08 June 2015
- New aerospace surface treatment facility will be 1st within the Gulf region

- Next step in venture created under Tawazun Economic Program

Abu Dhabi - Boeing [NYSE: BA] and partner Tawazun Precision Industries (TPI), broke ground today on a new aerospacesurface treatment facility for metallic parts in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In a ceremonial groundbreaking at the Tawazun Industrial Park in Abu Dhabi, company representatives said this facility introduces a new aerospace manufacturing capability in the Gulf region.

"We are pleased to be part of this unique project which further fostersthe UAE's regional leadership in high-technology defense manufacturing," said H.E. Saif Al Hajeri, CEO of Tawazun. "The establishment of this capability is a significant step for the UAE's aerospace industry, as the metallic components manufacturing and metallic sub-assembly will be entirely performed in the UAE."

The project, made possible by the Tawazun Economic Council, was firstannounced at the Dubai Air Show in 2013, and is scheduled to be operational in 2016. "The collaboration between TPI and Boeing signifies the vital role the Council plays in adding economic and commercial value to the UAE economy," said Matar Al Romaithi, chief officer, Tawazun Economic Council-Industrial Development Unit.

The project will create high value jobs in the UAE, and enable TPI the opportunity to produce complex metallic assemblies for Boeing, its suppliers and other aerospace OEMs around the world. 

"This new complex will be a state-of-the-art facility that will contribute to the growth of the UAE aerospace industry," said Bernie Dunn, president of Boeing Middle East. "The development of key capabilities through partnerships is of mutual benefit to both Boeing and the UAE."

"This project is a significant strategic investment and a key enabler for TPI, which will secure a sustainable titanium and aluminium machining capability, with the potential to become a regional and global Centre of Excellence," said Dr. Phillip Lewis, the CEO of Tawazun Precision Industries. "It provides the foundation for the development of a significant metallic aero-structures assembly facility to be established in the UAE."

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security
Is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $33 billion business with 58,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

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About Tawazun Economic Council
Based in Abu Dhabi, the Tawazun Economic Council was founded in 1992 to fulfil a vision of comprehensive and sustainable economic and social development within the UAE. The Council is responsible for the Tawazun Economic Program, formerly known as the UAE Offset Program, which was established to diversify the UAE's economy and create new ventures in various sectors through partnerships with international defence contractors. To date, the Program has resulted in the creation of several multi-million dollar joint ventures in various economic and industrial sectors, including ship building, district cooling, aircraft leasing, fish farming, healthcare, agriculture, banking and education.

About Tawazun
Tawazun borne out of the long-established Tawazun Economic Council was created in 2007 to develop ventures through industrial partnerships and strategic investments that add value to the UAE's industrial manufacturing sector across a number of areas: defense & aerospace, automotive, munitions, metals and technology.

Tawazun has established itself as an active industrial investor both locally and internationally by partnering with a hand-picked selection of world-class market leaders to build skills, expertise, products and systems in the UAE. Its investment strategy is designed to drive change within the marketplace, while its aim is to inspire emerging companies by providing strong and consistent support to aid their future expansion.

About Tawazun Precision Industries
Tawazun Precision Industries (TPI) is a manufacturing facility delivering components to the aerospace, oil and gas and defense industries with export operations worldwide. With a modern facility based in Tawazun Industrial Park, TPI's state-of-the-art production capabilities and turnkey service offers include machining, surface treatment, heat treatment, advanced coating solutions, plastic injection molding, metals testing, repairing, and servicing. TPI acts as both a manufacturer and a service center to a number of UAE based operating companies and agents, as well as internationally renowned organizations across the following specialty areas: Manufacturing Engineering, Tooling, Surface and Heat Treatment, Coating, Repairing and Machining.

About Tawazun Industrial Park
Tawazun industrial Park (TIP) is a unique, self-contained world class industrial zone belonging to Tawazun Holding to develop the emirates' industrial capabilities.  Playing host to an exclusive sector of the industry,TIP primarily provides a manufacturing base for defense related products while also playing host to industries from selected sectors: Basic Metal Industries, Precision manufacturing, Aerospace, Oil & gas support and service Industry.  TIP's core principle is to provide its clients with supportive and nurturing environment. Offering world class infrastructure in an enhanced secure area, TIP is strategically located off the Abu Dhabi-Dubai highway and provides easy accessibility from all emirates, airports and ports. 

The product portfolio offered by TIP includes highly specialized manufacturing/assembly, storage and demilitarization facilities for defense related products, industrial land, built-to-lease customized factories/workshops, showrooms. Offices and staff accommodation in a commercial and sustainable community environment.    Furthermore, TIP's one-stop-shop supports its clients through all government & regulatory services, procurement & logistics, supply of skilled workforce, training facilities, visitor/delegation management.

Contact: 
Fakher Daghestani
Boeing International Corporation
Mobile: +971 5 06254855
fakher.a.daghestani@boeing.com

Saif Ali Al Marzooqi
Associate Director - Corporate Communications
Tel: +971 2 5069911
Email: salmarzooqi@tawazun.ae

© Press Release 2015