The Ma’an Development Company (MDC) has signed a deal with renowned Lebanese leather crafting and tanning producer, Albert’s Leather Crafting Company.

The tie-up will establish a leather crafting factory within the ’Industrial Park’ of the Ma’an Development Area (MDA).

MDC said the aim is to produce leather materials in accordance with international standards, exporting 80 per cent of its production and marketing the remaining 20 per cent locally in Jordan.

MDA is a subsidiary of the South Company for Construction and Development (SCCD).

The investment agreement signed by Elias Albert El Hajj, general manager of Albert’s Leather Crafting Company and Mohammed Turk, CEO of MDC, also outlines the establishment of the first expansion of Albert’s production plant outside of Lebanon, totaling an initial investment of $4.2 million.

The leather factory, that is expected to be up and running by the end of the fourth quarter of 2008, will provide around 100 new job opportunities, further contributing to the economic development of the region.

Albert’s Leather Crafting Company has been known throughout the Middle East as a leader in tanning and crafting of leather goods and materials since its founding in 1800, while its establishment of a factory in the Ma’an Development Area represents the company’s first venture outside of Lebanon. 

’MDA offers distinguished incentives, while providing a strategic location, complete infrastructure, and remarkably well thought-out investment laws for foreign investors,’ said El Hajj.

’We look forward to expanding our presence and investments in MDA by establishing in the near future other related factories catering to the production of furniture, shoes and clothing within the Industrial Park of MDA.’

Consisting of four complementary clusters namely a ’Residential Community’, an ’Industrial Park’, a ’Hajj Oasis’, and a ’Skill Development Center’, the Ma’an Development Area (MDA) is set to become a regional hub for industrial activity and a centre of excellence for vocational training, as well as a religious landmark for pilgrims on their way to the Holy cities, offering them the ideal environment for their rest, relaxation and prayer.

MDA will also be home to a thriving and self-sustained city providing its residents and visitors with a quality living and working environment to fulfill their potential. - TradeArabia News service