Bekaert signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Saudi-based IKK Mateenbar to collaborate on lower-carbon concrete reinforcement solutions.
The agreement, concluded in Riyadh under the Ministry of Energy’s Oil Sustainability Program (OSP), sets the framework for developing hybrid reinforcement systems that combine Saudi-produced glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) rebar with Bekaert’s Dramix steel fibers and Synmix synthetic fibers.
Applications include industrial floors, pavements, concrete roads, rafts, and precast elements across Saudi Arabia and the wider MENA region.
Steel fibers, short, discrete metal pieces added directly into concrete, enhance strength, ductility, and resistance to cracking, impact, and fatigue. By integrating the corrosion resistance of GFRP with the performance of steel and synthetic fibers, the partners aim to deliver more durable, cost-competitive, and lower-carbon concrete solutions.
IKK Mateenbar manufactures GFRP rebar in Dammam using locally sourced resins, while Bekaert contributes its expertise in fiber reinforcement. The MoU outlines guiding principles as both parties move toward a definitive commercial agreement on manufacturing and sales in the region.
Founded in 1880 and headquartered in Belgium, Bekaert is a global leader in steel wire transformation and coating technologies, serving industries such as construction, automotive, and energy with products including Dramix steel fibers and tire cord. IKK Mateenbar is a joint venture between Pultron Composites (New Zealand) and the Isam Khairi Kabbani Group (IKK), specializing in glass fiber-reinforced polymer rebar.
