The second phase of Gulf Gypsum Industries' (GGI) Jebel Ali Free Zone plant is set for completion by the end of this year, and follows the successful recent commissioning of the first phase.

GGI currently manufactures 700 tonnes per day of gypsum powder, a capacity which will double in six months, according to the company.

In the second phase, the plant will produce 1,000 sq m per hour of gypsum boards using German technology, making it the first facility of its kind in the UAE, according to Amir Naimi, consultant with GGI.

"Demand for gypsum is increasing as it is a natural, lightweight and environmentally-friendly product compared to steel and cement," says Naimi. "It is cool in summer and warm in winter."

Gypsum, which is heat-resistant and moisture-free, comes in different forms: crushed to powder and used for moulding and manufacturing precast decoration; as a gypsum tile and board used for partitioning, false ceilings and interior decoration; and as a gypsum plaster.

Gypsum manufactured by GGI is available as a fine powder in 33 kg bags, and as a white plaster in 40 kg bags.

GGI, believed to be the second gypsum plant in the UAE, is owned by Benvidi group of Iran, which has more than 50 years of experience in the field.

"We have developed a special product called gypsum plaster, which is suitable for the construction of heritage projects," Naimi adds. "We are also developing gypsum blocks for the construction industry.

"We are trying to develop the market for gypsum and we see the product being used in further applications in the near future. It can be developed into many different kinds of powders and finishing and has a good future as a natural raw material. It can also be used to partition apartments on the same floor."

Elaborating on the group's operations in the UAE, he says: "For the past 10 years, we have been operating as Al Maqam Building Material Company and importing gypsum rock for some cement factories in the UAE. In 1998, we decided to set up a plant in the UAE to serve the entire Gulf and also the international market.

"By setting up a plant in the UAE we save on cost and are able to offer quality products at competitive prices."

The Benvidi group owns gypsum mines and 18 factories, including cement and gypsum plants and aggregate production units. It also has a general trading company dealing with building materials.