Power cables manufacturer Ducab has officially opened its Abu Dhabi facility, which can process 25,000 tonnes of copper conductors.
The new plant is its biggest investment since its inception 25 years ago and was built as part of the company’s corporate strategy to triple business to Dh 2 billion (544 million) by 2010.
The 180,000 sq m facility, located in the Abu Dhabi Industrial Area, is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and the latest machinery acquired from renowned suppliers around the world. The factory is strategically located to provide high-quality and efficient service to Ducab’s clients in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.
Colin Paskins, managing director, Ducab, said the new plant reflected Ducab’s strategy of supporting industrial and economic development in Abu Dhabi in particular and the UAE in general. The plant, with its high production capacity, would provide support to the local market while expanding export markets.
“Moreover, more than half of our UAE sales are in Abu Dhabi and this was another reason that led us to establish our presence in the Emirate. The project is also in line with Ducab’s Emiratisation drive, as it will provide more employment opportunities to UAE nationals.”
Ducab, which completed 25 years of operations this year, recently announced record sales of Dh687 million for 2004, a 30 per cent increase, compared to the previous year.
“Our Abu Dhabi factory will help us achieve our goal of trebling our business by 2010, as the plant is projected to increase Ducab’s annual capacity to almost 65,000 tonnes,” said Ducab chairman Abubaker Khouri.
Khouri expressed confidence that Ducab would emerge as a top global brand and gain recognition for the highest standards of quality. There would also be an expansion of the Abu Dhabi factory and the Jebel Ali facility in Dubai in course of time.
Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Planning and Economic Department, was the chief guest at the opening of the new Abu Dhabi plant.
Ducab is a privately held company set up in 1979. It is jointly owned by the Governments of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and produces mainly low-to-medium voltage power cables and auxiliary products. Ducab recently expanded its business by entering the new export markets of Iran, India, Jordan and Tanzania with major projects and distribution agreements. The company has maintained an average annual sales growth of 15 per cent since 1981.
