Albemarle has entered into discussions with its Middle Eastern partner Ali & Sons Oilfield Supplies & Services Co. (ASOS) to construct a manufacturing facility for FCC catalysts and additives in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Abu Dhabi represents the ideal site for the proposed facility because it would allow Albemarle to meet rapidly growing regional demand for refinery catalyst solutions and would provide an unmatched security of supply for existing customers in the Middle East, according to company officials. 

The facility would manufacture Albemarle's value-added AFX catalysts, which promote increased propylene yield from resid feedstocks.

This announcement follows Albemarle's successful delivery of catalysts for the startup of the FCC unit in Takreer's newly-expanded Ruwais refinery.