Honeywell company, said its subsidiary UOP has entered into a collaboration with Saudi-based King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) for the development of catalytic processes for petrochemicals production.

UOP, headquartered in Illinois, US is a leading licensor of process technology for the production of aromatics and has licensed over 725 individual process units for the production of aromatics to date.

UOP and the Dhahran-based university have signed a five-year agreement that will allow university professors and researchers to collaborate with company scientists on catalyst development and processes for aromatics production, said a statement from Honeywell.

Aromatics are a critical raw material used in the production of petrochemicals such as plastics and detergents, it added.

"We look forward to this collaboration, which will enhance the university's research and development capabilities, and will also support Saudi Arabia's growing aromatics industry," said Ben Christolini, vice president and chief technology officer of research and development for Honeywell's UOP.

"This agreement represents UOP's ongoing commitment to our partnerships within the Kingdom's refining and petrochemical industry."

"The agreement symbolizes continued cooperation between KFUPM and UOP to strengthen the university's capabilities in catalyst and catalytic process development," said Dr Sahel Abduljauwad, vice rector of applied research for the KFUPM.

In 2009, Honeywell opened a technical center on the KFUPM campus as part of a broader initiative to build an integrated facility for three of its businesses at the university's Dhahran Techno Valley (DTV) business cluster.

Honeywell Building Solutions, Honeywell Process Solutions and UOP will open a joint office this year to enhance existing relationships and partnerships with organizations such as the KFUPM, Saudi Aramco and Sabic, while keeping close geographical proximity to its many important customers in the energy industry.

The DTV business cluster was established by the KFUPM to attract the research and development centers of local and international companies and to promote new businesses. It is envisaged as a leading research and technology development nucleus with comprehensive business support.

Honeywell is a Fortune 100 diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; automotive products; turbochargers; and specialty materials.-TradeArabia News Service