SINGAPORE – A Saudi petrochemicals giant officially opened a new $220 million resin manufacturing facility here on Nov 7.
The nine-storey plant in Pioneer – Saudi Basic Industries Corporation’s (Sabic) second factory in Singapore – will produce a type of high strength resin used in industries such as aerospace, healthcare and electric vehicles (EVs).
The facility, which began operating in October 2023, already produces 8,000 tonnes of resin and is expected to eventually increase Sabic’s total output by more than 50 per cent. The resin, known as ULTEM, is also made at Sabic’s facility in Indiana, United States.
Sabic declined to reveal the new facility’s headcount but said that it has plans to expand its total Singapore workforce of more than 300, adding roles such as engineers, scientists and chemists.
Chief executive Abdulrahman Al-Fageeh said the new plant aims to meet the growing demand for high quality thermoplastics from high-tech and manufacturing industries in the Asia-Pacific region.
“The new facility fits very well with the high-tech manufacturing that is taking place on Singapore’s land, contributing to the country’s economy,” he added.
“(It also) reinforces Singapore’s central role with extensive trade agreements across the region.”
Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry Low Yen Ling told the opening ceremony that the manufacturing industry has been the cornerstone of Singapore’s economy.
Ms Low noted that the electronics and chemicals sector contributes 3 per cent to gross domestic product, making it the second-largest contributor overall.
Chemicals comprised the largest share of Singapore’s total fixed asset investment commitments, totalling $4.5 billion in the 2023 financial year.
“Looking ahead, rapid urbanisation in Asia and increasing demand for high-tech products like EVs present significant growth opportunities,” said Ms Low.
“Companies like Sabic, whose products serve these markets, are well-positioned to expand… The opening of Sabic’s
