Strata Manufacturing (Strata), the advanced composite aero structures manufacturing company wholly-owned by Mubadala Investment Company PJSC, has completed work on the Strata Solvay Advanced Materials (SSAM) high-tech facility in Al Ain, a joint venture with Solvay, Belgium’s materials and chemicals company.

The completion of the SSAM facility heralds the beginning of Strata’s diversification journey, with the Al Ain manufacturer now the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)’s first supplier of aerospace-grade pre-impregnated carbon fibers and the fourth globally. The completion of the facility also marks a new chapter in Abu Dhabi’s drive towards a sustainable homegrown manufacturing sector. 

The 8,500 square meter SSAM facility is currently being equipped with the latest technology and machinery prior to the testing and qualifying of processes designed to supply carbon fiber prepreg materials for primary structure applications in Boeing’s 777X program.

Key positions have already been assigned to UAE nationals. Khalid Al Nuaimi, a Strata engineer, will head the Strata Solvay project and manage communications between the two companies, as well as execute the business plan, budget and purchasing of equipment for the facility. Ghubaisha Al Ameri, currently a Quality Engineer at Strata, will also transition to the new team.

Strata works with leading aircraft manufacturers, including Airbus, Boeing, Leonardo, and Pilatus. Based at Nibras Al Ain Aerospace Park, Strata supports the development of a leading aerospace hub in Abu Dhabi as part of the Emirate’s economic diversification initiatives.