Picture a machine that transforms outdoor air into pure bottled drinking water. A1RWATER is bringing this groundbreaking concept to life in Dubai with its state-of-the-art 90,000-square-foot production facility in Dubai Industrial City (DIC). The facility is equipped with large-scale air-to-water generators, designed to produce over 100,000 liters of water daily.
Arabian Business gained exclusive access to the state-of-the-art facility, which COO Dave Cupit describes as the execution of a vision that began with a simple sketch.
“We spent a few weeks designing the plant, fine-tuning it, and then built this through 3D modelling in May,” said Cupit. “We then launched the production orders and built the machines.”
The facility was constructed in just a few months, a feat Cupit attributes to strong relationships with trusted suppliers in China. Following its announcement in September, the facility is now fully operational.
The largest of its kind facility boasts advanced robotics and fully automated production lines that work in sync with an on-site quality control lab and dedicated filtration rooms. With a daily production capacity of 175,000 bottles and a 450,000-liter storage tank, A1RWATER has scaled operations to meet growing demand.
Its circular solution model enables the facility to process thousands of returned bottles per hour, promoting sustainability through reuse.
A1RWATER’s technology relies on 52 A1R3000 air-to-water generators, which efficiently extract moisture from the air, filter it, and mineralise it for consistent quality. The fully automated production process is HACCP-compliant, adhering to safety and quality standards.
Inside, the facility operates with robotic precision – conveyor belts run through the facility, carrying thousands of bottles that go through a rigorous process of washing, cleaning, quality control, filling and packaging before it can be dispatched to consumers.
The company’s product range includes still and sparkling water, available in both bottles and cans. It is also exploring consumer-focused innovations, such as flavoured electrolyte-infused water and smaller-scale air-to-water machines.
Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Wynn Al Marjan
While Cupit was tight-lipped about specifics, he hinted at a pipeline of upcoming developments.
Having already debuted at high-profile events like the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where it installed an F1-branded water tower to provide free water to attendees, A1RWATER is eyeing a broader range of applications.
Cupit sees immense potential for on-site installations at concerts, events, and construction sites. Talks are reportedly underway with ALEC Engineering and Contracting to address water needs for staff working on Ras Al Khaimah’s upcoming Wynn casino resort.
The project, which is expected to employ over 15,000 workers, could benefit from A1RWATER’s air-to-water generators, providing a sustainable water solution for workers.
Cupit believes that the versatile technology opens doors to several solutions for on-site installations.
Backed by Tau Capital, A1RWATER is poised for expansion across the GCC. Managing partners Andrea Mollica and Bill Murray view the company’s technology as a game-changer. “We think it’s so good. We think that it sells itself,” said Murray.
The company’s growth strategy targets multiple sectors, including:
- Hospitality industry
- Large-scale events
- Construction projects
- Consumer products (FMCG)
The bottled water industry is one of the fastest-growing consumer categories globally, yet it has remained reliant on traditional sourcing and packaging methods.
A1RWATER’s approach taps into growing consumer demand for sustainability with a high focus on quality. By sourcing water directly from the air, the company aims to reduce reliance on groundwater and plastic waste.
Looking ahead, A1RWATER is poised for GCC growth with large-scale projects in the line, targeting the hospitality industry, events, construction and consumer technology.
In addition, the company plans to address wider challenges such as water scarcity.
Currently, following its launch, the company is managing growing investor interest. The model has garnered interest from several investors, Cupit said. “We shouldn’t brag and we can’t share too many details but at the moment, it’s a matter of trying to keep track of the people who are sharing interest. There is a lot of interest.”
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