A leading Saudi company has undergone a strategic transformation to enhance its position as one of the region’s leading beverage distributors.

Aujan Industries, which has a global export reach from Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, has changed its status from a limited liability company to joint stock company. Chairman of the company Shaikh Adel Aujan, speaking at the company’s Al Khobar headquarters, said the development was indication that the company’s vision was firmly fixed on the future and that it came ahead of much larger packages of commercial and technological enhancements.

“We have always prided ourselves on being responsive and efficient to consumer and market needs and this new structure will allow us to meet those needs with even greater efficiency and effectiveness,” said Shaikh Adel.

Founded in 1905, Aujan produces some of the world’s best-known brands, including Vimto, Barbican, and Canada Dry. The company has also successfully launched several high-profile brands of its own, including the Rani fruit drink and the children’s drink Hani, simultaneously pioneering the introduction of advanced packaging technology to Saudi Arabia. Aujan is also the sole distributor of Cadbury’s chocolate and Wrigley’s chewing gum to the Kingdom. Recently, new can filling and PET production facilities were added to the plant, boosting Aujan’s capabilities to meet its strong local commitments and ever-expanding export demands. The company exports to countries throughout the Middle East, Africa, the US and Europe, including the UK.

Shaikh Adel said the change to  joint stock company was part of a major restructuring to ensure that Aujan would continue to expand its distribution reach - both locally and internationally - and further develop, market and deliver innovative products.

“We have reviewed all aspects of our business in recent months and are now in the process of streamlining and upgrading business practices,” Shaikh Adel said. “Aujan has always been a company with a strong family identity and we are continually enhancing the way we do business to reflect international standards. This re-organisation will give us more tools to sustain our position. An international business needs an international vision. The changeover of Aujan to joint stock status raises the company’s profile and firmly indicates the direction in which its business is heading.”