Sabic chooses Sittard, Holland for new Euro HQ building

07 October 2003 12:59  [Source: ICIS news]

LONDON (CNI)--Saudi Basic Industries Corp (Sabic) said Tuesday it has decided to build its new European headquarters at Sittard near Maastricht in the Netherlands.

The Saudi Arabian petrochemicals major said that the Bedrijven Stad Fortuna site at Sittard was favourably located in relation to its production sites in nearby Geleen (Netherlands) and Gelsenkirchen (Germany).

Sabic EuroPetrochemicals has operated temporarily from a DSM office in Sittard ever since Sabic bought the Dutch group's petrochemicals business in 2002. It has recognised for some time, however, that larger office accommodation is needed and has been assessing possible sites for a purpose-built headquarters complex for more than six months.

Frans Noteborn

In a statement, Sabic said that in addition to securing additional office space, it was important to have a building of its own that reflects Sabic's new identity.

Frans Noteborn, Sabic EuroPetrochemicals chairman, said the proposed move to new European headquarters at Sittard "underlines Sabic's ambitions in this part of the world".

He added that together with the opening of a new polypropylene (PP) plant at Geleen and the relocation of Sabic's former European headquarters from London to Sittard, the investment in new offices showed that Sabic was serious about its promise that Europe would be the springboard for further, global growth.

The new European head office is expected to be completed in the autumn (Q3/4) of 2005. A number of renowned Dutch architects will submit draft designs, from which a choice will be made in November this year, said Sabic.

By: Neil Sinclair
+44 20 8652 3214

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