5,000-sqm facility takes advantage of DWC's purpose-built aviation and logistics infrastructure to serve Middle East and African markets

Dubai, UAE; November 26, 2011: H.E. Eng. Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori, UAE Minister of Economy, has inaugurated the new regional headquarters of Schaefer Systems International (SSI), one of the world's largest total solutions provider and components manufacturer of high quality product systems, at the Dubai World Central (DWC), a purpose-built aerotropolis and a strategic initiative of the Government of Dubai.

The inauguration was attended by Rudolf Keller, CEO of SSI Schaefer; Brian Miles, SSI Schaefer Managing Director Asia Pacific and MEA; Matthias Hoewer, General Manager, SSI Schaefer Middle East & Africa; Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman, Dubai Aviation City Corporation; and Rashed Bu Qara'a, Chief Operation Officer, Dubai Aviation City Corporation. Also present were representatives from various governmental institutions, Etihad Airways, Emirates Bank, and senior executives of other international Schaefer offices.

Rudolf Keller, CEO, SSI Schaefer, said: "The Middle East and Africa region is an important growth market for SSI Schaefer and will be a key focus area of our global expansion program. The transfer of our headquarters to Dubai World Central is an important move that gives us greater flexibility to pursue our grow plans in the region. Dubai World Central provides all the business and logistics facilities that we require, adding momentum to our ongoing expansion program in the Middle East and Africa. Moreover, we look forward to serving the government and semi-government sectors in particular and the UAE in general, as we shed light on the proper solutions for logistics systems."

Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman, Dubai Aviation City Corporation, said: "The inauguration of the new SSI Schaefer headquarters manifests the strategic importance of Dubai World Central as key aviation and logistics hub for global manufacturers. Dubai World Central opens new possibilities for companies to expand their geographical reach, while enhancing operational efficiency and overall productivity. We are very pleased to contribute to Schaefer's continuing success and growth in the region."

Rashed Bu Qara'a, Chief Operation Officer, Dubai Aviation City Corporation, said: "Dubai World Central has generated strong interest from global companies such as SSI Schaefer that are looking to strengthen their presence and market reach in the Middle East, Africa and Asian markets. Our partnership with Schaefer also demonstrates the distinct ability of Dubai World Central to cater to the specific demands of businesses from diverse industries through a multimodal platform for aviation and logistics sectors."

Taking advantage of Dubai World Central's purpose-built aviation and logistics infrastructure, the 5,000-square meter SSI Schaefer headquarters will serve the entire breadth of Middle East and African markets.

SSI Schaefer is the world leading supplier in Intra-Logistics and Racking / Shelving Systems (Storage Equipment) with more than 50 subsidiaries worldwide. Founded in 1937 in Germany by Fritz Schaefer, SSI Schaefer currently employs over 9,000 people in 16 factories around the world.

Dubai World Central is one of the most important and strategic projects launched by the Government of Dubai. It has been developed to meet the present and future needs of Dubai's aviation, tourism, trade and logistics sectors.

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About Dubai World Central (DWC):
Dubai World Central (DWC) is a strategic initiative of the government of Dubai that strongly positions the emirate as a leading international trade centre. Recognised as the Middle East's first aerotropolis, Dubai World Central is one of the most ambitious projects of its kind in the world comprising the new Al Maktoum International Airport, set to be the world's largest in volume and size upon completion, and the adjacent specialized free zones focused on logistics sectors and aviation industries.

DWC occupies an area of 140 square kilometres in Jebel Ali and is in close proximity to Jebel Ali Sea Port, the sixth largest container terminal in the world. In addition to the dedicated link to Jebel Ali Sea Port, DWC's unique multimodal capabilities are supported by links to all main motorways in the country and the Al Maktoum International Airport, which once complete will handle up to 120 million passengers and 12 million tons of air cargo per year. The airport will also serve as the main gateway to aviation and logistics companies that have already chosen DWC as their base for logistics.

For more information visit www.dwc.ae

About Schaefer Systems International:
SSI Schaefer is one of the world's largest total solutions provider and components manufacturer of high-quality product systems for storage and production equipment; office equipment; waste management and recycling; general contracting; planning, logistics and service provider; and order picking and conveyor technology. Founded in 1937, the family-owned German company distributes its products across a wide range of industries, including trade and industry, services, local authorities, research centres and management, right through to the end-consumer. SSI Schaefer has 16 production sites on three continents, and is represented in over 50 countries worldwide.

For more information visit www.ssi-schaefer.ae

For more information, please contact:
Orient Planet PR & Marketing Communications
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© Press Release 2011