Amaero International Limited has signed a binding joint venture agreement (JV Agreement) with Rabdan Industries PLC (Rabdan) for additive manufacturing and powder production in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The JV Agreement provides that Amaero and Rabdan will exclusively partner on additive manufacturing and metal powder production in the Middle East. In addition, the JV will pursue an ambitious strategy to develop projects in order to vertically integrate the titanium supply chain including titanium sponge, melt, mill and forge operations.

The JV company, FALCON Advanced Metals PLC (FALCON), will be a 50/50 partnership between the two companies and will operate as a holding company that controls and owns directly and indirectly subsidiaries that will undertake projects. The partners will contribute working capital on a pro-rata basis. Amaero will contribute goodwill, reputation and expertise.

A licensing agreement is expected to be signed between FALCON and Amaero for IP and know how in respect of the JV. Rabdan will contribute local knowledge and relationships and has also committed to directly provide funding for capital expenditure at the project level and/or to indirectly secure funding from Abu Dhabi- based strategic groups on a non-participating, non-equity basis. The specific terms for each project will be outlined in separate SPV agreements.

The project under consideration by the JV has a capital budget of AUD 300 million. The integrated project includes: An Applied Engineering, Design and Commercialisation Centre; Large format 3D printing; and Large scale metal powder production that would include seven gas atomisers ­ four dedicated to titanium and three atomisers for aluminium, copper and superalloys. Amaero expects to update the market on the project, as well as capital commitment(s), in third quarter fiscal year 2023.

FALCON has presented an integrated additive manufacturing and metal powder production project to the Tawazun Economic Council, as well as Tawazun Special Projects group. After numerous meetings, FALCON has received indications of strong support and discussions continue to advance.