Swiss Sika starts producing epoxy resins in Qatar

SINGAPORE (ICIS)–Sika expanded its production capacity for concrete admixtures and has started manufacturing epoxy resins in Doha, Qatar, the Swiss specialty chemicals producer said on Tuesday.

The expansion project will “help Sika to continue building its business in this fast-growing region so that it can benefit from the dynamic development in the construction market”, the company said in a statement.

Financial and capacity details of the project were not disclosed.

Epoxy resins are key components in high-quality floor coverings and adhesives

The construction sector Qatar is being boosted particularly by major projects and for the expansion of energy and utilities infrastructure, as well as stimuli induced by government tenders.

Sika’s local production facilities allows it to comply with the terms applicable to construction projects in Qatar.

Qatar’s state sourcing policy stipulates that preference must be given to domestically manufactured products.

In the medium term, Qatar’s construction industry will be focusing on major investments in the energy and utility infrastructure such as reservoirs to ensure adequate supplies of potable water, according to Sika.

The company expects Qatar’s construction industry post a 2.6% growth this year after a slowdown in 2020 owing to the coronavirus pandemic.