Saad Arif, Director of Turkey Operations at International Process Plants (IPP), has spent much of the past decade helping companies overcome the complexities of industrial growth and sustainability. Focused on cost-effective solutions and with deep knowledge of the chemical sector's unique demands, Saad Arif is a key figure in IPP's mission to supply high-quality, reconditioned equipment that meets strict industry standards. In our interview, Saad Arif shared insights into how IPP, which operates with more than 160,000 customer relationships across 15 countries and owns 20 complete process plant sites, supports chemical companies in growing with speed, savings and environmental responsibility.
How did IPP become a leading firm in the process plants and equipment sector?
IPP's leadership stems from our commitment to meeting customer needs quickly and efficiently, wherever they are. By building a broad network of high-quality, reconditioned equipment worldwide, we offer solutions that help companies avoid costly lead times and reduce environmental impact. Our relationships with top manufacturers like BASF and our focus on strict quality standards have solidified IPP's reputation as a reliable partner. Prioritizing flexibility and responsiveness, we have helped customers across the globe scale their operations without compromising on quality or compliance.
Can you walk us through IPP's process from purchasing a plant to selling individual equipment pieces?
When we acquire a plant—we currently have 20 complete facility sites—we begin with a comprehensive assessment to evaluate the condition and value of each piece of equipment, land and environmental situation. Our team documents the entire lifecycle of each asset, its performance history and regulatory compliance. After this phase, we determine the best approach: selling a complete, operational facility in place or providing individual systems and equipment to meet urgent customer needs. To ensure reliability, each component undergoes rigorous inspection and renewal where necessary. This process not only extends equipment life but also gives customers access to high-quality assets without new construction costs.
With 46 years of experience, what do you see as IPP's most important achievement or turning point?
Great question! One of our most rewarding achievements has been expanding as a truly global partner, enabling us to serve our customer base with speed and precision. We are excited about new opportunities in Turkey, Central Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Another milestone is the partnerships we have built with major companies like BASF and Novartis who trust us to reassess their idle assets. But our impact goes beyond sales figures or the assets we have the chance to purchase; it lies in our contribution to a circular economy that benefits business, the environment and communities by helping our customers meet their production demands sustainably. It is satisfying to see how our efforts reduce waste, shorten lead times and lower costs for our customers across various sectors.
What strategies does IPP implement to provide customers with time and cost savings?
We focus on immediate availability and the reuse of high-quality equipment by eliminating typical lead times associated with new equipment manufacturing. By using reconditioned equipment, our customers can reduce costs by up to 70%, a significant advantage in competitive markets or when customers need to increase capacity quickly and efficiently. Our global inventory comprises more than 15,000 process equipment units and multiple complete facility sites, enabling customers to quickly select what they need. Additionally, through one of our subsidiaries, Universal Glasteel Equipment, we offer "Instant Glass" re-glassing service for damaged equipment.
How does IPP address the unique complexities of plant and equipment transitions for customers?
Each plant and piece of equipment has its own operational and regulatory requirements, so we tailor our approach to ensure seamless transitions. We work closely with our customers to understand their specific needs and provide customized support—from regulatory documentation to logistics coordination. Our experience allows us to foresee potential challenges, making the process smooth and minimizing disruptions to production schedules.
IPP's team and our network of industry advisors work together to address every detail, ensuring customers can safely integrate equipment.
Can you elaborate on IPP's approach to balancing cost-effectiveness and sustainability?
At IPP, sustainability and cost efficiency go hand in hand. By focusing on reuse and renewal of high-quality equipment, we reduce waste and minimize the need for new resource extraction. Every process aligns with circular economy principles, maximizing the lifecycle of valuable assets and significantly reducing carbon footprints. For our customers, this means achieving ESG targets while saving on capital expenditure—proof that sustainability does not have to come at a high cost.
What factors contribute to IPP's reputation for rapid equipment delivery, and how do you ensure this globally?
We maintain a broad, ready-to-ship process equipment inventory worldwide, eliminating typical lead times. Another of our subsidiaries, Gale Process Solutions, supplies customers with hard-to-find new process equipment. So with the different solutions provided by UGE, GPS and IPP, we have incredible depth of offering. This infrastructure supports global customers with fast and reliable service, enabling them to keep pace in their markets.
IPP has more than 160,000 satisfied customers; what do you believe is the key to building such long-term trust?
First and foremost, I cannot describe how satisfying it is when customers come up to me at a conference or trade fair and say they would not be where they are today without IPP. This respect and trust are built on quality, reliability and transparency. We communicate openly with our customers from initial assessment to final delivery, set realistic expectations and meet them. Every transaction is backed by decades of expertise and a commitment to supplying equipment that meets rigorous standards. Our customers know they can rely on us, whether they need immediate availability or specialized equipment support. Our reputation in the sector and repeat business reflect the value we place on every customer relationship.
Can you share an example of how IPP's work has positively impacted a community?
We particularly enjoy projects where we can put facilities or land back to communities for reuse and job creation when we handle equipment well. One of our most transformative long-term projects is nearing completion: the redevelopment of the former Croda and Prices Candle site in Bromborough, England. This brownfield redevelopment represents a complete transformation from a manufacturing site dating to the 1800s to a vibrant mixed-use area. Our team, led by Tony Field and Tom Nash, took on the mission of revitalizing this historic site and initially converted it into a developing commercial and light industrial center. Our work won a redevelopment award in 2016, and we are now in the final phase with home builder Persimmon, adding new housing to complete this community-centered vision. The Bromborough project has brought new life and opportunities to the local economy, creating employment, housing and a welcoming environment that honors the region's heritage while creating a sustainable future for residents.
How will IPP evolve in response to current trends in the chemical and process industries?
We have an experienced team with connections worldwide. We stay ahead by closely following industry trends, particularly the growing focus on sustainability, cost efficiency and fluctuations in energy costs.
We expand our inventory and services to proactively meet customer needs. Additionally, expanding our partnerships with leading manufacturers enables us to deliver innovative, adaptable solutions. As customers continue to prioritize speed, flexibility and environmental responsibility, IPP is prepared to support their evolving needs with our comprehensive expertise and agile approach.
Report / Interview by: B. Serhat Cengiz
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