FeW signals of industrial confidence are stronger than a major manufacturing investment. Kingston Holdings is backing its next phase of growth with a $20 million expansion, designed to triple manufacturing capacity, introduce new product lines and strengthen the global reach of its Rexton brand.

The investment comes as the UAE accelerates its industrial ambitions under the Make it in the Emirates initiative, creating new opportunities for local manufacturers to compete on the world stage. “We strongly believe products manufactured in the UAE can compete successfully in international markets,” says Kingston Holdings managing Director Lalu Samuel, adding that the company’s strategy is to “progressively introduce more products that are manufactured in the UAE, meet international standards, and can be exported globally.”

Having built its manufacturing base in Sharjah over more than three decades, Kingston Holdings sees the expansion as far more than a capacity increase. “This is not simply an investment in additional production capacity; it is an investment in Kingston Holdings’ long-term future,” Samuel says. With exports already reaching more than 100 countries, the company’s vision is clear: “We see the UAE not only as our manufacturing base, but as a strategic platform from which we can serve regional and global markets,” he adds.

In an exclusive interview with Gulf Industry, Kingston Holdings discusses the strategic thinking behind the expansion, the opportunities emerging across the GCC and international markets, and how scale, technology, product diversification and local manufacturing are shaping its ambition to build a globally competitive industrial group from the UAE.

Excerpts from the interview:

What strategic factors drove Kingston Holdings’ decision to expand its manufacturing capacity at this time?

Kingston Holdings has built a strong manufacturing foundation, supported by an established distribution network, a globally recognised brand, and growing market acceptance. With demand consistently outpacing supply across several product categories, expanding capacity was a natural next step. The investment reflects our confidence in the Rexton brand, our customer base, and our long-term international growth strategy.

Can you share the scale of investment behind this expansion and how it fits into Kingston Holdings’ long-term growth strategy?

The total investment for this expansion is approximately $20 million. Beyond increasing production capacity, it supports our long-term strategy of expanding product offerings, introducing new technologies, strengthening UAE manufacturing capabilities, and growing our presence in regional and international markets.

Investing in the next era of industrial growth

How does this expansion align with the UAE’s “Make it in the Emirates” initiative and the country’s broader industrial objectives?

The expansion aligns closely with the UAE’s ambition to strengthen local manufacturing and increase exports. Our focus is on producing internationally competitive products in the UAE and leveraging the country’s growing network of trade agreements to expand global market access for UAE-made products.

What new capabilities, technologies, or product lines have been introduced as part of this expansion?

We are introducing new circuit protection products, including MCBs, RCCBs and RCBOs, supported by advanced manufacturing systems designed to meet international standards. These additions strengthen the Rexton portfolio and create opportunities for growth in new markets and complementary product segments.

The expansion is expected to triple your manufacturing capacity. How will this support regional and international demand?

The expansion includes new production machinery, tooling, infrastructure and skilled manpower. It will enable us to meet growing demand more efficiently across the UAE, GCC and export markets while providing the scale and flexibility needed to support future international growth.

What role does local manufacturing play in Kingston Holdings’ long-term growth strategy?

Local manufacturing is central to our strategy. Having manufactured in Sharjah for more than three decades, we view the UAE not only as our production base but as a strategic platform for serving regional and international markets.

How have your international partnerships contributed to Kingston Holdings’ growth?

Our international partnerships and joint ventures have provided access to advanced technologies, manufacturing expertise and global best practices. They have played a key role in strengthening our capabilities, quality standards and competitive position.

Kingston exports to more than 100 countries. Which regions offer the greatest growth potential today?

We see strong opportunities across the GCC, West Asia, the wider Middle East, Africa and Europe. As capacity expands, we will focus on strengthening our distribution network, developing new partnerships and entering additional markets with sustainable long-term demand.

What are the biggest opportunities and challenges facing the electrical products manufacturing sector in the GCC?

Robust infrastructure investment, industrial development and support for local manufacturing continue to create significant opportunities. Key challenges include supply chain disruptions, cost volatility and changing market conditions, making resilience and flexibility increasingly important.

“Our focus is on producing internationally competitive products in the UAE and leveraging the country’s growing network of trade agreements to expand global market access for UAE-made products.”
– Lulu Samuel

How does Kingston Holdings approach sustainability, energy efficiency and quality assurance?

Sustainability is embedded in our manufacturing approach. We focus on energy-efficient, durable and environmentally responsible products, supported by internationally recognised standards including ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001, as well as continuous-improvement methodologies such as Six Sigma.

What impact will the expansion have on employment, skills development and the local supply chain?

The expansion will create new opportunities across manufacturing, engineering, quality and supply chain functions. It will also drive investment in technical training while supporting the wider UAE industrial ecosystem through increased demand for suppliers, logistics providers and service partners.

The move into water distribution and sewage systems marks a significant diversification. What opportunities do you see in this sector?

We view this as a natural extension of our existing capabilities. The sector shares many of the technologies and manufacturing processes we already employ, allowing us to leverage existing expertise while broadening our offering to infrastructure and construction customers.

Looking at the company’s evolution since 1995, what have been the most significant milestones in your growth story?

Key milestones include establishing our manufacturing operations in Sharjah, building successful international partnerships, expanding our product portfolio, and growing Rexton into a recognised global brand. These achievements have helped establish our presence in more than 100 export markets.

What is your long-term vision for Kingston Holdings over the next five to ten years?

Our vision is to establish Kingston Holdings as a leading international manufacturing group in the electrical and mechanical sectors, with the UAE at the centre of its operations. Our priorities include expanding capacity, broadening the product portfolio, investing in technology and automation, and strengthening Rexton’s presence in global markets.