Saudi International Petrochemical Company (Sipchem) recently announced the development of a plastics production complex in Jubail, which should ensure the company and the country remain at the forefront of the industry. Sipchem chairman, Abdulaziz al-Zamil, said that the entire project would cost in excess of $7 billion and encompass 20 international standard individual plants. The planned fully integrated olefins and derivatives plant will have the capability of producing 1.3 million metric tons per annum (mtpa) of ethylene and propylene. In turn, these will be used to manufacture 800,000 mtpa of various polymers. The total production of the complex will amount to three million mtpa in 18 different product categories and should secure Sipchem’s regional primacy in the sector. Due to begin initial operations in 2011, al-Zamil explained that the plans are in line with the company’s expansion plans and broader vision of further developing the kingdom’s industrial base, particularly in
