Emtelle has signed an agreement to build one of the world’s largest factories for the manufacture of fibre optic ducting and pre-connectorised solutions, in Abu Dhabi.
The Borders-based technology group will invest around £42m in the United Arab Emirates facility under a build-to-suit agreement with the Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD) Group.
The new facility is part of plans to meet demand from a growing customer base in the Middle East and Asia Pacific.
It should provide Emtelle with the opportunity to expand its manufacturing capacity and fibre deployment in the region, as well as boosting its presence in key markets including the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Iraq and Oman, as well as the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand.
At the facility, the company will operate machines to provide customers with micro-ducting, bundled ducting and pre-connected solutions for fibre-optic networks.
Tony Rodgers, chief executive of the Emtelle Group, said: “This is a huge statement of intent by Emtelle as we will have the manufacturing space needed to ramp up our capacity.
“In turn, this will significantly shorten supply chains and guarantee both existing and new customers security of supply.”
Sanjay Nischal, managing director for the Middle East and Asia Pacific at Emtelle, said: “This facility will export 95% of its manufactured products globally, leveraging the end-to-end infrastructure presented to us by KEZAD.
“Emtelle can now assist its customers to enhance the speed of deployment and the reliability of their fibre optic networks, especially when it comes to fibre-to-the-home deployment.”
Mohamed Al Khadar Al Ahmed, chief executive of Khalifa economic zones in Abu Dhabi for KEZAD Group, added: “The UAE has always been at the forefront of technological advancement in the region.
“Emtelle’s establishment of their central global hub in Abu Dhabi speaks volumes of KEZAD’s ability to connect businesses to the world.”
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