Xylem has unveiled an ambitious expansion plan in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, amounting to an investment of US $35 million. The company has also announced a new research collaboration with the Masdar Institute in Abu Dhabi. The research will help identify economically feasible, energy-efficiency projects in the water sector.
Xylem’s expansion, which was announced during the International Water Summit in Abu Dhabi, will involve increased localization of products and investments in manufacturing. This will provide customers with more high quality, efficient services and products.
“We view the low oil price environment as an opportunity to invest and expand in this market while many of our competitors are being cautious or even limiting their investments,” said Vincent Chirouze, Regional Director, Xylem Middle East and North Africa. “As the Middle East works hard to address long-term water security in the region, we are positioning ourselves for long-term growth and success.”
Xylem has invested in a number of facilities across the region, including a local manufacturing plant and offices in the UAE, Oman and Qatar. Further investment will be made into expanding business service offerings designed to provide customers with smarter solutions to their water technology needs.
A new regional headquarters in Dubai
A critical component of Xylem’s bold expansion plans in the region is a significant investment in a local manufacturing plant in Dubai. The facility will bring new jobs to the region and provide the market with locally engineered products and services. In 2015, Xylem doubled its local team to support its ambitious growth plan.
Furthermore, the facility will host a training and learning center providing training to engineers, contractors and installers in the proper design, installation and maintenance of water-related technology solutions and applications. Xylem will move to the new office in Dubai later this year, which will serve as the headquarters for its regional operations.
Building strategic partnerships
An additional part of Xylem’s expansion plan is to create strategic partnerships with government and private entities to address pressing regional water issues. Xylem and the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology recently announced a research collaboration to help identify economically feasible, energy-efficiency projects in the water sector.
The one-year study aims to establish sustainability indicators, such as energy and cost performance, of processes and equipment for water, wastewater and water transport and treatment facilities in Abu Dhabi. The key performance indicators will help policy-makers, regulators and those responsible for specifying and purchasing equipment and processes in the region to make informed decisions.
“Our partnership with Xylem will result in an increased ability to identify areas for improvement in the water and wastewater transport and treatment sector,” said Dr. Steve Griffiths, Vice President of Research, Masdar Institute. “Masdar Institute has experience in developing abatement cost curves, and believes this collaboration is foundational to our expanded research efforts across the water sector.”