Bell Racing Helmets to move operations to Bahrain
Manama, April 8, 2014
More than 100 jobs are to be created as a result of a decision by world-leading race helmet manufacturer Bell Racing Helmets to relocate its global research and development and manufacturing operations to Bahrain.
The deal was signed on the sidelines of the final day of racing at the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.
Bell's new high-tech facility will be built within the grounds of Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) in Sakhir.
It will be part of a one million sq m plot of land earmarked for development projects, which aims to attract major motorsport-related businesses to the track.
"We are delighted that a world-leading name such as Bell has decided to come and base itself at the BIC, which underlines our position as the home of Motorsport in the Middle East," said BIC chairman Zayed Al Zayani.
"The aim of our new commercial development plan is to attract more motorsport-related businesses to the BIC, so that we can build on our position as a great motorsports venue to also become a hub of innovation and excellence."
Bell Racing Helmets chief executive Martine Kindt said the new facility was expected to start production in 2015 and existing staff from Belgium, Italy and China will relocate to Bahrain.
"We are hugely excited about moving our operations to a country where the passion for motorsport is tangible everywhere," she said.
"The motorsport facilities at the BIC, combined with the business-friendly environment were also a major draw for us.
"We thank the BIC for this great opportunity and look forward to working with the team, who share our passion for racing, innovation and performance."
Bell supplies helmets to many of the world's leading drivers, including F1 stars Scuderia Toro Rosso's Jean-Eric Vergne, Sauber F1's Esteban Gutierrez, Lotus F1's Pastor Maldonado and Romain Grosjean and Caterham F1's Marcus Ericsson.
They also produce karting, rallying and GT racing helmets. - TradeArabia News Service
