The Middle East Paper Company (MEPCO), a leading player in Saudi Arabia’s paper manufacturing industry, has laid the foundation for its fifth paper machine (PM5), the largest of its kind in the Middle East. The new line marks a major milestone in MEPCO’s strategic growth plan, set to double the company’s production capacity from 425,000 to 875,000 tons annually.
Designed with energy-efficient and cost-saving technologies, PM5 will also introduce high-quality, low-basis weight paper— a first in the region. This step aims to reduce the Kingdom’s reliance on imports, covering the current 30% containerboard deficit and enabling Saudi Arabia to become a net-positive exporter.
Eng. Faisal Alawi Haddawi, Group President of MEPCO, stated:
“PM5 is about the impact it brings to the whole value chain. Doubling our production capacity will significantly boost MEPCO’s revenue and create new job opportunities across the value chain. With PM5, we are introducing low-basis weight paper, a first of its kind in the region, offering superior quality and a competitive alternative to imports.”
Beyond economic benefits, PM5 is expected to enhance MEPCO’s circular economy efforts by diverting an additional 500,000 tons of paper waste from landfills annually, raising the company’s total to 1 million tons of recycled waste per year.
Musab Sulaiman Al-Muhaidib, Chairman of MEPCO, added:
“PM5 marks a transformative leap for MEPCO and Saudi Arabia’s paper industry. This investment expands our capacity, strengthens the national supply chain, and drives the Kingdom’s shift from importer to net-positive exporter.”
The project aligns with Vision 2030 by advancing local manufacturing, job creation, and environmental sustainability.