Bano Puratos, a leading Belgian-Lebanese manufacturer and supplier of raw materials, utensils and machinery for the chocolate, ice cream, bakery and pastry industries, has announced plans to double its monthly production capacity at its plant in Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone) from 300 tonnes to 600 tonnes in 2022 and later hit 900 tonnes by 2023.

 

Earlier last year, Pano Puratos had established the region’s largest production facility in the SAIF Zone with investments estimated at AED20 million ($5.4 million).

 

SAIF Zone affirmed that the company’s expansion plans in Sharjah reflected the quality of facilities and privileges being provided by the free zone, which is widely known for its unique business environment conducive for business growth and expansion, state-of-the-art infrastructure, world-class logistics services, strategic location and proximity to airports and global markets.

 

Leading a high-profile delegation from the free zone, Saud Salim Al Mazrouei, Director of SAIF Zone, visited the 17,250 sq-ft Bano factory, lauding the quality of products manufactured by the company. 

 

"The growing interest of international companies to base their operations in Sharjah, particularly in the SAIF Zone, proves once again that our attractive facilities, exceptional services and privileges are unparalleled and can effectively support the aspirations of businesses in achieving their economic goals," he stated.

 

"Despite the modernity of its factory, Bano decided to further expand its operations, something which highlights the efficiency of investments in SAIF Zone," said  Al Mazrouei. 

 

"This also means the company will be better equipped to meet the growing demand on its products and solutions associated with the food industry not only locally but also in regional markets,” he added. 

 

Rayan Mohsen, Director-General of Bano Puratos in the UAE, said: "The company’s investments in Sharjah come as part of an integrated plan aimed at keeping pace with the growing demand for its products and expanding its operations to the western markets."

 

"Bano’s production facility in SAIF Zone commenced operations last February and is fully automated," explained Mohsen.

 

Founded in 1995 in Lebanon under the name of Bano, the company signed a joint-venture agreement in 2019 with the  Belgian Puratos  Group and since then it was renamed Bano Puratos. It is now operating in Lebanon, the UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain and Jordan. 

 

The company said next year, it will open a training academy in the UAE for workers and specialists, by attracting an elite group of chefs specialized in bakeries and pastries.

 

"The SAIF Zone plant has been equipped with the latest storage, preservation and transportation technologies in accordance with the highest international and local standards in terms of effective safety, specifications and health requirements," he noted. 

 

The factory produces materials used in the manufacture of cakes, muffins, and baked goods and currently employs about 40 workers and technicians. 

 

"It houses a research laboratory to measure and develop the quality of products and provide innovative solutions for the bakery industry and is currently working on developing nutritional solutions for organic products, and gluten-free products," he added.-TradeArabia News Service