Second phase of Al-Bayader International $22m expansion programme unveiled at Gulfood 2008

The company has signed a contract for the construction of a new $4.6m, 11,0002 complex in Qatar, comprising offices, production and logistics facilities in the new Doha Industrial Area.

The investment follows the opening last December, of a $4m, 15,000 square metre, state-of-the-art logistics facility, located in Jebel Ali Free Zone in Dubai.

Al Bayader International's CEO, Nidal Haddad says the company has, in recent years, transformed from a supplier of foodstuff packaging into a provider of innovative packaging solutions, with a catalogue more than 900 products, and will continue its investment programme in areas such as buildings, manufacturing equipment and transport.

"With such a large product base and a fast-growing client list, extreme pressure was being placed on the old warehousing and distribution centres across the region," says Haddad.

"The additional capacity provided by the Qatar and Jebel Ali facilities will allow us to further improve logistics operations, increase our own production capacity and afford easier access to many more potential export destinations.

Qatar was one of Al Bayader's first Regional Branches, commencing operations in 2004 and the new Doha facility, which comprises an EPS foam thermoforming production factory, warehouses, offices and a showroom, is expected to be completed in early 2009.

Haddad says that business in Qatar has been forging ahead at a strong and consistent pace over the past few years, prompting the decision to upgrade the company's operations.

"At present we operate from rented offices & warehouses," he explains. "The new facility will add a new dimension to the business by transforming us into a manufacturing and distribution centre."

Haddad says the complex will see the introduction of high speed extruding and thermoforming production line for the manufacture of EPS boxes, trays and tableware.

With more packaging in homes today than ever before, coupled with a regional population boom set to exceed global levels, Al-Bayader International, will be even better placed to meet the needs of consumers for the long term future.