BUILDING Integration Systems Factory (BSI-Steel) has launched a new factory in Qatar built at a cost of QR60 million ($16.1 million). Covering an area of 11,000 sq m and located in Qatar’s industrial area, the factory has been set up in response to increasing market demand for steel, which is estimated at 5,000 tonnes a year, the company said.

Qatar’s Minister of State for Industry and Energy Affairs Mohammad Saleh Al Sada inaugurated the factory last month, which is said to be the first of its kind in Qatar.

The BSI Steel factory will design, manufacture and supply steel buildings up to four floors. The factory has adopted a process that is different from the traditional method of ready clips, where high-voltage iron sheets are manufactured at less cost for bridges and columns needed for larger buildings.

BSI-Steel chairman Saad Aateek Muftah said: “The plant is a result of efforts by the Ministry of Energy and Industry to diversify the productive base of the Qatari economy.”

The factory is divided into two main sections. An administrative section includes a mezzanine lounge, reception and offices, mosque, customer service, conference room, offices, restaurant, clinic and maintenance division.

The manufacturing division is divided into four sections in sequence with the nature of work and the product. There is a section for the manufacture of ceiling panels, walls and partitions; two for cutting, processing and manufacturing iron; and one to carry out die-casting.