As part of its ongoing commitment to invest in the Arabian Peninsula, Procter & Gamble (P&G), one of the world’s leading consumer goods manufacturers, recently inaugurated its new operations base for the Gulf in the UAE’s Jebel Ali Free Zone.

P&G has invested over $65 million over the last year alone and the new facility includes dedicated offices for more staff, incorporating leading-edge technology and a new raw materials mixing unit that further expands and enhances P&G’s manufacturing and marketing capabilities across the region.

The inaugural ceremony brought together senior officials from the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority, including Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman of the Ports, Customs & Free Zone Corporation; P&G regional management, business partners, distributors and corporate marketing agencies together with a number of prominent local businessmen and industry representatives. During the event guests were provided with a presentation by Chris Delaney, P&G AP vice president, who gave an overview of the company’s strategy of growth and commitment to continue its investments in the region to meet future demands.

“P&G first entered the Arabian markets in 1953 and today consumers throughout the region trust and rely upon P&G products for their quality and excellence,” commented Delaney. He also highlighted that the new facility would enhance the regional distribution network and provide the driving force behind the company’s desire to introduce more innovative products that complement the existing range of leading household products that includes Pampers, Always, Head & Shoulders, Pantene, Tide, Ariel and Fairy.

P&G is a uniquely diversified international consumer products company with a strong local presence across the Arabian Peninsula through its offices in Jeddah, Sanaa, and now Jebel Ali, and its production plants in Jeddah and Dammam in Saudi Arabia.

“The organisation is structured to ensure that consumers are provided with the best quality products and services at the best prices. In 2002 the company’s export volume reached 50,000 tonnes - and in the last three years the total value of its product export sales was in excess of $533 million,” a P&G statement said. The list of export countries and territories include Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Russia, Pakistan, Hong Kong, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Armenia, South Africa, Djibouti, Bosnia, Yugoslavia, Romania and the Ukraine.

 “Together with our longstanding partners in the region - the Modern Industries Company (MIC) and the Modern Products Company (MPC) - we are uniquely positioned as industry leaders and the inauguration of this new facility further reinforces our commitment to meet consumer demands across the region and in the international export markets,” commented Kurt Droeshout, P&G gulf markets manager.

Established in 1837 Procter & Gamble (P&G) has become a leading manufacturer of consumer goods. Targeting over five billion consumers in 140 countries, P&G produces and markets over 300 quality brands.