Finnish firm in UAE microcement plant talks

Dubai: Finland's CT Laastit is in discussions with a number of GCC-based investors to set up a 16.5-million-euro ($22 million) CT microcement plant in the UAE.

Microcement is an extract from ordinary cement but has five times the strength and efficiency of ordinary cement. One tonne of microcement equals the strength of five tonnes of ordinary cement.

CT Laastit, based in Siilinjarvi in Finland, pioneered the technology for manufacturing microcement.

"Of the total cost of 16.5 million euros, we are seeking local investment to the tune of 11.5 million euros," said the company's representative for Middle East, Al Wattar Hasan, on the sidelines of the third edition of Front and the second Middle East edition of Roof and Cladding exhibitions at the Expo Centre Sharjah. The company is an exhibitor in these events.

"The total cost includes plant, machinery and the transfer of technology. We are currently looking at the UAE for setting up the plant," he added.

Capacity

The proposed plant will have an annual capacity of not less than 60,000 tonnes. The hourly capacity will be 40 tonnes and the bagging capacity will be 10 tonnes per hour.

"Besides investment, the setting up of the plant will require a land area of not less than 3,000 square metres, electric power of 1,500 kilowatts, and an adequate supply of fresh water.

"Approximately six months will be required to set up the plant and machinery," said Al Wattar Hasan.

"Though the UAE is our primary target to set up this plant, we are also looking at other countries in the region," he added.