The Dubai-based Danube Group has recently opened the first A2 aluminium composite panel factory in the Middle East that produces non-combustible panels adhering to the new fire code by the UAE Civil Defence.

The facility spans an area of over 50,000 sq ft and has been built in partnership with Alucopanel USA at Dubai’s Technopark for an investment of Dh100 million ($27.22 million). Its current capacity stands at 1.2 million sq m per annum, which is expected to rise up to 4 million sq m when fully operational. 

The panels will be available in 15 metallic finishes as well as 15 solid/plane finishes in more than 10,000 colours that can be customised to suit the requirements of a wide array of developers across the region.

Commenting on the facility, Rizwan Sajan, founder and chairman of Danube Group, says: “The facility is a strong testimonial that Danube is leading transformation in the building materials industry. We have been able to successfully set up this facility with the support of the UAE government and we are extremely happy to be the first and only company to produce the non-combustible ACP.”

Sajan ... leading transformation.

He says the use of A2 materials, in accordance with the new law by the UAE Civil Defence, will ensure customer safety and eliminate loss of life due to fire. Civil defence authorities of Qatar, Oman and Bahrain have also approved the use of Alucopanel.

Panels produced by Alucopanel prevent the diffusion of flames and restrict smoke, which discourages the spread of fire in an upward direction, says Zohaib Rahman, division head, Alucopanel Middle East.

“The application of the non-combustible panels from Alucopanel in development projects in and around the region will definitely elevate fire safety in the region, representing a new era in building materials,” he adds.

Alucopanel is suitable for architectural applications such as external and interior cladding, roof covering, and ceilings of buildings. The company offers a range of eco-friendly and non-hazardous products. All products in the Alucopanel Middle East portfolio adhere to high standards and have received international certifications including the Exova Warrington fire-UK, Thomas Bell-Wright International Consultants-UAE and BM Trada UK.

In the face of mounting fire-related accidents, Danube Group pushed for the use of non-combustible panels. Subsequently, the UAE government passed a law mandating the cladding of mid-rise and high-rise buildings with only Euroclass A2 materials.

“Almost 90 per cent of buildings built in the GCC before 2012 are clad with non-fire-retardant grade aluminium composite panels, and this has been the main reason for the recent fires witnessed at residential and commercial projects in the UAE. The devastating aftermath of the incidents have left numerous residents homeless with loss of property,” says a Danube spokesman.

He says plans to open a new facility in the UAE are currently in the pipeline and will be announced early next year.