Riyadh 02 February, 2000 - The Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) is launching a new range of indoor and outdoor industrial and consumer durable plastic products under the brand name FARAH (the Arabic word for happiness).
Production of Plastic Board (PB) for use in the interior furnishing of homes and office buildings began for the first time in the region last month at TAYF (Ibn Hayyan Plastic Products Company), AI-Jubail, Saudi Arabia.
Four plants have been constructed at TAYF in the first SR 480 million (US $ 128 million) phase of the project. Wall Covering Products (WCP), Book Binding Products (BBP) and JELD* (the Arabic word for leather/skin) products are due to be produced in the first half of 2000.
WCP and BBP production is expected to begin in the first quarter of the year with a combined capacity of 14 million square meters per year (sq m/y). The JELD plant will be commissioned in the second quarter and will produce 8 million sq m/y.
Plastic Board is durable, light and resistant to fire and tough environments. It is used for partitions and kitchen cabinets and for outdoor advertising sign boards and hoardings. WCP is being promoted as an ideal product for interior decoration of homes, office buildings and shops and is easy to use and maintain. BBP is an essential material for book printers and publishers whilst JELD has varied applications in upholstery, bags, shoes and garments.
Leading edge technologies have been obtained by TAYF from some of the leading manufacturers of plastic products in the world to ensure product quality.
In Phase 2 of the project, SABIC plans to add floor covering products and calendered soft/rigid film to the TAYF portfolio with preparatory work now underway. Between 60%-70% of production has been earmarked for export to markets in the Middle East, Europe, Africa, America and Asia.
SABIC's Intermediates Group President, Ibrahim Al-Shuweir, said: "The commissioning of this new range of products for SABIC reinforces our role in the industrial development and diversification of industry in the Kingdom, adding value downstream. We have added another range of products to our existing portfolio which will boost our plans of becoming a truly global player in our chosen markets."
TAYF also hopes to develop an in-house design capability within two or three years. Product designs will be in line with emerging fashions and based on market research.
-Ends-
Abdulmohsen Al-Obaid
Acting General Manager, Public Relations
Press Release 2005
