Germany-based Armacell, a global leader in flexible foam for the equipment insulation market and a leading provider of engineered foams, has officially opened its new manufacturing facility in Bahrain.

Bahraini government representatives and Armacell executives attended the ceremonial opening in the Bahrain International Investment Park (BIIP).

Production at the Bahraini site has launched immediately. When fully operational, 60,000-cu m of technical insulation foam will be produced per year in Bahrain, providing a wide range of insulation solutions for the domestic market, including high-density materials and elastomeric insulation for heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems, it said.

Operating from the Bahrain International Investment Park, Armacell expands the company’s footprint in the Gulf region, initially creating more than 100 jobs, said a statement from the company.

Zayed R Alzayani, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, said: “Bahrain’s government is committed to creating an environment that attracts and supports the leading companies in the world.”

“We will continue to collaborate with leading companies to anchor high value-added manufacturing, adopt advanced manufacturing technologies and equip our people with the requisite skillsets. Our partnership with Armacell is a good example of how we are doing this,” he said.

Khalid Al Rumaihi, chief executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board, said: “Armacell today joins a growing list of leading manufacturing firms that have chosen Bahrain as the base for their regional operations.”

“Its decision is symbolic of the faith and confidence in Bahrain’s rapidly-growing manufacturing sector, one of the key drivers of the nation’s Vision 2030 economic diversification plans. We are delighted to see Armacell benefit from the tremendous business incentives and cost efficiencies of doing business here,” he added.

Patrick Mathieu, president and chief executive officer of the Armacell Group, said: “We are proud to announce the completion of our new green field site in Bahrain. This state-of-the-art manufacturing facility strengthens our commitment to the Gulf region and will serve as our regional trading hub.”

“I would like to thank all the parties involved in making this project a success and am looking forward to leveraging centuries of trading history of the Bahraini people and its favourable logistical location going forward,” he added.

Guillerme Huguen, vice president – Europe Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Armacell, said:
“We are excited to go live with our new manufacturing facility in Bahrain and to further develop our presence in the Middle East.”

“I would like to thank our partners EBD (Economic Development of Bahrain) and BIIP (Bahrain International Investment Park) for their support over the last 18 months,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service