Bekaert and IKK Mateenbar signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on lower-carbon concrete reinforcement solutions that combine Saudi-made glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) rebar with Bekaert’s Dramix® steel fibers and Synmix® synthetic fibers. The signing ceremony was held at the Ministry of Energy in Riyadh and hosted by Saudi Arabia’s Oil Sustainability Program (OSP).
Under the MoU, the parties agreed to jointly develop, engineer, and promote reinforcement systems for industrial floors, outdoor/port pavements, rafts, concrete roads, and precast elements in the Middle East and North-African countries.
“Today’s MoU brings together the best of both worlds: the proven performance of steel fibers and the corrosion-free efficiency of GFRP,” said Eric Peeters, Divisional CEO Sustainable Construction, Bekaert. “By coupling Dramix® and Synmix® fibers with Mateenbar™ GFRP, designers can meet demanding structural and sustainability targets with confidence.” Yves Kerstens, Group CEO, Bekaert, added: “We are proud to contribute, together with our partners, to the strong sustainability and innovation drive in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the wider MENA-region.”
“For asset owners, the hybrid approach delivers practical value today—steel fibers provide toughness and crack control while GFRP eliminates corrosion risk and reduces weight resulting in a more durable, lower-carbon concrete at competitive first cost,” said Nick Crofts, Co-GM, IKK Mateenbar. “As a Saudi manufacturer, we produce Mateenbar in Dammam using local, oil-derived resins, and we welcome Bekaert’s plans to promote GFRP rebar and hybrid reinforcement systems,” said Hamed Bader, Co-GM, IKK Mateenbar.
“OSP welcomes this step toward sustainable, high-value uses of hydrocarbon-derived materials,” said Mohammad Al Tayyar, Program Director, OSP. “Hybrid and GFRP systems can reduce lifecycle emissions and extend asset life across the Kingdom and beyond.”
The MoU sets guiding principles while the parties work toward a definitive commercial agreement for manufacturing and sales in the region.
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