Qapco sees 500% LDPE capacity jump

An aerial view of Qapco facilities in Mesaieed. Right: HH the Father Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, HE the Minister of Energy and Industry, Dr Mohamed bin Saleh al-Sada with Total chairman and CEO Patrick Pouyanne and al-Mulla during Qapco LDPE3 inauguration in 2012.

Qatar Petrochemical Company (Qapco) has seen its low-density polyethylene production capacity increase five-fold since 1974 as the petrochemical major currently celebrates its 40th anniversary.

From humble beginnings as the first petrochemical plant established in the Middle East in 1974, Qapco has transformed itself into a global and leading petrochemical powerhouse.

Qapco was established on November 9, 1974 through Emiri Decree Number 109. From a staff strength of 20 in 1978, the number of employees at Qapco grew to 700 in the early 1980s and reached 1,324 in 2014.

Today, with Qatarisation standing at 30.2%, national leadership is one of the driving forces of Qapco and gives the company its cultural identity.

A joint venture between Industries Qatar (80%) and Total Petrochemicals France (20%), Qapco is currently one of the largest producers of low density polyethylene (LDPE) in the region besides producing ethylene, sulphur and other petrochemical products.

Qapco is involved in a number of joint ventures that include Qatofin, QVC, and QPPC.

LDPE is considered the most widely used type of plastic, with applications such as food packaging, agricultural films, cables and wires, coating, lamination and many other products broadly used all over the planet. Low-density polyethylene produced by Qapco is a “high quality food-contact safe” grade polymer and complies with local, European Union and US’ FDA (Food and Drug Administration) standards.

Qapco started commercial production in 1981, with an annual output of 132,679 tonnes of ethylene. The plant also had the capacity to produce 140,000 tonnes of low density polyethylene and minor amounts of sulphur, generated as a by-product.

Qapco chairman Hamad Rashid al-Mohannadi said, “I am incredibly proud of our 40 years of growth and excellence, inspired by our pioneers. Our successful and extraordinary journey rests on the minds and brilliance of many.

“It first started with a dream in 1974. By transforming a visionary idea into a reality, making the most of what we have been given, by further optimising our hydrocarbon resources, Qapco broke new grounds and paved the way to an entirely new and promising industry in the GCC, petrochemicals.

“Our success story has been made possible through the visionary leadership of HH the Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and with the wise guidance of HE the Minister of Energy and Industry, Dr Mohamed bin Saleh al-Sada. Our shareholders are also drivers of progress and their contribution has been essential to our four decades of growth. I would like to thank Qatar Petroleum and our shareholders, Industries Qatar and Total Petrochemicals France, as they are the foundation of our success. They have left their mark, influenced our corporate culture and propelled Qapco into new eras of development thanks to their focus on assertive growth and sustainability,” al-Mohannadi said.

Qapco vice-chairman and CEO Dr Mohamed Youssef al-Mulla acknowledged the contribution of all the employees and said, “40 years is a journey and ours has been extraordinary, marked by many milestones and unprecedented achievements. It is truly the men and women of Qapco who have driven us where we are today.

“From our humble beginnings as the first petrochemical plant established in the Middle East in 1974, we got transformed into a global and leading petrochemical powerhouse. Our employees’ expertise, loyalty and hard work along with their unwavering commitment to the highest standards of performance and excellence made us who we are. The Qapco family is at the heart of everything we do and a vital force that has always propelled us forward.”

As part of its 40th anniversary celebrations, Qapco is paying tribute to all its employees and holding celebrations in their honour at its Mesaieed facility today.