The plant will be designed to produce latest generation catalysts able to satisfy customer needs for the production of clean fuels that meet the most stringent environmental specifications.

This plant will serve the local market but will also support the global supply chain of Axens in the field of hydro-processing catalysts.

“We are excited to invest in a region with one of the highest growths in refining and petrochemicals capacities and move closer to our clients in order to better serve them,” said Jean Sentenac, chairman and CEO of Axens.

Khalid Suhayl Al-Shoaibi, Gentas chairman and CEO, said: “We are extremely pleased in entering into this manufacturing joint venture with Axens, as it further re-instates our commitment to enhancing Saudi Arabia’s local content and its petrochemical, manufacturing capabilities.”

Axens is an international provider of advanced technologies, catalysts, adsorbent and services, with a global reputation for basic engineering design excellence.

General Technology & Systems Company Ltd. (Gentas) is a member of the Shoaibi Group undertaking joint ventures with its partner Saudi Trading and Research Company (Starc).