GULF Precast Concrete Company, a leading UAE precast contracting company, is in the process of setting up a production plant in Iraq as part of a project which will see it build 65 precast schools in various locations in central Iraq.

The design of the schools and their boundary walls has already been finalised, while the initial part of the production is under way in the UAE. This is the first phase of the international expansion strategy of the UAE precast leader.

“The Iraqi government has launched an ambitious programme of construction development which can only be achieved if modern performing technologies such as precast are employed,” says Omar Araim, the representative of Gulf Precast in Iraq. “By being present in the country during the initial stages of this programme, companies such as Gulf Precast are positioning themselves as a key actor of the expected national expansion.”

The schools being constructed by Gulf Precast are part of an Iraqi national programme to build 1,485 schools across Iraq this year. They will consist of 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 classrooms.

Araim says that while several potential precast manufacturers had been considered, Gulf Precast had been selected both for its wealth of expertise and for its readiness to set up a precast plant in Iraq. The Iraq factory will cater for the second production phase of the schools project as well as for the fast-track infrastructure and housing programme launched by the Iraqi government, delivering “quality construction”.

The new Iraq factory will complement the current six UAE plants managed by Gulf Precast as well as its two recent additions: its new Al Ain mobile plant and Abu Dhabi Airport extension on-site plant.

Located in Baghdad, the Iraq factory is designed to produce 200 cu m of precast per day in addition to 900 sq m of hollowcore slabs daily.

Araim says Gulf Precast’s expansion strategy is not limited to Iraq only, but also includes numerous countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Libya, Oman, India and Nigeria, where joint ventures are in progress with governmental and private organisations.

Elias Seraphim, CEO of Gulf Precast, says: “The expertise gained by Gulf Precast in the very mature and demanding construction sector of the UAE is perceived as a critical success factor by many of our joint venture partners or intended partners. They, in turn, bring to the partnership their extensive knowledge of the local construction market. In a few years’ time, Gulf Precast intends to become an internationally renowned key player of the construction economy.”

Gulf Precast has been operating in the UAE for the last 28 years. Its projects portfolio includes many iconic developments including the Dubai Mall, the Paris Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, high-rise towers in the Jumeirah Beach Residence complex, and more than 2,000 villas in the Al Falah Community Development, to name a few.