DUBAI - Dubai Science Park, DSP, has announced that it welcomed Jotun Paints Group as the latest addition to its thriving business hub. DSP will be home to the company’s new regional headquarters and the only R&D laboratory in the Middle East.

The company has broken ground on the land plot where the new 230,000 square feet complex will be built. The ceremony drew the participation of Abdulla Belhoul, Chief Commercial Officer of TECOM Group, Marwan Abdulaziz Janahi, Managing Director of DSP, and Odd Gleditsch d.y., Chairman of the Board of Jotun, Morten Fon, President & CEO of Jotun Group, Esben Hersve, Vice President – Jotun MEIA Region and Herve Crozier, R&D Director Jotun MEIA Region.

Jotun Group’s regional R&D centre in Dubai will combine the existing three centres in the emirate in one umbrella location to meet the needs of clients across the Middle East, India and Africa. A total of 47 Jotun employees are currently engaged in research in the region, and this number is expected to reach 70 by 2030.

In line with Jotun Group’s brand identity, the sustainable and innovative building design will embody Scandinavian simplicity and modernity. Areas of focus will include product development, environment and sustainability. In addition to the regional headquarters and the R&D laboratory, the new complex will comprise pilot facilities for wet paint production and an application pilot line for powder coatings. The outdoor roof area will feature exposure panels for testing. Expected to open in Q4 2021, the centre will accommodate up to 230 employees.

Abdulla Belhoul said, "TECOM is committed to creating world-class business ecosystems. It is our belief that for true progress to happen, we must provide an environment that boosts productivity and encourages investment in research and development." Marwan Abdulaziz Janahi said, "With its state-of-the-art infrastructure and business-friendly framework, DSP seeks to attract leading research- and science-focused companies to develop this strategic sector in Dubai. As part of this priority, we are proud to welcome Jotun Group to DSP and look forward to a successful partnership." Morten Fon, President and CEO of Jotun Paints, said, "For the last four decades we have delivered innovative and high quality products and solutions to the region in our industry across our four segments: Decorative Paints, Protective Coatings, Marine Coatings, and Powder Coatings. Investing in the new regional headquarters & R&D Centre represents a significant business opportunity and development of the industry and a reflection of our commitment and support towards our region by creating career and development opportunities".

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