Sipchem will construct, manage and operate this center under a memorandum of understanding signed with the Ministry of Petroleum and Minerals and KFUPM.

The center, which is being set up on an area of 15,000 sq. m. at DTV, is expected to begin operations by the middle of next year.

According to a Sipchem statement, the center has been designed on the most modern building designs that contain state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment with the objective of developing the usage of polymer products and downstream industries in the Kingdom.

The development of the downstream industries will create thousands of job opportunities for young citizens.

The Saudization of the petrochemical sector has reached more than 60 percent and in some industries it has exceeded 90 percent, the statement added.

It said the company had started selecting Saudi and international teams that offer vast expertise in the field of polymers engineering and technology.

Around 50 scientists, researchers and technicians will be working at this center.

The statement said the company is focusing on the complementary process of training and knowledge of the center staff.

The center comprises 37 laboratories, which cover all aspects of research, technical services, development of products and their applications and analysis and testing. There will also be halls and auditoriums.

The availability of these facilities in addition to the available capabilities in the field of polymers technology will enable many of the researchers to get acquainted with the polymers technology and industries.

The center will work in close coordination with various organizations in the KFUPM to render science and technology and chemistry and polymers technology to school and university students to make them aware of the importance of polymers and chemical industries.

To build the knowledge economy that the Kingdom strives to achieve, the statement said: “It is necessary that the Saudi youths, men and women alike, be trained and enlightened on scientific, research and engineering aspects and this is the role that the Sipchem center is expected to play.”

The center is expected to focus its research on the basic usage of films which are used in the production of solar cells and thin sheets for agricultural usages, flexible pipes necessary for wooden and paper industries, dyes and fiber optic cables and other products that support the national program for the development of industrial complexes.

Sipchem has already started the construction of the center at the site, the statement added.