Strata Manufacturing, an advanced composite aero structures manufacturing company owned by UAE-based Mubadala Investment Company, has completed works on its new facility set up in Al Ain in a joint venture with Solvay, the Belgian materials and chemicals company.
The completion of the Strata Solvay Advanced Materials (SSAM) facility marks the beginning of Strata’s diversification journey, with the Al Ain manufacturer now the Middle East and North African region’s first supplier of aerospace-grade pre-impregnated carbon fibres and the fourth globally.
In a statement, Mubadala said that the launch of the facility marks a new chapter in Abu Dhabi’s drive towards a sustainable homegrown manufacturing sector.
The 8,500sqm SSAM facility is currently being equipped with the latest technology and machinery prior to the testing and qualifying of processes designed to supply carbon fibre prepreg materials for primary structure applications in Boeing’s 777X programme, it added.
According to Mubadala, the key positions in the Al Ain unit have already been assigned to Emirati nationals. Khalid Al Nuaimi, a Strata engineer, will head the Strata Solvay project and manage communications between the two companies, as well as execute the business plan, budget and purchasing of equipment for the facility.
Ghubaisha Al Ameri, currently a quality engineer at Strata, will also transition to the new team.
Strata Chairman and Mubadala Head of Aerospace Badr Al Olama said: “This latest milestone achieved by Strata’s ‘Made with Pride in the UAE’ success story is a testament to Mubadala’s growth strategy.”
“The constant enhancement and expansion of Abu Dhabi’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities reflects our commitment towards product and service excellence for our partners, customers and the global market,” noted Al Olama.
Strata works with leading aircraft manufacturers, including Airbus, Boeing, Leonardo, and Pilatus. Based at Nibras Al Ain Aerospace Park, Strata supports the development of a leading aerospace hub in Abu Dhabi as part of the emirate’s economic diversification initiatives.
Strata CEO Ismail Ali Abdulla said: “The completion of the SSAM facility signals a new era for the region’s aerospace sector and cements the UAE’s global aerospace manufacturing capabilities. The manufacturing capabilities that SSAM brings to the region significantly diversifies our product portfolio.”
“Equally important are the opportunities this joint venture provides for developing the skills of our local Emirati workforce,” remarked Ali Abdulla, who will soon be taking over as SSAM board chairman.
“This facility is a cornerstone of our future growth aspirations and underlines the importance of STEM education to enable our next generation’s career choices. We are excited about these developments and look forward to a close and highly-productive collaborative working relations with Solvay,” he added.
