As part of its new QR17 million (US$4.7 million) productions and logistics facility, scheduled for completion in the new Doha Industrial Area next year, Al Bayader International, has commissioned two new production units. The Expandable Polystyrene (EPS) production lines started turning out a range of disposable products for the Qatar market earlier this month. The sheet line extrusion facility with vacuum forming is producing among others, trays, lunchboxes and plates, while the EPS universal moulding unit is manufacturing cups.
The high tech and versatile units consist of 26 different moulds together with their respective cutting dies facilitating the production of a wide range of products, such as plain and super absorbent trays in a variety of colors. These products are destined for an ever-diverse array of industries in Qatar, from hotels to airlines and supermarkets to restaurants, including internationally recognised brands such as Carrefour, Lulu, Nandos, Albert Abela Catering...
Al Bayader's Branch Manager in Doha, Oussama Ramadan, says work on the new facility is on schedule and going very smoothly. As a result the decision was made to initiate production of EPS line-up earlier than planned, due to growing demand in Qatar.
"Both units are fully automated and therefore ensure the highest levels of hygiene," he said. "Furthermore, the units are environmentally friendly, with all waste emanating from the process being crushed, pelletized and re-integrated into the system."
Currently situated in a temporary building, these two units will eventually be re-installed and integrated into the EPS foam thermoforming production factory within the QR17 million, 11,000m2 complex, which will also comprise warehouses, offices and a showroom.
Ramadan says that the up-rating of the company's operations in Qatar will take Al Bayader on another big step forward in its conversion from a simple distribution unit into a manufacturing and distribution centre. "This new facility will provide the company with 20 per cent off its total requirement of packaging products for the region – not just Qatar," he said. "Furthermore, by having the factory within the same complex, our logistics and distribution channels will be significantly improved.
"Al Bayader is committed to the Qatar market, which presents significant growth opportunities," he added. "Our investment in the new facility further reinforces the message to customers that we are not just a supplier of foodstuff packaging. Nowadays, our customers in Qatar require innovative packaging solutions, and we are striving to further improve our offering by significantly investing in new facilities to meet the growing demand from a fast growing local as well as regional population."
