Manama, Dec. 13 (BNA): SMS Group, part of German SMS Holding GmbH, today announced its decision to increase its presence in Bahrain. The company is upgrading its office formerly known as SMS Meer to SMS Technical Service Gulf SPC office to cover technical service support for its large Middle East customer base.
The Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) has been instrumental in the establishment of SMS Technical Service Gulf SPC and in supporting the company relocating 50 employees to the Kingdom.
Mr. Khalid Al Rumaihi, Chief Executive of the EDB, commented on the office opening:
“We are delighted to be able to continue our support to SMS Group and its subsidiary companies in developing and strengthening their regional operations. The wider Gulf market is currently valued at $1.6 trillion and is estimated to reach $2 trillion by 2020 and Bahrain, strategically located at the heart of the GCC economy, is perfectly placed to help international investors access this lucrative market.
“Bahrain has developed a business-friendly environment that allows international companies to prosper. Its manufacturing sector, including its thriving downstream steel and aluminium production, placed the Kingdom as one of the pioneers in the industry and continues to attract international players wanting to benefit from its competitive advantages.”
Mr. Al Rumaihi attended the opening ceremony of the new SMS Group office along with H.E. Alfred Simms-Protz, the German Ambassador to Bahrain, Professor Pino Tesè, SMS Group Executive Vice President of Service, and Siegfried Gruber, Managing Director of SMS Group.
Prof. Tesè commented on the announcement:
“The Gulf region is one of the fastest-growing in the world and its rising demand for manufactured products means huge investment opportunities for manufacturing companies. Bahrain presents a number of benefits, not least a highly-talented, bilingual local workforce and we intend to invest in new staff to support us in our Middle East operations. We look forward to the next chapter in our company’s growth and intend to work closely with the EDB, to ensure that it is a success.”
SMS Group’s announcement follows a growing number of German companies launching operations in Bahrain. SMS group, one of the leading global system suppliers of plants, machines and services along the entire metallurgical value chain opened its Bahrain office in 2012 and has since worked with companies including Sulb, Alba, Garmco, Balexco amongst other clients in the region. Earlier this year Armacell, a German-based leader in engineered foam and flexible foam for equipment insulation, announced plans to build a new manufacturing facility in Bahrain.
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BNA 1246 GMT 2015/12/13