Al Watania and Donghexin Join Forces to Build Saudi Arabia’s First Tinplate Manufacturing Plant
In a major industrial move for Saudi Arabia, Al Watania for Industries and China's Donghexin Group have announced a landmark partnership to develop the Kingdom's first integrated tinplate manufacturing plant. The agreement was officially signed at the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh, under the patronage of Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar Ibrahim Alkhorayef.
The new facility will be located in Ras Al-Khair Industrial City, a strategic area for industrial development in Saudi Arabia. Set to produce 400,000 metric tons of tinplate per year, the plant will meet growing domestic demand and position Saudi Arabia as a key exporter within the Gulf Cooperation Council region.
Strategic Importance of the Tinplate Plant
The establishment of the tinplate plant is a significant step for Saudi Arabia as it is the first of its kind in the GCC. Tinplate, a vital material used in food packaging, beverage cans, and various industrial applications, has traditionally been imported into the region. With this new plant, Saudi Arabia aims to reduce reliance on these imports while enhancing the competitiveness of its local manufacturing sector.
This move aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the Kingdom's economy and reduce its dependence on oil exports. By fostering industrial self-reliance, the tinplate plant will bolster Saudi Arabia’s position in the global manufacturing landscape, particularly in the packaging and food industries.
A Joint Venture for Technological Advancement
The partnership between WFI and DHX combines advanced technologies and expertise, ensuring the creation of a competitive advantage. Donghexin Group, with over 20 years of experience in the tinplate and laminated industries, will bring cutting-edge technology to the project. With three manufacturing plants in China, DHX specializes in tinplate, metal packaging, TFS (tin-free steel), ETP (electrolytic tinplate), and metal cans, giving it a solid foundation to lead this venture.
One of the primary goals of the collaboration is to ensure knowledge transfer and local workforce development. The joint venture is expected to generate over 500 new jobs in the Kingdom, contributing to economic growth and enhancing the skill base of the Saudi workforce.
Supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and Industrial Growth
Mosaed Al Ohali, Chairman of WFI, emphasized that the project reflects the successful alignment of international collaboration with the ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030. He noted that the new tinplate plant would not only meet domestic needs but also position the country as a major player in the global tinplate market. "This joint venture demonstrates how international collaboration can help achieve Saudi Vision 2030 goals," said Al Ohali.
The tinplate plant is also set to become an important part of the Kingdom's broader industrial strategy. By increasing local content in its production processes, the plant will support Saudi Arabia’s food industries and help foster industrial self-reliance. Additionally, the facility will contribute to the Kingdom’s diversification efforts, which aim to reduce the economy’s reliance on oil exports and strengthen non-oil industries.
Environmental Goals and Sustainability
Another noteworthy aspect of the project is the commitment to sustainability. DHX Chairman Li Dong highlighted that the tinplate plant would be designed as a green electricity and low-carbon facility. The plant aims to incorporate environmentally friendly technologies, ensuring efficient, high-quality production while minimizing its carbon footprint. This initiative is in line with global trends towards greener industrial practices and underscores the importance of environmental responsibility in large-scale manufacturing projects.
Projected Timeline and Future Prospects
The plant is slated to begin operations by early 2027. Once operational, it will play a crucial role in meeting the demand for tinplate within Saudi Arabia and beyond. With the strategic location in Ras Al-Khair Industrial City and the integration of world-leading technology, the plant is expected to be a key player in the regional and global tinplate industry.
As Saudi Arabia continues to advance its Vision 2030 agenda, this collaboration between WFI and DHX is a testament to the Kingdom's commitment to industrial growth, sustainability, and economic diversification. The establishment of the tinplate plant will not only address the domestic demand but also pave the way for the country to become a major exporter of this essential material.
