KEZAD Group Partners with APT for New Automotive Aluminium Component Manufacturing Facility

Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD Group), a leading operator of integrated and purpose-built economic zones, in collaboration with Al Ghurair Group subsidiary Automotive Precision Technology (APT), has announced a significant development in the automotive sector. A lease agreement has been signed for a new 30,000 sq metres advanced manufacturing facility dedicated to producing automotive aluminium components. This facility, set to be operational by early 2025, will be located in KEZAD, adjacent to Emirates Global Aluminium, one of the world's largest aluminium manufacturers.

The announcement was made in the presence of His Excellency Omar Al Suwaidi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), UAE, alongside senior officials from the Ministry, Al Ghurair Group, and APT. His Excellency Omar Al Suwaidi highlighted the project's alignment with the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology and the Make it in the Emirates initiative. He emphasized its role in enhancing the UAE's industrial sector's performance and competitiveness, thereby increasing investment attractiveness and promoting economic diversification.

Abdullah Al Hameli, CEO of Economic Cities and Free Zones at AD Ports Group, expressed pride in hosting APT within KEZAD. He pointed out that the establishment of this facility is a stride towards strengthening the automotive value chain and localizing ancillary supply chains in the country. This move is expected to significantly contribute to local economic growth and technological advancement.

Mohamed Al Khadar Al Ahmed, CEO of KEZAD Group, welcomed APT to KEZAD, noting that this addition strengthens KEZAD's Metals and Automotive Ecosystem. He highlighted the strategic advantages offered by KEZAD's world-class facilities and infrastructure, including specialty corridors like the Hot Metal road for efficient aluminium transportation from EGA to APT, which promises financial savings and environmental benefits.

Aron Majgier, CEO of APT, shared insights into APT’s mission to support global sustainability efforts through innovative aluminium extrusion and manufacturing services for the automotive industry. The goal is to produce safer, lightweight, and greener vehicles. Majgier credited the reliable supply of premium quality aluminium from EGA and the extrusion capabilities of Gulf Extrusions for positioning APT as a preferred global supplier to the automotive industry.

Iyad Malas, CEO of Al Ghurair Group, underscored the investment in the new APT facility as a testament to the Group’s commitment to manufacturing innovation and contributing to the UAE’s economic vision. He highlighted APT’s role as a tier 1 supplier to leading global car manufacturers and expressed optimism about meeting the growing demand for aluminium components driven by lightweighting requirements of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs).

The project has garnered strong support from Federal and local government entities under the Make it in the Emirates programme. Malas extended gratitude towards these entities, including the UAE Ministry of Industries and Advanced Technology, KEZAD, and IDB for their proactive support in making this project a reality.

This strategic initiative not only underscores Abu Dhabi's growing capabilities in high-tech manufacturing but also positions KEZAD as an ideal destination for advancing the automotive value chain. It marks a significant step forward in Abu Dhabi's journey towards becoming a hub for advanced manufacturing in the region.

With inputs from WAM