GPIC aromatics development is moving forward as Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company partners with Honeywell Technologies on a major industrial project in Bahrain. The companies plan to establish a new aromatics complex at GPIC’s existing industrial site in Sitra. The facility aims to strengthen Bahrain’s petrochemical production capacity and support growing demand for essential industrial materials. Moreover, the project will introduce established processing technologies to produce valuable chemical products for global markets.
The proposed complex will focus on producing paraxylene and benzene, two important materials used across numerous industries. According to the project plans, annual output could reach 1.2 million metric tons of paraxylene. The facility could also produce approximately 500,000 metric tons of benzene each year. Together, these products serve as essential ingredients for manufacturing plastics, polyester fibers, and packaging materials.
Honeywell Technologies will provide process technology licensing and engineering services for the development. Its UOP business will also supply catalysts, adsorbents, and specialized equipment. Furthermore, the company will contribute technical expertise to support the complex’s processing systems. These services will help establish the technological foundation required for large-scale petrochemical production.
The project will use several established Honeywell UOP technologies. These include Naphtha Hydrotreating, CCR Platforming, and the LDPX Aromatics Complex process. Each technology supports specific stages of refining and petrochemical production. Consequently, their integration will help the facility process feedstocks and produce valuable aromatic chemicals.
Paraxylene plays a major role in polyester manufacturing, including fibers and packaging materials. Meanwhile, benzene serves as a key building block for various chemical products. These materials support supply chains across consumer goods, manufacturing, and industrial markets. Therefore, the new complex could help meet demand from several sectors that rely on petrochemical feedstocks.
GPIC Chief Executive Officer Yasser A. Rahim Alabbasi said the project would strengthen the company’s production capabilities. He also highlighted the importance of advanced technology in supporting long-term industrial growth. In addition, the investment aims to help GPIC respond to changing market requirements. The company expects the project to reinforce its ability to serve customers requiring essential petrochemical products.
Honeywell Technologies also emphasized the significance of GPIC’s selection. Mohamed Sami, the company’s general manager for process technology in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, highlighted its technical capabilities. He said the project would support efficient production of high-value chemicals. Moreover, the development could strengthen Bahrain’s wider industrial base.
The partnership builds on an established relationship between the two companies. Previously, Honeywell and GPIC collaborated on pressure swing adsorption technology and adsorbent solutions. They also worked together on process automation systems at GPIC’s ammonia and methanol facilities. As a result, the new complex extends an existing industrial relationship rather than creating an entirely new partnership.
The development also reflects Bahrain’s continued focus on strengthening its manufacturing and petrochemical sectors. A larger production base could support industrial supply chains and create opportunities for specialized service providers. Additionally, the complex may help Bahrain expand its role in supplying materials used by international manufacturers.
However, the project’s wider economic impact will depend on its implementation and future operating performance. The companies have outlined the complex’s planned output and Honeywell’s technical responsibilities. Further development milestones will determine how the facility progresses toward operation.
Overall, GPIC aromatics investment represents an important step in expanding Bahrain’s petrochemical capabilities. By combining GPIC’s industrial operations with Honeywell’s process technologies, the project aims to produce materials used across major global industries. It also reinforces the companies’ long-term cooperation while supporting Bahrain’s broader industrial development objectives.
