JAFZA, A-HEAT to build largest heat exchanger facility in GCC

Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) has signed an agreement with German technology group Allied Heat Exchange AG (A-HEAT) to develop the largest heat exchanger production facility in the GCC.

The state-of-the-art facility, set to be developed by Jafza, will meet the rising demand for energy-efficient cooling solutions, particularly for data centres that require advanced thermal management to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability.

Spanning 1.2 million square feet with a built-up area of 400,000 square feet, the built-to-suit facility will be located within DP World’s flagship free zone, Jafza and operated by Güntner, A-HEAT’s flagship brand. With a legacy dating back to 1931 in Munich, Güntner is a global leader in heat transfer technology.

The new facility will serve as a key production and distribution hub, and by localising production, A-HEAT aims to strengthen its supply chain efficiencies, enabling faster, more flexible deliveries across the GCC, India, China, Africa, and Asia.

The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the World Government Summit in Dubai in the presence of Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DP World; Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World GCC; Abdulla Al Hashmi, Chief Operating Officer Park & Zones of DP World GCC; Hubert Spegel, Chairman at A-Heat; Dr. Robert Hanea, Board Member; and other senior executives.

The exponential growth of data centres, driven by artificial intelligence and cloud computing, has significantly increased the need for energy-efficient cooling solutions. Cooling remains one of the largest power-consuming components in IT infrastructure, making high-performance heat exchangers essential for optimising efficiency and reducing energy consumption.

Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World GCC, said, “The agreement with A-HEAT reflects JAFZA’s role in driving innovation and sustainable industrial growth. By facilitating the development of specialised manufacturing, we align with the ‘Operation 300bn’ initiative under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 strategy to position the UAE as a preferred location for industrial innovation. Our build-to-suit approach ensures A-HEAT benefits from a facility designed to meet its operational needs. We remain dedicated to delivering customised solutions that drive manufacturing excellence and supply chain efficiencies for our partners.” Hubert Spegel, Executive Board Member at A-Heat, said, “This milestone marks a significant step in our ongoing commitment to the Middle East and global markets. Our collaboration with DP World and JAFZA underscores our dedication to providing the most advanced and energy-efficient cooling solutions for industries that depend on optimal thermal management. This facility will serve as a key production and distribution hub, reinforcing our position as a leader in the heat exchange industry.”

As part of this expansion, Güntner will manufacture its most advanced heat exchangers, using natural refrigerants such as CO₂ and ammonia for energy-efficient cooling.

The facility will also make the aicore smart control solutions, which optimise cooling systems by dynamically adjusting operations to cut energy use by up to 30 per cent. When integrated with hydroBLU technology, these systems will enhance efficiency by maximising the natural cooling effect of evaporation and balancing electricity and water usage, reducing water consumption by up to 90 per cent. New cutting-edge technology currently being optimised by Güntner’s R&D will also be produced at this facility.

In October last year, Jafza) has reinforced its position as a global leader in trade and logistics by winning five major awards at the fDi Global Free Zones of the Year 2024 awards including being ranked 1st in the overall global list of free zones.

Jafza achieved the top placement in addition to being named Industrial Zone of the Year and Top Sustainable Zone in both the global and Middle East categories.

The awards highlight Jafza’s ability to create an environment that fosters industrial innovation while advancing sustainable practices.

The fDi Global Free Zones of the Year awards are among the most respected accolades in the free zone industry, and this year’s edition was highly competitive, with 63 entries from free zones around the world.

Jafza stood out due to its significant infrastructure investments, sustainability focus, and capacity to attract diverse, high-value customers.

The Industrial Zone of the Year award recognises Jafza’s strength in supporting global manufacturing and logistics operations, with over 10,700 businesses based in the free zone, contributing substantially to Dubai’s industrial output. The Top Sustainable Zone award reflects Jafza’s commitment to sustainability, including its target of achieving net zero by 2050.