Nasser Bin Abdullatif Alserkal Establishment, the sole importer and distributor of Bridgestone brand tyres for Dubai and the Northern Emirates within the UAE, in partnership with Dubai Municipality, has broken ground on its modern 52,000-sq-ft facility in Dubai.

The Dh10-million ($2.72 million) Alserkal Bridgestone Truck Tyre Centre is part of Alserkal’s strategic retail expansion plan and will be built within the truck and heavy equipment market in the Al Ruwwaya area of Dubai, said the company in a statement.

The ground-breaking ceremony was attended by officials from Nasser Bin Abdullatif Alserkal Establishment including vice chairman Ahmad Bin Eisa Alserkal and director for retail and marketing Tariq Al Rasheed besides Dubai Municipality officials - Ahmed Abdul Karim, the assistant director general for public support, Jumaa Al Fakaii, the director of property management department, Faisal Al Badiaoui, the director of market management, Omar Abdulrahman, the head of investment department, and senior executive of Bridgestone Middle East and Africa region.

As per recent industry reports, the truck market sales in the UAE is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of eight per cent until 2021.

Industry analysts have dubbed the launch of Alserkal Bridgestone Truck Tyre Centre as both timely and strategic, as it is expected to cater to the increasing demand for a professional trucking centre and facility for the UAE.

The new centre, which is up for completion by the end of the first quarter of 2018, will be staffed with certified and highly-experienced trucking maintenance managers and technicians - in full compliance of set international standards and best practices in heavy vehicle maintenance, said the statement.

On the new project, Abdul Karim, said: "Dubai Municipality is happy to partner with Nasser Bin Abdullatif Alserkal Establishment for the development of a modern and innovative truck centre in Al Ruwwaya3."

"The centre is expected to add positive value in the continuing efforts to provide excellent, safe, healthy, environment-friendly and accessible services, which in turn, will further reinforce the strategic vision of Dubai Municipality towards sustainability, development of strategic partnerships and the efficient management of financial assets," he added.

Al Fakaii pointed out that this new centre, once completed, will be the first-ever truck and heavy equipment facility that will combine all trucks and heavy vehicles in one location.

"The transport and commercial movement for import and re-export of trucks and heavy equipment will continue its growth for the trucking and heavy equipment segment, accompanied by a continuously increasing demand for a facility that can service and address all trucking needs of heavy vehicles passing through Dubai's roads," he added.

Alserkal said the new facility will house a truck wash, repair facility and a registration and insurance counter providing a complete solution to private, fleet and transport companies.

The Alserkal Bridgestone Truck Tyre Centre will also be offering preventive maintenance services for trucks and trailers, which include oil, lube and filter service; DOT annual inspections; electrical repairs for lights, charging and starting; brake adjustments, repair and replacements; wheel-end work; and minor body repair services.

On its partnership with Dubai Municipality, Alserkal said: "It represents a strategic retail investment that will help Bridgestone and Nasser Bin Abdullatif Alserkal grow faster across a very dynamic transportation sector.

"Over the years, we have enjoyed strong partnerships with both Bridgestone and Dubai Municipality and the establishment of this new trucking centre will allow us the opportunity to further reinforce our ties and help drive in more growth," he added.

Al Rasheed said Alserkal Bridgestone Truck Tyre Centre is being positioned as the first one-stop showcase for truck owners and transport companies.

"With a total of 148 rentals from the Dubai Municipality as well as the owners of trucks and transport companies outside the market, which will help meet the growing expectations of transporters on quality products and services," he added.-TradeArabia News Service