Leading flexible insulation foam provider Armacell has hosted a groundbreaking ceremony to signal the beginning of construction of its new Bahrain-based manufacturing facility.
The official ceremony was held in the presence of Bahraini government representatives at the Bahrain International Investment Park (BIIP).
Minister for Industry, Commerce and Tourism H.E. Zayed R. Al Zayani said: "Bahrain’s government has built a robust manufacturing and logistics sector, with world-class infrastructure and supportive reforms and policies in place.
"We are seeing more companies taking advantage of this business-friendly environment, and Armacell’s investment is a reflection of Bahrain’s strengths as regional hub for manufacturing and logistics. We look forward to supporting Armacell here in Bahrain and in the wider GCC."
Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) chief executive Khalid Al Rumaihi said: "Armacell is the latest in a long line of international manufacturing companies to base their regional operations in Bahrain.
"Bahrain remains the destination of choice for manufacturers who want to take advantage of the competitive benefits that our operating environment offers, such as the availability of a highly skilled local work force, low costs and our strategic location at the heart of the GCC."
Armacell International president and CEO Patrick Mathieu commented: "The greenfield construction of our own production site in Bahrain reinforces our commitment to the Gulf Region, strengthening our presence in this high-growth market where we have been operating since 2008.
"We are excited to begin our operations early next year, benefiting from Bahrain’s modern business environment, central location and world-class infrastructure."
EMEA vice-president Guillerme Huguen added: "The construction of our own production site in Bahrain is the logical next step to serve the continuously growing domestic demand in the Gulf ARMACELL – MAKING A DIFFERENCE AROUND THE WORLD Region.
"The EDB has been supporting us from the start in our endeavour and we are very pleased with the substantial progress we have made since the beginning of this year."
Starting production in 2018, the Armacell Group, through Armacell Middle East Company SPC, will manufacture a comprehensive range of products at the BIIP, including high-density materials and elastomeric insulation for heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems.
Establishing a manufacturing facility in Bahrain is part of Armacell’s goal to grow the group’s manufacturing footprint in the Gulf Region.
Located at the BIIP high-quality 247ha business park, the plant will initially provide approximately 100 jobs.
Armacell’s Middle East team has been active in the Gulf Region for a decade and is led Armacell Middle East Company SPC general manger Neville D’Souza.