Dubai, February 01, 2009: New Zealand based Pultron Composites has started building the first pultrusion factory in Dubai at the Jebel Ali Free Zone as part of its expansion plans in the region. The company serves the construction industry through world class pultrusion technology which transforms fibre and specialty resins into reinforced materials with high strength, light weight, corrosive and electrical resistant properties for use in harsh environments where corrosion can dramatically limit the lifespan of steel.
The company which has been operating in the GCC markets for the last six years and has received support from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), is fast expanding its operations in the region which is known for its corrosive climatic conditions.
Wayne Mikkelsen, NZTE's Dubai-based Trade Commissioner, commented: "New Zealand companies with their innovative approach and strong capabilities in research are making headway in the region's construction industry. The significant corrosion problems in this region due to climatic conditions have resulted in strong demand for pultrusion services and with their new factory in Dubai, Pultron will be able to serve the market in a fast and efficient manner."
Pultron's purpose built factory in Dubai is part of the company's strategy to better serve its customer base in UAE, KSA, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman.
Pultron Composites Middle East general manager Dr. Salwan Al-Assafi says the company has increased its staff in the region in the past two years and expects to make significant staff increases in the coming year. This includes specialist sales engineers with industry specific knowledge.
"Next year is predicted to be slower than originally forecast because of the economic downturn but Pultron is continuing to invest in the Middle East because there will continue to be underlying growth in our specific sector and the corrosion problems will not go away," says Dr. Al-Assafi.
Recently the company won a grant for US$ 1.2 million from the New Zealand Government's Foundation for Research, Science and Technology. The funding will deliver a new platform of technologies for Pultron, providing greater intellectual capability and technical know-how that can be applied across its entire business.
The investment will also help provide the platform for Pultron to grow rapidly from a New Zealand manufacturer to a company with significant operation in the Middle East and Asia.
The pultrusion factory is being built by the construction firm FNC.
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About New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) is the New Zealand government's national economic development agency. It works to stimulate economic growth by helping to boost export earnings, strengthen regional economies, and deliver economic development assistance to industries and individual businesses. Through its global network of offices NZTE works with international businesses and investors, connecting them to New Zealand business opportunities. NZTE's focus is on industries and sectors where New Zealand has a long-term competitive advantage on world markets, and on businesses with high-growth potential.
For more information on New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, visit: www.nzte.govt.nz or www.marketnewzealand.com
Editorial contact:
Lisa George/Meral Hassan,
ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller,
Dubai.
Tel: 009714 3344550.
E-mail: l.george@asdaa.com/m.hassan@asdaa.com
© Press Release 2009
