Belgium Aluminium & Glass Industries invests Dhs80m in new factory within Industrial City of Abu Dhabi

The company also announced that it has partnered with German-based Alcoa Group, the world's leading producer and manager of primary aluminium, fabricated aluminium and alumina facilities, for the delivery of its award-winning Kawneer architectural system within the factory. The move is in line with the manufacturer's aim to leverage the demand for aluminium building systems amidst the UAE's booming real estate sector, which is currently witnessing the construction of $700bn worth of property developments.

The company recently held a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the commencement of construction for the state-of-the-art manufacturing facility within the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi in Mussafah. Upon its completion by May 2008, the factory will be equipped with the latest production technology and a production capacity of 360,000 square metres per year, which includes two production lines dedicated for Unitized Curtain walls. In addition, the company's strategic agreement with Alcoa will augment the company's aggressive expansion strategy, which is currently being supported by its long-standing partnerships with Belgium-based Sapa R.C. Systems and French company Technal, respectively the second and third largest aluminium building system suppliers in the world.

Speaking at the groundbreaking, J.R Gangaramani, Chairman & Managing Director, Al Fara'a Construction Group, said, "The unprecedented boom in the value of construction projects in the Gulf, which currently tops $2.4 trillion, has been the result of the surge in interest from international investors to penetrate lucrative local markets such as the UAE. Accounting for more than $700bn of the total regional real estate revenues, the UAE has emerged as one among the top property destinations in the region, which is being driven by the strong growth and investment in infrastructure development. We have recognised the tremendous opportunities that Abu Dhabi has to offer as an ideal location for our new manufacturing facility, where we are aiming to leverage the $10.17bn worth of mixed use projects currently under construction in the emirate."

The strategically-located new facility together with BAG's two existing manufacturing plants is a part of the company's planned future expansion, which is directed towards meeting the growing market demand in the coming years. Present at the groundbreaking were top officials from the Al Fara'a Group including Adel Mohd. Saleh, Managing Director, Al Fara'a Construction Group, and from ICAD including Eng. Jaber Al Khaile, Executive Chairman; Saed Al Khaile, Executive Manager of Finance Affairs; Eng. Khadem Al Mohri, Executive Manager of Laborer Services; Metab Al Afari, Administration Manager of Lands and Properties; Khaled Al Ali, Administration Manager of Investor Services; and Fahed Lebrdi, Administration Manager of Safety and Environment.

"Encouraged by the foresight and awareness, which we have honed through our 27 years of experience in the construction business, we have identified ICAD as the perfect location to base our new factory, with its robust infrastructure support capable of supporting heavy industries such as aluminium and glass manufacturing. Reciprocating the benefits provided by the emirate through ICAD, which we intend to capitalise on, our new facility will create employment opportunities and further investment to assist the government in its aims to promote advanced international standards for the economic welfare of Abu Dhabi. We would like to thank the Zones Corporation for giving us this opportunity to grow our business exponentially, and we look forward to a successful relationship in the years to come," concluded Gangaramani.

The Industrial City of Abu Dhabi was launched by the Higher Corporation for Specialized Economic Zone in a bid to create an economic environment that promotes investment into Abu Dhabi. Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamid Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Executive Council, Chairman of the Department of Planning and Economy, and with the guidance of Eng. Jaber Al Khaile, Executive Chairman of Zones Corporation, the development of ICAD has progressed rapidly in line with its vision to attract and facilitate economic investment. The city today provides world-class facilities to investors, which allows them to expedite their construction process and to commence production at the earliest.

Belgium Aluminium & Glass Industries is a part of the Al Fara'a Construction Group, a leading fully integrated construction services company. As a part of the Al Fara'a Group, the company is able to leverage the experience of the group companies, which includes Al Fara'a General Contracting, Al Fara'a Properties, Al Fara'a Investments, Unibeton Ready Mix, Al Fara'a Precast, Al Fara'a Steel Structures, Al Sabbah Electro Mechanical Est., and Al Fara'a Interior and Joinery, to offer multiple integrated services and project management along with manufacturing facilities.