March 26, 2025 – The Middle East Paper Manufacturing and Production Company (“MEPCO”), the regional leader in the paper industry, announced the groundbreaking of its 5th paper production line (PM5), the largest of its kind in the Middle East, as part of its strategic initiative to reinforce Saudi Arabia’s position in the global paper market.
The new production line (PM5) will increase MEPCO’s total production capacity from 425,000 tons to 875,000 tons per year, significantly enhancing its market presence and establishing its dominance in the region. PM5 will allow MEPCO to produce high-quality, low-basis weight paper with energy-efficient technology, leading to reduced operational costs compared to other machines.
By reducing the Kingdom’s dependency on imported containerboard by 30%, PM5 will help Saudi Arabia meet its domestic demand and become a net exporter of paper products.
PM5 is expected to double MEPCO’s revenue and strengthen its leadership position in the regional market. It will create new job opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and support local businesses by prioritizing local sourcing and bolstering the domestic supply chain, ensuring that the project’s impact goes beyond the MEPCO factory. Additionally, the new production line will prevent an additional 500,000 tons of paper waste from ending up in landfills every year, bringing MEPCO Group's total to 1 million tons of recycled paper waste annually, marking a significant milestone in the company’s circular economy efforts.
Eng. Faisal Alawi Haddawi, Group President of MEPCO, commented: "PM5 is about the positive impact across the entire value chain. Doubling our production capacity will substantially increase MEPCO's revenue and create new employment opportunities throughout the value chain. With PM5, we are introducing low-basis weight paper, a first in the region, offering superior quality and a competitive alternative to imports. Our focus remains on sustainable growth, blending innovation with operational excellence to drive both economic and environmental progress."