Danube opens new Dh50m Jebel Ali industrial facility

Shaikha Lubna Al Qasimi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, inaugurated Danube Group’s state-of-the-art industrial complex and warehouse unit at Technopark, the high-tech industry zone in Jebel Ali, on Thursday. The facility oversees an investment of Dh50 million, which has been made at an economically challenging time that will help create at least 100 direct jobs and support hundreds of indirect employment. Moreover, the industrial unit will help reduce the construction industry’s dependence on imported finished products as these will be custom-manufactured in the complex. Strategically located to cater to GCC markets, the industrial complex is spread across a total area of 450,000sqm and will accommodate an increase in inventory and expanded shipping functions. The facility, integrated with a warehouse management system, features value-addition units measuring 150,000sqm. This comprises a melamine pressing unit, steel cut and bend unit, decor unit (veneer pressing unit), development unit, ceiling tiles manufacturing unit, and distribution unit, in addition to a warehouse unit measuring 300,000sqm. Being a manufacturing unit for major construction and building materials, the new complex will serve as an advantage for local traders facilitating easy availability of customised goods thereby saving them the time and cost in importing the same. “Since establishing its presence here in Dubai nearly 20 years ago, Danube has grown into one of the largest building materials companies in the region. By positioning its key manufacturing and logistics activities at the Jebel Ali Free Zone, Danube will be able to tap the strategic location, business amenities and resources of this world-class industrial community,” said Shaikha Lubna. The inauguration takes place at a time when the UAE’s real estate and construction sectors have begun to bounce back to growth, with major developers having re-started development activities. In the GCC region, Dh1.79 trillion ($489.39 billion) worth of projects are currently under construction, while Dh299.1 billion worth of projects are in the tendering phase, according to a latest report by online project tracker BNC Networks. Additionally, Dh459.58 billion worth of projects are in the design phase, while Dh974.29 billion are in the initial planning and concept phase, the report said. “With a long-term strategic plan, the new investment demonstrates our commitment to delivering a broad range of innovative logistics solutions throughout the country. Additionally, the facility will see an introduction to new units, thereby leveraging the growth of the industry and creating job opportunities therefore boosting the economy on a whole. The strategic location of our new state-of-the-art distribution facility will help us cater to a diverse set of customers and facilitate a cost-efficient logistics structure to handle the anticipated increase in product volume in the next few years,” said Rizwan Sajan, chairman of the Danube Group. From : Khalij