PROMINENT Saudi firms Al Jazeera Paints and Al Sorayai Trading and Industrial Group plan to set up a plant in Jeddah to manufacture calcium carbonate.
The two companies signed an MoU signalling their intention to pursue the project. A statement said the factory will likely become operational in the third quarter of 2014.
The two firms said calcium carbonate is a component used in their production processes and enjoys demand from across several industries.
Sorayai manufactures carpets, synthetic fibres, polypropylene yarn and nylon strings and is engaged in the wholesale and retail trading of carpets, rugs, floorings, furniture, blankets and curtains. The chairman of Al Sorayai Group, Abdel Aziz bin Naser Al Sorayai, said the plant project was initiated “especially in light of the development of industrial sectors, both locally and regionally.”
INTEGRATION EFFORT
Al Jazeera Paints general manager, Abdullah Bin Saud Al Romaih, said his company’s involvement in the project came as part of its strategic plan to invest in integrated industries. He added that calcium carbonate is used in several industries including plastics and paints and as a catalyst in the treatment of rubber as well as an additive in paper production. Additionally the medical, petrochemical, insecticide and glass industries use it as an input in manufacturing.
Al Jazeera Paints has investments in a range of industries. The company manufactures decorative, architectural, industrial, marine, fire-resistant, wood protection and environmentally friendly paints. Annual capacity is 320,000 tonnes and the Gulf and Middle East markets account for the bulk of sales.
Al Jazeera, meanwhile, participated recently in the 9th international Libya Build exhibition. The company serves the North African state through 21 outlets across the country and will establish another nine by the end of this year and open a 600 sq m showroom in the capital Tripoli next year, according to Al Romaih. The company boasts 500 show rooms and outlets in Saudi Arabia and overseas.
