Friday, Jul 08, 2011
Gulf News
Dubai Global engineering giant General Electric (GE) yesterday unveiled its first full-fledged distribution centre in the Middle East in Dubai’s Jebel Ali Free Zone.
Spanning over 1,375 square metres, the GE Lighting distribution centre will serve as a strategic hub for the company to expand its presence in the UAE as well as strengthen exports to key markets in the Middle East and Africa.
Tamer Al Shaer, regional channel manager, GE Lighting, told Gulf News that the distribution centre will cover 50 per cent of Middle East supplies.
Logistics edge
He added: “With the region focused on infrastructure investments, there is a growing demand for intelligent and energy-efficient lighting solutions, which GE Lighting will bring quicker to our customers through this new distribution hub. Dubai’s superb logistics infrastructure with airline, shipping and road connectivity serves as a perfect fit for GE Lighting to establish its warehousing operation in the city.”
In the UAE, GE Lighting has been associated with several key initiatives including nearly 70 per cent of street lighting in Abu Dhabi, Al Shaer said.
UAE a major market
He added that while the GE sales in the GCC represent 17 per cent of the Middle East market, the UAE alone accounts for 30 per cent of GCC sales.
John Lancia, director of Government Affairs for GE in Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), said: “The opening of the new distribution centre in Dubai, a regional trade hub, underlines the commitment of GE to further strengthen its regional presence in the UAE. The distribution centre, which marks a key investment in the logistics sector of Dubai, will further drive exports and leverage Dubai’s strategic geographic location.
Khalid Al Boom, executive director, Investment Support and Promotions, Dubai FDI, the foreign investment promotion arm of the Department of Economic Development (DED), said: “One of the many outstanding features of Dubai as an investment destination is its ability to inspire innovations and grow them into successful business models. We are delighted to see energy majors like GE Lighting using the competitive investment platform in Dubai to launch path-breaking innovations of great significance to business and growth, both within and beyond the region.”
By Zaher Bitar?Staff Reporter
Gulf News 2011. All rights reserved.
