Roche, the leading global healthcare company, has announced that its diagnostic division will set up its Middle East headquarters in Jafza and commence operations next month.

Although the global market leader in in-vitro diagnostics has been present in the Middle East region for more than 30 years, the regional headquarters in Jafza will be Roche Diagnostics’ first facility in the Middle East.

Through a strong distributor network, Roche Diagnostics has a presence in 18 markets in the Middle East with a 20-25 per cent market share in all of these markets.

Recognising the potential of the Middle East region, Roche Diagnostics seeks to increase the quality of supply and strengthen relations with distributors and end customers by providing added support and information.

In the UAE, Roche Diagnostics enjoys a continuous relationship with its long-term distributor Pharmatrade through 30 years.

Announcing this on the sidelines of Arab Health, Ibrahim Aljanahi, deputy CEO of Jafza and chief commercial officer said: 'We are pleased to host a respected Fortune 500 Company such as Roche at Jafza.'

'Roche is a leader in research-focused healthcare with an impressive regional presence and we believe Jafza’s unmatched connectivity, logistics and commercial advantages will support its growth in the region.'

'The new facility will be well positioned to serve the Roche’s growing customer base and help it further expand its regional footprint and market share. The new move reflects the company’s trust and confidence in Jafza and we extend our full support to Roche,' he noted.

Commenting on the move, Dr Michael Heuer, president (EMEA-Latam) Roche Diagnostics, said the Middle Eastern region was a very important part of its business.

'We see a tremendous potential for growth in the Middle East. Therefore, we decided to open our regional headquarters in Dubai as a hub to serve our Middle Eastern countries. I am very happy about this step.'

'The unique combination of world-class port and airport facilities was one of the most significant reasons behind the decision to locate the Roche Diagnostics’ Middle East HQ in Jafza,' he added.
 
According to Heuer, Roche Diagnostics will serve distribution partners and customers across the region by setting up functions for scientific and technical support, management, administration, logistics and quality control.

The office will be located in Jafza 15 and expects to see 50 employees working in the Middle East Regional Headquarters by 2013, he added.-TradeArabia News Service