FINE to inaugurate expanded manufacturing and office facility in the UAE by end of 2004

The new facility is being set up on a 58,542 square meter plot, which is nearly 400% more in area than its current location. Once operational, it is expected to result in an immediate 25% increase in conversion of tissue paper and other hygienic paper products. The company has projected a rise in revenue of nearly 10 to 12 percent by the end of 2004, due to the increased production capacity.

The expanded operations will enable FINE to meet the rising demand for hygienic paper products across the GCC, except in Saudi Arabia, where the company already has several factories. The new facilities will also help the company to pursue its expansion plans for the Subcontinent and East Africa, as well as other export markets over the next decade. The Jebel Ali business unit will conduct manufacturing, warehousing and administrative activities.

"FINE Hygienic Paper is currently the market leader in the paper tissue segment in the family and away-from-home sector. Our current share in the facial tissue market in the UAE stands at 27%. Driven by strong demand from consumers, we have launched this major expansion drive to increase our production for the UAE, which is a key market for us. The increased production should see us increase our annual revenue by nearly 10 to 12% by the end of 2004," said Peter Janho, General Manager, FINE Hygienic Paper FZE.

"The facial tissue market in the UAE is dominated by two or three key players although several other tissue paper converters also operate in an increasingly competitive market. At FINE, hygiene standards are a top priority and being a trusted name among households and enterprises across the region, FINE has displayed strong commitment to hygiene-friendly systems and machinery while processing tissue paper. We are the first company in our industry to achieve dual certification to the ISO 9001 and 14001 standards. We have also recently implemented a cutting-edge Oracle-based ERP system for financials and manufacturing, to help streamline our operations and increase overall efficiency. The new facility will incorporate even more environment friendly practices that demonstrate our commitment to internationally recognized environmental standards," said Janho.

"We will also be setting up an extensive Research and Development (R&D) facility to introduce new and innovative products to boost our market share. Some of the innovations we have recently introduced include FINE Oud facial tissues, which are delicately scented with the traditional Arabic fragrance of oud. Newer innovations in the diaper and away-from-home segments will also be developed at the new facility," added Janho.