Gulf Construction Online - VK Universal takes on industrial role

Bahrain Review

Labour accommodation at the Universal Industrial Park in Lhassay ... a VK Universal Group project.

VK Universal takes on industrial role

01 January 2013

The VK Universal Group, a key player in Bahrain’s construction arena, has stepped into industrial development with the establishment of the Universal Industrial Park.

The project, which covers approximately 280,000 sq m in Bahrain’s prime heavy industries belt opposite Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), enjoys easy access, being in close proximity to the main road, which enhances its appeal to investors who can tap into the infrastructural support offered by Bahrain.

“In recent times, the kingdom has invested in upgrading its industrial infrastructure to include world-class facilities such as Prince Khalifa Port and industrial areas. The Universal Industrial Park in Lhassay near Alba will complement these facilities, where investors can look at storage and warehousing, factories for light industries, offices and labour accommodation,” says Varghese Kurian, group chairman.

He says investors can lease the land from VK Universal Group, the promoter, and be assured of great connectivity and an environment geared towards industrial needs. “The land is ready for leasing for any new industrial venture and investors can lease it in different sizes to suit all needs,” he says.

Kurian points out that Bahrain’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce has been promoting the kingdom as an emerging manufacturing hub where utilities such as electricity are abundant and there is a good source of skilled manpower to power the industries.

“The new venture fits the kingdom’s development blueprint, the Vision 2030, which holds promise of sustainable development for all players, a level playing field for Bahrainis and access to upgraded training and education for nationals so that investors will find a well-trained worker source. In addition, Bahrain has taken the lead in the region by signing a free trade agreement (FTA) with the US, which opens up the vast US markets to Bahrain-manufactured goods,” adds Kurian.

He says Bahrain is entering a new growth phase where it will push manufacturing as a new catalyst for progress.

“This is a good time to move into manufacturing in Bahrain because the government is keen to promote the manufacturing and logistics sector as a next stage in Bahrain’s growth,” Kurian says. “There are incentives and the geographic advantage of having an industrial base in Bahrain is that it offers access to the region’s biggest market, Saudi Arabia, and also to potential US clients because of the Bahrain-US FTA. At VK Universal, we are keen to help shape the industrial landscape of Bahrain and this project is part of our efforts.”

The VK Universal Group, under the leadership of Kurian, continues to play a key role in the construction, real estate, hospitality and healthcare sectors of Bahrain.