Toray expands Saudi operations with integrated RO membrane facility and engineering center, boosting regional desalination capacity and supporting sustainable water solutions in MENA.
Toray Industries, Inc. has announced a significant expansion of its operations in the Middle East with Toray Membrane Middle East LLC (TMME) officially commencing production at its newly established facility in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. With this development, TMME becomes the first company in Saudi Arabia capable of integrating the entire reverse osmosis (RO) membrane process — from the fabrication of the membrane itself to the final assembly of desalination modules. This achievement marks a strategic milestone for Toray as it reinforces its long-term commitment to strengthening water infrastructure across the rapidly evolving Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
The formal inauguration took place on November 12, 2025, during a ceremony held to celebrate the start of operations at the new manufacturing hub and the official opening of the Middle East Water Treatment Engineering Center (MEWTEC), which began functioning earlier in April 2025. The event received high-level recognition, drawing attendance from distinguished leaders such as His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Eastern Province, as well as senior officials from various ministries, representatives from key government agencies, Japan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, and prominent figures from the regional business community. Their presence underscored the strategic value of Toray’s expanded footprint and the trust built through more than a decade of collaborative ventures with Saudi partners.
The global water industry has been undergoing a major technological shift, and the Middle East is at the center of this transformation. Traditional thermal evaporation techniques, once the dominant method for seawater desalination, are increasingly being replaced by membrane-based water treatment systems, which offer significantly lower energy consumption and greater operational efficiency. As populations in the region continue to expand and industrial activity accelerates, concerns over freshwater scarcity have intensified, making advanced desalination solutions more critical than ever. This shift has created strong demand for high-performance, energy-efficient RO membranes capable of delivering sustainable and reliable water output.
By establishing the new Dammam facility and activating MEWTEC, Toray is enhancing its ability to support local and regional customers with timely supply, advanced engineering support, and cutting-edge membrane technologies tailored to the region’s unique environmental and operational needs. The integration of manufacturing and assembly under one roof also improves the supply chain, reduces lead times, and strengthens local industrial capabilities — key factors in supporting Saudi Arabia’s broader economic diversification and sustainability goals.
This expansion forms an important part of Toray Vision 2030, the company’s long-term strategy aimed at addressing global environmental and social challenges. Ensuring access to clean, safe, and sustainable water remains one of the core pillars of this vision. Through continued innovation in membrane science and expanded global infrastructure, the Toray Group aims to contribute to water security not only in the MENA region but also in communities worldwide that face increasing pressure due to climate change, industrial growth, and rising water demand. Toray’s ongoing efforts demonstrate its commitment to providing technology that supports sustainable resource management and helps build resilient water treatment ecosystems across the globe.
