Our collaboration with DP World and Jafza underscores our dedication to providing the most advanced and energy-efficient cooling solutions for industries that depend on optimal thermal management. This facility will serve as a key production and distribution hub, reinforcing our position as a leader in the heat exchange industry.”

As part of this expansion, Güntner will manufacture its most advanced heat exchangers, using natural refrigerants such as CO₂ and ammonia for energy-efficient cooling.

The facility will also make the aicore™️ smart control solutions, which optimise cooling systems by dynamically adjusting operations to cut energy use by up to 30%. When integrated with hydroBLU™️ technology, these systems will enhance efficiency by maximising the natural cooling effect of evaporation and balancing electricity and water usage, reducing water consumption by up to 90%. New cutting-edge technology currently being optimised by Güntner's R&D will also be produced at this facility.

With production facilities across four continents and offices in over 34 countries, A-HEAT continues to expand its global footprint, delivering high-performance cooling solutions reach key markets worldwide. 

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For media enquiries, please contact:
Jack Rigby
Director Corporate Communications
jack.rigby@dpworld.com

About A-Heat

A-HEAT Allied Heat Exchange AG is an internationally active German technology group specializing in refrigeration engineering, air conditioning, and process engineering. With its flagship brands, including Güntner, JAEGGI Hybridtechnologie, thermowave, and basetec, A-HEAT is a global leader in heat transfer technologies. The company operates 8 production facilities across four continents and maintains sales offices in more than 34 countries, providing innovative and energy-efficient cooling solutions for diverse industries worldwide.

About Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza)

Jafza is one of the world’s leading free trade zones and is home to over 10,890 multinational companies. Jafza accounts for a significant FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) flow ‎into Dubai, sustaining the employment of more than 135,000 people in the United Arab Emirates.

Strategically located at the crossroads of a region providing market access to over 3.5 billion people, Jebel Ali Port and Free Zone create an integrated multi-modal hub offering sea, air and land connectivity, complemented by extensive logistics facilities. ‎

Jafza is the leading business hub between Asia, Europe and Africa, connecting some of the fastest-growing manufacturing and consumer markets globally. With over 30 years’ experience, Jafza focuses on long-term customer relationships, building alliances with global investors and providing world-class infrastructure and support. In addition to quality-driven value-added services and incentives, Jafza is a business opportunity enabler, offering its customers easy and efficient access to substantial business opportunities in the region.