Gulf Eternit Industries, a member of the UAE-based Future Pipe Industries Group, has commissioned a 176,720-sq-m manufacturing unit in Dubai for the production of fibreglass pipes and fittings for the oil and gas, water and industrial sectors.

The new manufacturing unit was established at an investment of about $45 million, according to Future Pipe Industries, a global designer and manufacturer of anti-corrosive large-diameter fibreglass pipe systems.

The new plant at Dubai Industrial City (DI) boasts a production capacity of 50,000 tonnes, which roughly translates to 600 km of pipe every year, says the company.

The unit is expected to consolidate Future Pipes’ growing role as a leading supplier of fibreglass pipes and fit-outs to government and private sector companies, says a top official.

“With the world pipe market demand projected to reach $130 billion by 2016, Future Pipe Group remains committed to expanding its global footprint throughout the Middle East, Africa, Europe, North America and Asia,” remarks Fouad Makhzoumi, the chairman of Future Group.

“Our strengthened presence at DI will particularly help us reinforce Dubai and the UAE as a key manufacturing destination of quality products that are marketed worldwide,” he adds.

Future Pipe Industries’ client portfolio currently comprises prominent entities from across the country such as Dubai Municipality, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa), Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (Sewa), Federal Electricity and Water Authority (Fewa), Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (Adwea), Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) Group of Companies and Borouge.

Makhzoumi says DI’s strategic location and proximity to Abu Dhabi, Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport influenced its decision to set up the facility in Dubai’s industrial hub.

Established in Dubai in 1984, Future Pipe Industries Group has evolved from a local manufacturer to a global leader in the large-diameter fibreglass pipe industry with factories in the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, India, Indonesia, the Netherlands, Spain and the US.

The group designs, manufactures and supplies fibreglass pipe systems to more than 400 major customers in over 50 countries across the power, oil and gas, petrochemical, infrastructural, municipal, desalination and marine market segments.