by Rebecca Walker — May 3, 2010—Grace Construction Products, an operating segment of W. R. Grace & Co., has formed a joint venture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the Khalid Ali Alturki & Sons Company, a Saudi family-owned investment and development company that controls a portfolio of premier businesses in the local construction market.
The joint venture is a key component of Grace’s overall business strategy to enter fast developing regions. It expands Grace’s construction footprint significantly in the Middle East.
Grace Saudi Arabia LLC is preparing to open two manufacturing facilities in 2010; one in Dammam and the other in Jeddah. These cities were selected given their close proximity to major metropolitan centers in the eastern and western areas of the Kingdom.
Both facilities will produce concrete admixtures that improve the durability and working properties of concrete used in commercial, institutional and residential construction, as well as additives used in cement processing to improve energy efficiency and enhance the characteristics of finished cement. Employees at these locations will also be responsible for technical service and support to customers.
Grace is a leading global supplier of catalysts and other products to petroleum refiners; catalysts for the manufacture of plastics; silica-based engineered and specialty materials for a wide range of industrial applications; sealants and coatings for food and beverage packaging, and specialty chemicals, additives and building materials for commercial and residential construction. For more information, see the Web site.
