Yelena Baturina's Membrane Construction Company Hightex GmbH Awarded Construction Project for 2022 FIFA World Cup

LONDON, April 26, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Hightex GmbH, a leading global membrane construction company based in Bavaria, Germany has announced the launch of two new international projects in Qatar and the US. The company is 80% owned by international businesswoman Yelena Baturina.

Hightex will be responsible for the membrane construction of the roof and façade of the Al Bayt Stadium in Qatar. Also involved in the contracting team is Italian company Cimolai S.p.Ais, and Salini Impregilo S.p.A., which will be leading the project. Galfar Al Misnad Engineering and WLL Contracting Co are also involved and were brought on by the Aspire Zone Foundation. The companies selected Hightex due to its extensive experience in membrane construction for stadiums. A total of 200,000 square meters of the stadium's roof and façade will be covered in a lightweight membrane structure and the project is due to be completed in June 2018.

Hightex founder and CEO Klaus-Michael Koch said, "The stadium in Qatar will resemble traditional Bedouin tents with its extraordinary colour design. The membrane fabric will be specifically printed in traditional colours and patterns." Mr Koch added, "We are really proud to be tackling a challenging project of this scale after little more than a year back in business."

In the US, Hightex has been commissioned to install the membrane elements for the "Canopy of Peace", a 50 meter high landmark in New Orleans. The Canopy will form part of the extension to the city's renowned World War II Museum which will be reopened with a spectacular new design in 2017.

"Located in completely different geographies, both these projects are milestones for Hightex and the membrane construction industry as a whole. These projects demonstrate how universal and innovative membrane engineering is and highlight the range of solutions membranes provide for the construction industry," commented Yelena Baturina, who directs the company's strategic business development as Chairman of the Hightex Supervisory Board.

Yelena Baturina became a strategic investor in Hightex in early 2015, having acquired 75% of the company. Her involvement gave the project the necessary impetus to restructure its operations and future development. 25% of the company belongs to its founder Klaus-Michael Koch, one of the pioneers of membrane construction. Both Yelena Baturina and Klaus-Michael Koch are currently active board members.