UAE – Al Ghurair Foods, a leading food processing company in the UAE, has officially commenced construction of its new state-of-the-art Corn Starch Manufacturing Plant at Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD).
Al Ghurair is one of the largest diversified family business groups in the Middle East, with operations in six distinct industry sectors: Foods and Resources, Properties, Construction and Services, Energy, Mobility and Ventures.
Established in 1960 as a trading business, Al Ghurair was one of the first pillars of industry and commerce in the emerging United Arab Emirates.
The proposed facility, the first of its kind in the region, marks a significant step in bolstering local food production capacity and aligns with the UAE’s National Strategy for Food Security.
Located on a 13.6-hectare site in KEZAD Area A – Al Ma’mourah, the standalone facility will serve both local and international markets.
The plant will feature advanced technologies to produce a variety of products, including native and modified starches, glucose syrups, and maltodextrin. These products will cater to diverse sectors such as food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and various industrial applications.
Speaking on the project, Turgut Yegenaga, CEO of Al Ghurair Foods and Al Ghurair Resources International, emphasized the facility’s technological advancements.
“This plant represents a pivotal advancement for Al Ghurair Foods, showcasing our commitment to leveraging the latest technologies for unmatched efficiency, precision, and product quality. By integrating advanced automation, we are optimizing our production processes while significantly reducing waste and energy consumption,” he noted.
Mohamed Al Khadar Al Ahmed, CEO of KEZAD Group, commended the initiative, noting that with cutting-edge technology, KEZAD Group are proud to be part of this journey to boost domestic production capabilities.
“Al Ghurair’s mission and vision for this facility closely align with our own, and that of the leadership of the emirate, in enhancing the role of Abu Dhabi in food security across the region, as well as creating job opportunities.
John Iossifidis, Group CEO of Al Ghurair, highlighted the strategic importance of the new venture.
“We’re extremely proud to break ground on this project under Al Ghurair Foods. It represents another significant step in our journey to support the UAE’s food security ambitions. By investing in cutting-edge technology and working with local partners like KEZAD, we are continuing to play a pivotal role in driving sustainable growth and ensuring the nation’s self-sufficiency in essential food categories.”
The plant will initially process 650 tons of corn per day, with plans to increase capacity to 1,000 tons daily as demand grows.
The project is expected to create over 200 jobs for the local workforce, contributing to economic growth and employment in the region.
The groundbreaking ceremony follows Al Ghurair Foods’ recent expansion with the establishment of a Broiler Farm at KEZAD in May.
Positively, industry experts are supporting the construction of the Corn Starch Manufacturing Plant, including Sigma Process Technology, which provides starch processing consultancy, SDV Consulting Engineering, which is the project’s engineering consultant, and Freiburg Consulting & General Maintenance, which oversees construction.
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