Hydro Technology Center to Be Established in Qatar

DOHA, Qatar, March 20, 2009 - Alibaba.com - Hydro will establish an aluminium research and training center in Qatar, called the Hydro Technology Center. The center will be located at the Qatar Science&Technology Park in Doha.

Hydro will invest close to $ 7 million in the centre over its first three years. The Hydro Technology Center will improve safety and productiveness of the Qatalum smelter, through both technology development and training. Its first projects will focus on hot-climate working conditions, environmental issues and cross-cultural technology management.

"Being located at Qatar Science&Technology Park, the center will be able to collaborate closely with the many universities at Qatar Foundation and Qatar University. This will provide study opportunities and ultimately create technology-based employment for local graduates," said Tormod Bjork, head, Hydro Technology Center.

The technology center will be a part of the same organisation as Hydro's three other research centers, one in Neuss, Germany, and two in Årdal and Porsgrunn, Norway. Employees are expected to come from many parts of the world, creating a multicultural environment.

Dr Tidu Maini, executive chairman, Qatar Science&Technology Park, said, "Part of building a knowledge-based economy means developing and applying the world's best operating techniques to local industry. The Hydro Technology Center is a great example of this, and will position Qatar as an innovator and not just a producer of aluminium".

Hydro Technology Center, research, training, Doha, Qatar