New state-of-art logistics centre in Jebel Ali Free Zone set to open in October as part of a major expansion programme
Dubai, 16 September 2007 - With more packaging in homes today than ever before, coupled with a regional population boom set to exceed global levels, Al-Bayader International, a regional pioneer in the fast growing disposable products market, has removed the wraps on an AED 80 million expansion programme.
The first phase of the expansion plan is well underway and comprises a new, AED 15 million, 15.000 square metre, state-of-the-art logistics facility, located in Jebel Ali Free Zone. Work is on schedule for completion by the end of October.
Nidal Haddad, CEO of the UAE-based company says the new premises will significantly improve the company's regional logistics and distribution capability and give a further boost to business which saw 2006 turnover increase 50 per cent on 2005.
"Our rapid growth from a supplier of foodstuff packaging into a provider of innovative packaging solutions, and a catalogue comprising in excess of 1,200 products, has put extreme pressure on our existing 12.000 square metre warehousing and distribution centres across the UAE," says Haddad. "The additional capacity provided by the new Jebel Ali facility will allow us to further improve logistics operations, reduce export costs, and ensure better service to our regional branches within GCC countries."
The project covers an area of 15,000 square meters and comprises extensive warehousing, loading and off-loading areas, parking and logistics management centre.
Another benefit will be that the facility will afford easier access to many more potential export destinations.
"Exports have been an integral part of our business from day one," says Haddad. "Our branches in Oman and Qatar have provided the springboard into the GCC and now we are looking further afield to other countries in the Middle East, North Africa, East Africa and Eastern Europe.
The branch in Qatar, which was opened in 2004, is currently being up-rated and transformed into a manufacturing centre extending over an area of 10,729 square metres. It will be operational in December 2007.
Al-Bayader's success has been built on providing customers with the highest standards in innovative packaging solutions, reliable service and partnerships built on excellence. The new facilities in Jebel Ali and Doha will enable new lines of products and services to be introduced before the end of the year.
Haddad says the potential for business growth throughout the Gulf region in particular, is very exciting as the population of around 36 million today is expected to grow by 40 per cent to 50 million by 2015.
"While the demographics of the region are changing so are people's lifestyles," he says. "The Arab region, and specifically the GCC countries, is known to have a young population. This increasingly affluent social group has adopted a more modern and quick approach to life, using convenience foods and international cuisine, through retail stores and food outlets.
"As a result there is more packaging in our homes today than ever before because the food we consume, more than any other product, is a reflection of our changing lifestyles and expectations as consumers," he adds.
Another reason for Haddad's upbeat appraisal of his business is the fact that the Gulf region accounts for more than 60% (2005) of total retail industry in the Middle East, where hypermarkets, superstores, and supermarkets account for half of food retail sales in UAE.
"Retail space is expected to treble in the GCC to more than 15 million square metres by 2016," he adds, "and there is a growing trend throughout the Middle East for shopping at modern retail formats, which have hypermarket anchor stores such as Carrefour, Geant and Panda who are among our biggest clients.
"Our manufacturing unit for Injection-moulded Plastic Products like "Crystal" Trays, Boxes, Microwavable Containers, and aluminum foil and cling film rewinding , has a production capacity of 2,000 tons of plastic and 3,000 tons of foil and film a year," concludes Haddad. "We are looking to further expand this unit and significantly increase our own production capacity. "
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About Al-Bayader International
Al Bayader International is one of the region's leading suppliers of food packaging and food disposable products in the Middle East.
Established in Dubai in 1990, as Al Bayader Kitchen Equipment L.L.C the company today has close on 300 business partners and manufacturers across the globe and boasts a catalogue of more than 1200 innovative packaging and disposable solutions.
The company operates from a custom-built Head Office in Sharjah which also comprises an 8000 square metre state-of-the-art warehouse and extensive showroom. Opened in 1998 this provided the springboard for a local and regional expansion programme at the turn of the century. More than 1000 trade and consumer customers are today served across the Middle East.
The company introduced manufacturing operations in the UAE in 2006 and this will be extended to Qatar in late 2007, in parallel with opening of new regional and export logistics hub in Jebel Ali in October 2007
Exports increased by more 50 per cent in 2006 compared to 2005 and the company has an ambitious export expansion programme which will target the Middle East, North Africa, East Africa and Central Asia.
For more information, please contact:
David Baker at Tel: 97150 650 3459,
e-mail: david@boroujconsulting.com,
Randa Mazzawi at Tel: 9714 3403005,
e-mail: randa@boroujconsulting.com
Issued by Borouj Consulting on behalf of Al Bayader International
For more information, please contact:
Randa Mazzawi at Tel: 971 50 450 6120,
e-mail: randa@boroujconsulting.com,
David Baker at Tel: +971 50 650 3459,
e-mail: david@boroujconsulting.com
Borouj Consulting Office: + 9714 340 3005
© Press Release 2007
