Technology giant Siemens, one of the world's leading companies, is poised to invest millions in Bahrain.

Siemens is helping set up a major Middle East centre for regional and global metal producers - and has chosen Bahrain as the best location.

Its Bahrain offshoot, Siemens WLL, is linking up with Unitag and pumping in an initial $5.6 million to create Siemens VAI Manufacturing, to provide world-class equipment and services for metal producers in the Gulf and internationally.

High-quality customised products for the steel and aluminium industries, along with repair services and expertise, will be available.

A 25,000 square metre site has been chosen at Baytik Industrial Oasis, and Siemens will be its first tenant.

The high-tech venture will also create an initial 20 jobs for Bahrainis, with the potential for many more.

Chief executive Marek Szymanek said that business-friendly Bahrain with its low energy costs, brilliant location and manpower advantages, placed it top of the list over countries like the UAE and Qatar.

'The idea to set up such a complex was mooted about two years ago,' said Szymanek.

'But what really swung it for us was the skills and mindset of Bahrainis.

'We will hopefully recruit an initial 20 job-seekers and school-leavers with a view to placing them in a training programme, supported by Tamkeen for nine months,' he said.

They will learn mechanical skills, alongside experts from Europe, together with welding techniques, machining, drilling and sandblasting.

Once up and running, this plant, the first of its kind in the Middle East, will receive goods from steel and aluminium industries for repair, and also be able to manufacture vital components for customers in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE - and also steel mills in Iran. Major interest has also already been shown by Indonesia.

'Until now, customers have had to send components to the Far East, Europe or the US. But basing ourselves in Bahrain will not only cut energy costs, but also shipping times, which in turn means less production lost.'

A crack field service unit is also being put together. This team of specialists will visit customers to make on-site repairs and provide technical advice.

'There are a lot of steel and aluminium producers in the region, and others from outside are homing in, attracted by low energy costs,' added Szymanek.

Jamil Wafa, chairman of Unitag and Siemens Supervisory Board, said that the new centre is being set up with expansion very much in mind - depending on the support of Bahrain's government.

'Siemens is dedicated to helping Bahrain's economy grow. It employs 500,000 people around the world, building and advising on everything from hospitals to oil and gas exploration and development.'

He pointed out that Bahrain has long been a pioneer centre for development and growth in the Gulf region, backed by innovative thinking that has fuelled the nation's progress.

'Today, that same demand for innovation lies at the heart of infrastructure building in the kingdom, and thanks to the foresight of Siemens and Unitag to create a joint venture partnership, Siemens Bahrain is committed to offering a high standard of technology in the region,' he said.

Over the years Siemens has helped build power plants, healthcare facilities, industrial plants, automated public and private buildings, and were instrumental in creating the first Formula One circuit in Bahrain.

Szymanek added that the company is initially committed to 50 per cent Bahrainisation and promoting more jobs in the future, helping Bahrain's economy flourish, and hence its future.

'Since our founding here in 2004, Siemens has been at the forefront of providing innovative technology for Bahrain.

'From the adrenaline-pumping Bahrain International Circuit and the cutting-edge CathLabs at Bahrain Defence Force's Cardiac Centre, to the energy-efficient Al Ezzel Power Plant, we have played a key role in using technological expertise to support the kingdom's growth,' he said.

'No business can survive without the support and trust of clients and partners. Likewise, our long-standing relationships in Bahrain stand testimony to our commitment to responsible and ethical business.

'We look forward to continuing to play a positive and active role in bringing innovative infrastructure to support Bahrain's ambitions.'-TradeArabia News Service