A NEW world-class fibreglass pipe factory is to be set up at Dubai Industrial City (DIC) by Gulf Eternit Industries (GEI).

The factory will replace GEI’s current operations in Um Al Ramool that was set up in 1972 and is expected to consolidate its role as a leading supplier of fibreglass pipes to local and regional clients including Dubai Municipality, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa), Dubai Transport Authority, Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (Sewa), Federal Electricity and Water Authority (Fewa), Abu Dhabi Electricity and Water Authority (Adwea), Abu Dhabi Municipality, Adnoc Group of Companies and Borouge.

GEI is a member of Future Pipe Industries Group (FPI), a leader in the large diameter fibreglass pipe industry. Currently, the company manufactures and supplies pipe systems to more than 300 customers in more than 50 countries across the power, oil and gas, petrochemical, infrastructural, municipal, desalination and marine market segments.

DIC managing director Abdullah Belhoul said: “Dubai Industrial City welcomes not only a world-class leader ... but also a homegrown company that has not only made its mark in the global marketplace but also stands testimony to the progress achieved by Dubai’s industrial sector.”

Fibreglass pipes boast the advantages of being environment-friendly and having a high strength-to-weight ratio, which results in lower transportation and installation costs.

Mounib Hatab, vice-president, FPI and Gulf Eternit Industries (UAE), said: “Our relocation to Dubai Industrial City, with its close proximity to the Jebel Ali Sea Port and the Al Maktoum International Airport, along with our planned state-of-the-art factory will allow us to introduce a new competitive edge to our business.”

Last month, DIC, a member of Tecom Investments, completed large infrastructural development work associated with its power, water, sewage, irrigation and telecom systems covering 161 million sq ft of the city.