Industry, Logistics & Shipping

Universal Carton unveils big expansion plans for RAK facility

Universal Carton Industries (UCI), one of UAE’s leading corrugated cardboard box manufacturing companies located in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ), plans to invest AED55 million (   ) to boost its production volumes to meet the growing demand.
 
The new 375,000-sq-ft facility is scheduled for completion next year. Once operational, it will increase UCI’s production capacity by threefold to 100,000 tonnes per annum.
 
The company, which initially began operations in 2014 at Al Ghail Industrial Zone, is also aiming to increase its manpower to 300 employees.
 
On the expansion plans, Managing Director Arsalan Pirani, said: "With the extension of our European food grade corrugation plant in Ras Al Khaimah, modern equipment and innovative technologies, we will have achieved an unparalleled production capacity and set off on our journey to becoming the pioneers of sustainable packaging solutions."
 
"Once it’s completed, we will not just be able to diversify our share in the UAE and GCC, but also target new strategic global markets," he stated.
 
Chief Operating Officer Saleem Vohra, highlighting RAKEZ’s support in their growth journey, said:  "The economic zone has been our guide since the very beginning, providing us with tremendous support in our setting up phase in the UAE. They assisted us in obtaining approvals from various governmental entities and efficiently set up our company in less than a week. Throughout the years, Rakez has provided us with continuous support in successfully growing our business."
 
Rakez Group CEO Ramy Jallad said: "We are thrilled to be the trusted base for Universal Carton Industries and witness another great milestone for the company. It has been a great collaborative journey."
 
"UCI is a great example of the many high-growth companies we have in Ras Al Khaimah that benefit from the expert support we provide to facilitate their journeys. This support, combined with Ras Al Khaimah’s cost-effective business operating environment, helps international companies truly maximise the advantage of growing opportunities in the Mena region," he added.-TradeArabia News Service