JAFZA And A-HEAT Collaborate To Establish Largest Heat Exchanger Facility In GCC

Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) has entered into a partnership with Allied Heat Exchange AG (A-HEAT), a German technology group, to establish the largest heat exchanger manufacturing facility in the GCC. This advanced facility will address the growing need for energy-efficient cooling solutions, especially for data centres requiring sophisticated thermal management to boost operational efficiency and sustainability.

The new facility will cover 1.2 million square feet, with a built-up area of 400,000 square feet. It will be located within DP World’s flagship free zone, JAFZA, and operated by Güntner, A-HEAT’s leading brand. Güntner, established in Munich in 1931, is renowned globally for its expertise in heat transfer technology.

The exponential growth of data centres, driven by artificial intelligence and cloud computing, has significantly increased the demand for energy-efficient cooling solutions. Cooling remains one of the largest power-consuming components in IT infrastructure. High-performance heat exchangers are crucial for optimising efficiency and reducing energy consumption.

Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World GCC, stated: "The agreement with A-HEAT reflects JAFZA’s role in driving innovation and sustainable industrial growth. By facilitating the development of specialised manufacturing, we align with the ‘Operation 300bn’ initiative under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 strategy to position the UAE as a preferred location for industrial innovation."

This facility will serve as a key production and distribution hub. By localising production, A-HEAT aims to enhance supply chain efficiencies. This will enable faster and more flexible deliveries across regions including the GCC, India, China, Africa, and Asia.

Hubert Spegel, Executive Board Member at A-Heat, remarked: "This milestone marks a significant step in our ongoing commitment to the Middle East and global markets. Our collaboration with DP World and JAFZA underscores our dedication to providing the most advanced and energy-efficient cooling solutions for industries that depend on optimal thermal management."

Innovative Cooling Solutions

Güntner will manufacture its most advanced heat exchangers at this facility using natural refrigerants like CO₂ and ammonia for efficient cooling. The facility will also produce aicore smart control solutions that optimise cooling systems by dynamically adjusting operations to cut energy use by up to 30 percent.

When combined with hydroBLU technology, these systems enhance efficiency by maximising evaporation's natural cooling effect while balancing electricity and water usage. This approach can reduce water consumption by up to 90 percent.

The agreement was formalised during the World Government Summit in Dubai. Present were Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DP World; Abdulla Bin Damithan; Abdulla Al Hashmi; Hubert Spegel; Dr. Robert Hanea; and other senior executives.

Güntner's R&D team is also working on new technology that will be produced at this facility. This cutting-edge technology aims to further improve energy efficiency in cooling systems.

With inputs from WAM