Fujitsu Siemens opens Dubai regional assembly plant

The new facility will enable Fujitsu Siemens Computers to deliver PCs anywhere in the Middle East within an average of five to eight days - nearly 50% faster than the present industry standard. The components will be shipped from Germany and other locations around the globe to Dubai, where the PCs will be assembled.

The assembly plant is the cornerstone of a first-of-its-kind agreement between the European I.T. giant and PWC Logistics, a global provider of integrated supply chain solutions, to deliver complete end-to-end solutions to its regional customers.

"The opening of this facility strengthens Dubai's status as a business and I.T. hub," said Sheikh Al Nahyan. "It is a market leading investment that underlines the confidence that Fujitsu Siemens Computers has in the regional I.T. market."

Bin Thaniah said: "This is another example of how JAFZ is contributing to the diversification of the UAE economy."

The new assembly plant is modelled on the Fujitsu Siemens Computers' ultra-modern German production facility in Augsburg which has just been awarded the prestigious Factory of the Year/GEO 2005 award in the "Country Champion" category.

The UAE factory, which boasts the same technology, operating procedures, methodology and quality control as its German counterpart, will be managed by senior Fujitsu Siemens Computers' staff trained in Augsburg.

"A sizeable investment in the Middle East, the opening of this plant highlights our continuing commitment to our region-wide customers," said Habib Bouchrara, Vice President, Middle East, Africa and Turkey, Fujitsu Siemens Computers. "This is a landmark deal for Fujitsu Siemens Computers and will help to support our German facilities, ensuring that we deliver the extremely high levels of quality that are expected of us faster and more efficiently to the market."

With a capacity of 100,000 PCs a year, Fujitsu Siemens Computers says the assembly plant will play an important strategic role in bolstering the company's market share in a region which was the fastest growing for the company in the 2005 Fiscal Year.

"The Middle East is a key market for Fujitsu Siemens Computers which recorded over 50% growth in 2005. The opening of this facility is a major milestone in our continued development in the region," said Bouchrara.

Fujitsu Siemens Computers has also earmarked the assembly plant to be an important facility for training UAE nationals and is a sizeable investment in the development of the indigenous workforce.

"This plant is a solid commitment to the country and its people and is an important step in guaranteeing the prospect of having UAE nationals within our company," added Bouchrara.

PWC Logistics will be responsible for the delivery of all components from Germany and elsewhere, as well as the transportation of finished products throughout the Middle East.

"This partnership leverages our complete range of services such as freight, transportation, warehousing, assembly, order fulfilment and distribution," said Tarek Sultan, PWC Logistics Chairman and Managing Director, who was also present at the opening.

"To be involved in creating a completely unique, integrated service solution for the region with one of the most respected I.T. industry players, signals our growing stature as a truly global logistics player."