Cairo: Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly inaugurated the first phase of the El-Gharably Industrial Complex for integrated engineering and steel structures in New Borg El-Arab City, Alexandria.
According to State Information Service Egypt, Prime Minister Madbouly emphasized the necessity of accelerating the construction of the second phase of the complex in collaboration with international companies. This step aims to satisfy domestic market needs, support national industry, and enhance production capabilities in vital sectors. The Prime Minister highlighted the significance of steel structure projects due to their crucial role in supporting infrastructure, industry, transport, and energy sectors, contributing to the acceleration of national development plans.
Minister of Industry Khaled Hashem underlined that the iron and steel industry is a cornerstone of the national economy and an essential component for localizing heavy industries. He noted that it enhances the domestic industrial base and builds a competitive sector capable of expanding into foreign markets.
Operations Manager Ahmed Sobhy explained that the complex spans 315,000 square meters and boasts an annual production capacity exceeding 100,000 tons. He mentioned that the project heavily relies on local iron and currently employs approximately 3,000 workers, with plans to increase the workforce to 5,000. Strategic partnerships are being developed with leading global companies, including Trelleborg, Vidor Group, Metal-Technik, Erciyas, and Tabor, to facilitate advanced technology transfer and boost exports.
Sobhy added that the first phase includes a 100,000-square-meter steel structures factory with an annual capacity exceeding 100,000 tons. The factory acts as a strategic partner supporting major national projects, including the "Decent Life" initiative, Abu Qir New City, and the West Arc Axis. It is equipped with advanced manufacturing technology, managed by 1,500 specialists, and holds top international quality, safety, and environmental certificates, qualifying it for global export.
The first phase also features Egypt's largest maintenance and engine overhaul workshop complex, covering 50,000 square meters with 700 workers. It has a monthly capacity of 20 engine overhauls, 10 comprehensive renewals, and 40 general repairs, serving multiple sectors. Additionally, an industrial and medical gases factory with a daily capacity of 550 cylinders was established.
Chairman and CEO Moataz El-Gharably reviewed the second-phase plans that focus on foreign partnerships, including a potential collaboration with Poland's Tabor to establish a railway wagons factory (GTRM) with an investment of 25 to 40 million euros to produce 300 wagons annually. This venture would allocate 40% for export and create up to 500 jobs.
El-Gharably also mentioned a potential partnership with Poland's Metal-Technik to manufacture agricultural machinery, targeting investments of 15 to 25 million euros to produce 1,000 tractors annually, with 50% allocated for export. Additionally, a planned partnership with Turkey's Erciyas aims to manufacture spirally welded pipes with an annual capacity of 50,000 tons and investments of 30 to 40 million euros, exporting 50% of the output.
He further outlined the third phase, which includes establishing a marine fenders factory through a partnership study with Sweden's Trelleborg to meet local and export port demands.
At the conclusion of his tour, the Prime Minister reiterated the importance of expediting the completion of the second phase factories to meet domestic market needs and boost national production capabilities.