Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) has entered into a partnership with the German technology group Allied Heat Exchange AG (A-HEAT) to establish the largest heat exchanger production facility in the GCC.
The agreement, WAM reported, was formalized during the World Government Summit in Dubai, attended by Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, group chairman and chief executive officer of DP World; Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and managing director of DP World GCC; Abdulla Al Hashmi, chief operating officer Park & Zones of DP World GCC; Hubert Spegel, chairman at A-Heat; Dr. Robert Hanea, board member; and other senior executives.
This state-of-the-art facility, which JAFZA is set to develop, will address the growing need for energy-efficient cooling solutions, especially for data centers heat exchange production facility that require advanced thermal management to boost operational efficiency and sustainability.
Covering an area of 1.2 million square feet, with a built-up space of 400,000 square feet, this built-to-suit facility will be situated within DP World’s flagship free zone, JAFZA, and will be operated by Güntner, A-HEAT’s flagship brand. With a history that dates back to 1931 in Munich, Güntner is recognized as a global leader in heat transfer technology.
Key production and distribution hub
The new facility is set to become a pivotal production and distribution hub. By localizing production, A-HEAT intends to enhance its supply chain efficiencies, allowing for quicker and more flexible deliveries across the GCC, India, China, Africa, and Asia.
Additionally, the rapid expansion of data centers, driven by artificial intelligence and cloud computing, has led to a significant rise in the demand for energy-efficient cooling solutions. Cooling remains one of the largest power-consuming elements in IT infrastructure, which makes high-performance heat exchangers vital for optimizing efficiency and lowering energy consumption.
Aligning with ‘Operation 300bn’ initiative
Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and managing director of DP World GCC, remarked, “The agreement with A-HEAT reflects JAFZA’s role in driving innovation and sustainable industrial growth. By facilitating the development of specialized manufacturing, we align with the ‘Operation 300bn’ initiative under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 strategy to position the UAE as a preferred location for industrial innovation. Our build-to-suit approach ensures A-HEAT benefits from a facility designed to meet its operational needs. We remain dedicated to delivering customized solutions that drive manufacturing excellence and supply chain efficiencies for our partners.”
Furthermore, Hubert Spegel, executive board member at A-Heat, stated, “This milestone marks a significant step in our ongoing commitment to the Middle East and global markets. Our collaboration with DP World and JAFZA underscores our dedication to providing the most advanced and energy-efficient cooling solutions for industries that depend on optimal thermal management. This facility will serve as a key production and distribution hub, reinforcing our position as a leader in the heat exchange industry.”
Advanced manufacturing and smart control solutions
Moreover, as part of this expansion, Güntner will produce its most advanced heat exchangers, utilizing natural refrigerants like CO₂ and ammonia for energy-efficient cooling.
The facility will also develop the aicore smart control solutions, which optimize cooling systems by dynamically adjusting operations to reduce energy usage by up to 30 percent. When paired with hydroBLU technology, these systems will improve efficiency by maximizing the natural cooling effect of evaporation and balancing electricity and water consumption, thereby reducing water usage by up to 90 percent. Additionally, new cutting-edge technology currently being refined by Güntner’s R&D will also be manufactured at this facility.
