Sipchem to Develop Polymer Products Development & Applications Center at KFUPM

Wednesday, Oct 14, 2009

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed between Saudi International Petrochemical Company (Sipchem), King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), and the Ministry of Petroleum & Minerals to establish a research center for the development of Polymers technologies and applications.

Sipchem will build the center at the Dhahran Techno-Valley at KFUPM on an area of 15,000 square meters at the cost of SR 80 million. Sipchem will also be responsible for the center`s management and operation. The center aims at the development of Polymers technologies and applications with particular emphasis on the films used in manufacturing solar cells and the thin films used in agriculture, flexible pipes, adhesives for wood, paper and paints, power and communication cables including fiber optics and any other products that support the national program for the development of industrial complexes. The center shall also enhance cooperation in research through the use of laboratories, equipment and the exchange of experiences between the university and Sipchem.

It is worth mentioning that the lease land agreement for the center at the Dhahran Techno-Valley has been already been signed between Sipchem and KFUPM. The center shall be the nucleus for the future expansions and create new communication channels between the universities and the industrial sector.

The center is expected to be operational in the year 2012 and shall apply the state of the art technologies and equipment. The center shall be complimentary to other research and development centers in the Kingdom that will reflect positively on Polymers industrial sector in the Kingdom and shall contribute to its continuity through the development of local knowledge through interaction and cooperation with the similar international centers.

H.E. the Rector of the KFUPM expressed that the center is one of indications of enhanced relationship and cooperation between the university and the industrial sector. He also stressed on the role of the Dhahran Techno-Valley in the encouragement of creative thinking with participation of major companies that contribute to the application of technology in the vital sectors such as Petroleum, Gas, Water and Information Technology. He also added that the relationship between the University and the industrial sector is positive for both parties and sets a solid basis for an active, creative and compatible application of the latest technologies. These joint efforts will bring the industrial sector closer to the university which is a rich reservoir of outstanding researchers and makes available employment opportunities in the way that supports the economic culture.

On this occasion, Mr. Ahmad Al Ohali, CEO of Sipchem, affirmed that the company, by establishing the research center, will continue its efforts and active contribution for the application of modern technologies and research in the Kingdom in addition to its other active professional and social responsibilities. He also indicated that the center will strive to attract and develop the latest technologies which will enrich the petrochemical industries in general and the polymers in particular. Mr. Al-Ohali thanked and appreciated the Ministry of Petroleum and Minerals for its positive initiative and he also praised KFUPM for its role in the success of this historic endeavor in the field of petrochemicals and their applications.

Source: Sipchem