ittihadpapermill

About Ittihad Paper Mill (IPM)

IPM manufacturing facility is set up on a 250,000 sqm plot in the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD) United Arab Emirates, with a production capacity of 325,000 tons per annum.

Products produced by IPM are strictly in compliance with global environment standards and they source their pulp only from certified sustainable forests.

The mill’s strength lies in meeting global standards of Quality and Service offerings with a product range across grammages, shades and sizes.

IPM is also committed to offering consistent supplies and grades for trouble-free printing solutions to its clientele and partners.

History and why IPM was established?

For many years, the UAE was predominantly considered an import market for paper. The reasons were simple—high cost to set up a mill, water scarcity, harsh climatic conditions, inadequate infrastructure, technical know-how among others. Hence, no one was willing to take on a project that was surrounded by countless uncertainties.

As a result, there was a gap in the market and to bridge that gap, Ittihad International Investment LLC, the parent company, decided to Launch IPM in the desert. Despite all the odds, IPM today is a reality and is supplying paper to more than 50 countries. Not only is IPM contributing to the UAE economy, but it has also established itself as a central point of producing and supplying printing and writing paper in the Gulf region.

“Essentially, the main idea is to produce locally, trade internationally, and diversify the local product of the country”

Today, the UAE has a world-class infrastructure and an integrated transport and utilities network. IPM has simply capitalized by utilizing these amenities provided by the UAE government and is reaching markets worldwide. IPM may have started with a blank sheet of paper, but the company is now firmly standing its ground and is considered a leading paper mill originating from the Gulf.

Resources in the UAE

The UAE has a world-class infrastructure, and an integrated transport and utilities network. Khalifa Port and Jebel Ali Port are the busiest and the most advanced ports in the region, apart from their strategic location in Abu Dhabi & Dubai respectively.

It has a huge reserve of the world’s total production of desalinated water and the world’s largest reverse osmosis (RO) plant is under construction in Abu Dhabi.

The country has a vast resource of limestone and hard rock in the Northern Emirates.

The UAE is an ideal place for establishing business, and the Government is actively encouraging manufacturing sectors to set up base in the UAE. In addition, the nation’s free zones offer attractive incentives for foreign investors, fostering an environment of innovation and growth. Furthermore, the UAE’s robust financial services sector provides ample support for business operations. With its strategic location bridging East and West, the UAE serves as a global hub for trade and commerce.

The Product

The UAE has always been an import market for printing and writing paper products. When we launched IPM, the whole paper business landscape changed, and IPM has become a major player in the MENA. Customers now have easy access to Paper Products in the region and will not have to look far to fulfil the demand. The objective was to introduce an extensive product range, cater to the market demand, and bring in flexibility as far as the paper machine specifications are concerned, and now, we are realizing the same.

Ittihad Paper Mill produces the highest quality of uncoated woodfree paper reels, folio size paper, and cut-size finished goods to cater to the latest demand of the printing and converting industry. Our state-of-the-art production facilities ensure that we meet international standards, providing superior products to our clients.

Additionally, our commitment to sustainability means that our processes are environmentally friendly, aligning with global best practices. With IPM, customers benefit from reduced lead times and enhanced service levels, positioning us as the preferred supplier in the region.

Raw Materials

Sustainable products from responsible companies all over the world will play a pivotal role in the future of IPM. IPM endeavours to source its materials from reliable and responsible forest management companies and general suppliers. IPM also ensures that all Safety, Environment & Sustainability standards are maintained, and only associates with renowned brands that are sustainable and environment-friendly.

The goal is to set the benchmark in adapting to sustainable processes and contributing to the importance of conserving the environment for a better future, especially for the communities that surround IPM. By leveraging advanced technology, IPM ensures minimal waste and maximizes resource efficiency throughout the production process.

Additionally, IPM is committed to continuous improvement, regularly auditing its supply chain to uphold the highest standards of sustainability. Through partnerships with eco-conscious organizations, IPM aims to lead the industry in environmental stewardship and innovation.

The Market

The demand for paper-related products is ever-increasing, and the need for reliable producers is on the rise as well. IPM markets its products to all major global destinations in the world. IPM’s strategy includes:

  • Diversification of markets regionally/globally.
  • Changing the landscape and making the UAE a “paper export market.”
  • Focusing on customer brands and B2B.
  • Investing in packaging quality and innovation.
  • Local market focus: a mix of customer brands, own brand, and ramp-up.

Additionally, IPM aims to expand its digital presence to reach a wider audience and enhance customer engagement through online platforms. By continuously improving its product portfolio, IPM seeks to address evolving market needs and preferences. Furthermore, strategic partnerships with key industry players enable IPM to leverage collective expertise and drive growth in new and existing markets.

Company Highlights

IPM is a subsidiary of Ittihad International Investment LLC, a leading alternative investment group with diversified portfolio businesses across the industrial, infrastructure, healthcare, and environmental services sectors.

IPM has a capacity of 325,000 tons annually (or the equivalent of 65 billion A4 sheets per year) and caters to the growing regional demand for printing and writing paper that is currently reliant on imports, while also serving the international markets.

Coupled with the use of sustainably sourced pulp and local limestone, IPM ensures the best quality of paper is produced with the most efficient use of energy and water.

IPM has invested in the latest production & sustainable technologies: (NOT ITALIC)

–Best-in-class paper production lines (Valmet, Finland).
–High efficiency and flexible sheeting lines (BW Papersystems, Germany).
–Onsite Precipitated Calcium Carbonate (PCC) plant (Omya, Switzerland).
–Effluent Treatment Plant (Veolia, France).
–Implemented the (MES) Manufacturing Execution System (ABB)

The project is a strategic industrial investment, which is undoubtedly a landmark project in the region and a milestone in Abu Dhabi’s resolute economic vision.

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IPM is the first printing and writing paper mill in GCC and the largest in the MENA and is equipped with the most advanced production facility. IPM started operations in 2020, with a total investment of AED 1.2 billion.

Strategically located in Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s capital, in a 250,000 sqm plot in ICAD II, IPM benefits from world-class logistics infrastructure and is the first industrial facility of its kind in the Gulf region, and with an annual production capacity of 325,000 tons of printing and writing paper.

IPM strives to meet the local demand for paper products and boost exports and competitiveness across global markets through adopting advanced technology and 4IR solutions.

IPM’s commercial production started well until the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted global supply chains and raised raw material costs. Despite these challenges, IPM leveraged its high capacity, operational efficiency, and quick lead time to turn obstacles into opportunities.

We capitalized on opportunities by adopting advanced technology solutions, digitisation, 4IR solutions and sustainable models. We have successfully overcome challenges and are currently exporting our products to 66 markets.

Our efforts are always aligned with the UAE’s vision towards having a smart industrial sector powered by advanced technology and characterized by a robust regional and global competitiveness.

IPM employs SAP Business Process Management and Manufacturing Execution System, as part of its automation and innovation.

The Company’s dedication lies in incorporating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in the way we do business, fostering a positive influence on the environment and the community we operate in.

Our products comply with international standards, and only uses pulp from sustainable forests sourced through responsible suppliers. Products under the IPM brand – Omnia, Maram Green, and Archer are Ecolabel and ISO-certified. IPM is also a proud member of the Book Chain Project.

IPM is committed to protect and conserve the environment for the next generations. The mill uses the least amount of energy and water in its production process, and the facility was able to achieve a carbon capture process with the integration of the PCC plant. IPM also has an Effluent Treatment Plant.

The turnaround time for printing jobs is getting shorter, thus the operation should have a larger throughput. For this reason, IPM has increased installed capacity and also invested in the latest technology.

IPM has been distributing its products to more than 50 countries and aims to expand its business globally. IPM is planning to ease the supply and service gaps posed to the industry plagued by production quotas and allocation issues by investing in the printing and writing paper segments.

Notable achievements in business are never done by one person. They’re done by a team of people who work towards a common goal.

Rabih comes with many years of experience in the Investment Management Industry and Project Management. He is skilled in Budgeting, Operations Management, Quality Management, Production, Maintenance, Procurement, Consultancy, Logistics, Construction, and Project Management.

Rabih El Assadi
Operations Director

A sound Financial Plan serves as a roadmap that explains in detail how the decisions, we make today, will affect our Future.

Mashkoor is highly accomplished, results-driven senior finance professional with 22 years of progressive experience in finance and operational management within start-ups and well-established organizations. He has demonstrated the ability to streamline the business operations that drives growth, profit and efficiency.

Mashkoor Ahmad
Finance Director

Department Heads

Mike Martti Viertola

Mike Martti Viertola

Production Manager
Mohammad Qunibi

Mohammad Qunibi

HR & Administraion Manager
Amjad Ismail

Amjad Ismail

Supply chain & logistics Manager
Ritesh Gupta

Ritesh Gupta

Area Sales Manager
Maamaun Khalil

Maamaun Khalil

Production Planning Manager
Dr. Ravi Yadav

Dr. Ravi Yadav

Quality Control Manager
Benlin Zhao

Benlin Zhao

Converting Manager

Global Sales

Ittihad Paper Mill exports its products to more than 50 countries across 6 continents.

Due to its elite quality and usage of best-in-class raw materials and manufacturing processes, IPM products have already gained huge demand across the globe. Moreover, IPM is well prepared to cater to growing markets and has put in place a comprehensive supply chain management system and logistics network to ensure smooth and timely distribution of products.

Upon request, IPM can produce Copy paper in different grammages available in 70 gsm to 120 gsm and Offset paper ranges from 45 gsm to 140 gsm.

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