01 June 2018

Italian water heater maker Ariston Thermo opened its manufacturing plant in Bahrain last month, marking its first industrial operation in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region.

The 7,000-sq-m plant located in the Bahrain International Investment Park (BIIP) in Hidd was inaugurated by Industry, Commerce and Tourism Minister Zayed Alzayani in the presence of Italian ambassador Domenico Bellato and Ariston Thermo Rapid Development Countries and Americas director Dr Carlo Andreatini.

The new plant will have a capacity to manufacture up to 250,000 storage electric water heaters branded Ariston, which will be mainly marketed in the Mena region, Andreatini revealed.

In the initial phase, Ariston will manufacture about 100,000 units and will gradually ramp up its production based on the market response. The company will, however, continue to import its large commercial water heaters through its trading partners.

A leading company in the water heating and heating industry, Ariston Thermo group has 26 production sites in 15 countries in addition to 65 operating companies and five representative offices in 38 countries.

The company had been looking for a location for its production site in the region since 2010 but finally zeroed in on Bahrain’s BIIP, stated Andreatini.

Speaking at the launch, Alzayani said: “The selection of BIIP for Ariston’s first manufacturing facility in the region demonstrates the quality of the location and the competitive advantages which Bahrain has to offer to global companies.”

Alzayani pointed out that the project was an important one for Bahrain as it met several key objectives, enabling the growth and diversification of the country’s economy, as well as creating quality skilled jobs for Bahrainis in the fields of engineering and business. The plant currently employs about 50 people.

With the new production site in Bahrain, Ariston hopes to boost its presence in the region, where it claims the brand has already been leading the water heating category for many years.

“We have a significant market share in the Mena region and our aim is not just to market it in this region but also to a larger area,” Andreatini added.  

• Work commences on $7bn Duqm refinery
• Kuwait to spend $3bn on residential schemes
• Tenders for wastewater project
• Al Raid to build giant retail hub in Oman
• Five-star resort for Al Sahel development
• Alba Line 6 expansion project well on track
• Royal Ambassador plans lifestyle destination
• Ariston Thermo water heater plant launched
• Over 2,400 ‘active’ projects in sultanate
• Tremco innovates to spur growth
• Pidilite eyes flooring business in GCC
• Mega residential town inaugurated
• Luxury Muscat homes launched
• Roof installed at Fifa stadium
• Petchem complex planned
• In Brief

Tags

Kuwait Lighting Corrosion Forklifts & Telehandlers 3D Imaging & ICT Just Out Regional News Saudi Focus UAE Focus Events Diary of Events Legally Bound Contractors Real Estate Interiors Tenders Manufacturers & Procurement

Gulf Construction is the undisputed leading trade journal for the building and construction industries of Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf states. The magazine provides editorial coverage on a wide range of topics which are of interest to industry professionals. In addition, regular features highlight technological developments within specific industry fields. Launched 40 years ago, the magazine has established an enviable reputation as an authoritative, respected journal with unmatched coverage of the Gulf region. Gulf Construction is essential reading for anyone with a serious interest in the region’s building and construction industry.