Saudi Organometallic Chemicals Company (SOCC), a joint venture equally owned by Albemarle Netherlands B.V., a subsidiary of Albemarle Corporation and SABIC affiliate, Saudi Specialty Chemical Company, is projected to create a number of new jobs, 80 percent of which will be reserved for Saudi nationals in accordance with the country's Saudization policy. The facility in Jubail will manufacture 6,000 metric tons/yr of tri-ethyl aluminum (TEA), a Ziegler Natta co-catalyst used in the plastics industry. The plant is being built at this location to bring TEA production closer to the end-users, thus supporting growing regional demand. The construction phase of the new project, which is the first of its kind in the Middle East, is scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter of 2012. At the groundbreaking ceremony last month, Koos Van Haasteren, Executive Vice President of SABIC Performance Chemicals, expressed his enthusiasm for the project and for the opportunity to collaborate with the partnering companies. "We are proud of our partner, Albemarle Corporation, which has a proven track record of maintaining in-depth relationships with customers and a good record in social responsibility," said Van Haasteren. He also praised Samsung's commitment to delivering the project safely, on time, and on budget. Khalil Ibrahim Ibn Salamah, SOCC's Chairman of the Board, described the project as a natural extension of the growth being experienced by the regional petrochemical industry. He also expressed his commitment to recruiting and training a local workforce to help operate the facilities.
