Leather Crafting Factory Established in the "Industrial Park" of the Ma'an Development Area
Marking yet another step by the South Company for Construction and Development (SCCD) to attract investment and stimulate economic and social development in the South of Jordan, an investment agreement was signed between the Ma’an Development Company (MDC), a subsidiary of SCCD, and the renowned Lebanese leather crafting and tanning producer, Albert’s Leather Crafting Company, to establish a leather crafting factory within the “Industrial Park” of the Ma’an Development Area (MDA).
The investment agreement signed by Mr. Elias Albert El Hajj, General Manager of Albert’s Leather Crafting Company and Mr. Mohammed Turk, CEO of MDC, outlines the establishment of the first expansion of Albert’s production plant outside of Lebanon, totaling an initial investment of USD 4.2 million. The leather crafting factory in Ma’an will produce leather materials in accordance with international standards, aiming to export 80% of its production and market the remaining 20% locally in Jordan.
The leather factory, that is expected to be up and running by the end of the fourth quarter of 2008, will provide around 100 new job opportunities, further contributing to the economic development of the region.
Albert’s Leather Crafting Company has been known throughout the Middle East as a leader in tanning and crafting of leather goods and materials since its founding in 1800, while its establishment of a factory in the Ma’an Development Area represents the company’s first venture outside of Lebanon.
During the signing ceremony, Mr. El Hajj said: “Based on our market research and studies we are glad to be taking this step in growing our business through the establishment of our new factory in Ma’an. MDA offers distinguished incentives, while providing a strategic location, complete infrastructure, and remarkably well thought-out investment laws for foreign investors.” El Hajj added: “We look forward to expanding our presence and investments in MDA by establishing in the near future other related factories catering to the production of furniture, shoes and clothing within the Industrial Park of MDA.”
Consisting of four complementary clusters namely a “Residential Community”, an “Industrial Park”, a “Hajj Oasis”, and a “Skill Development Center”, the Ma’an Development Area (MDA) is set to become a regional hub for industrial activity and a centre of excellence for vocational training, as well as a religious landmark for pilgrims on their way to the Holy cities, offering them the ideal environment for their rest, relaxation and prayer. MDA will also be home to a thriving and self-sustained city providing its residents and visitors with a quality living and working environment to fulfill their potential.
