New agreement for molten aluminium supplies to KIZAD project

Dubai - 12 March 2014: Ducab Aluminium LLC and Emirates Aluminium (EMAL) have entered into an agreement for the supply of molten aluminium from EMAL facilities to Ducab Aluminium's new aluminium rod mill that is currently under construction. This agreement is fundamental to the new venture and is evidence of the close cooperation between the two companies.

The location of the new industrial premises for the venture will be the Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) at KP3 area, and the construction will be completed by the end of 2016. Through this partnership, Ducab will be supplied with molten aluminium as the principal raw material for the aluminium rod mill. The new plant aims to target the GCC and MENA markets, with the possibility of expanding to Europe and the Indian subcontinent later.

Ducab Aluminium LLC, which will be located on the KIZAD development's 'Hot Metal Road', will receive deliveries direct from the EMAL smelter to their own facilities and will operate 24/7. EMAL will supply 100% of the plant's requirements.

Ducab Aluminium LLC, is the latest addition to the growing number of downstream industries being developed in KIZAD as part of the UAE's ambitious vision to diversify the economy away from dependence on the hydrocarbon sector.

Ducab's Chairman, Eng. Jamal Salem Al-Dhaheri, commented: "Ducab Aluminium LLC is delighted to announce this arrangement with EMAL, a world leader in the aluminium industry. This long term supply agreement is evidence of the strong partnership that we have with EMAL, allowing Ducab Aluminium LLC to develop a complementary downstream industry in both aluminium rod and conductors."

"This initiative reflects the key role that both companies play in supporting the UAE government's vision of development of nationals and local industry. Ducab will be encouraging national talent to play a deeper role in this project", he added.

Commenting on this latest development, Saeed Fadhel Al-Mazrooei, President and CEO, EMAL, said: "Diversification of the UAE economy is vital for our future prosperity, and Ducab Aluminium LLC ̶ a joint venture between Senaat and Ducab ̶ is another example of the progress being made to deliver this economic vision. A comprehensive development plan that is being implemented in the UAE aims to increase the contributions of the industrial sector to the GDP to about 25 percent by 2025."

"EMAL constitutes one of the key pillars of the UAE's strategic plan to diversify the national economy. We are always ready to provide inventory of primary aluminium for local companies, thereby aiding the economic diversification in the country." continued Al-Mazrooei.

Ducab Aluminium is a joint venture between Ducab, the Middle East's leading manufacturer of high-quality cables and cabling products, and Senaat, one of the largest industrial investment and holding companies in the UAE.

The Ducab Aluminium plant will have a production capacity of 50,000 tpa and will commence with an investment of AED 220 million (US$60 million), which includes the costs of the plant, machinery, infrastructure, and buildings. The new plant will produce cables and electrical conductors using the latest technology and production standards, and will implement eco-friendly systems.

About Ducab
Ducab is a leading provider of copper cabling products and is the first choice for many prestigious contractors due to its record of quality and customer service. Ducab has supplied cables and wires to a number of landmark projects, including the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Metro, Emirates Palace, Burj Al Arab, Atlantis the Palm and Yas Marina Circuit. Ducab achieved record sales of AED 4.9 billion for 2011, a 39% increase over the previous year.

Jointly owned by the Investment Corporation of Dubai and the General Holding Corporation (GHC), Ducab operates five manufacturing facilities in the UAE include Ducab Jebel Ali, Ducab Mussafah 1 Factory, Ducab Mussafah 2 Factory, Copper Rod Factory and High Voltage (HV) Cable Systems Factory. With five manufacturing facilities, the company has a manufacturing capability of over 105,000 copper tonnes of high, medium and low voltage cables per annum. The company's product range includes High Voltage cables up to 400kV, Ducab Powerplus Medium Voltage cables up to 33kV, Low Voltage power cables, control & auxiliary, wiring and lead-sheathed cables, Ducab-Smokemaster- Low Smoke and Fume cables, and FLAMBICC (Fire Resistance Cables), cable components and cable accessories.

Ducab is an ISO 9001:2000 certified company and also has certification to the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System and OHSAS 18001 Occupational Health and Safety issued by BASEC (British Approval Services for Cables).   Ducab cables are also approved by the Loss Prevention Certificate Board (LPCB) and Lloyd's Register, UK.

© Press Release 2014