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Shaikh Saud inaugurates capacity expansion at Arc Int’l plant

RAS AL KHAIMAH — His Highness Shaikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, inaugurated the capacity expansion at the manufacturing facility of Arc International, the world leader in tableware, by commissioning a new furnace which will double the production capacity of the RAK factory at a function held here Sunday evening.

The new capacity addition to Arc International Middle East (AIME) is part of the group’s ambitious strategy for international development and regionalisation of its manufacturing facilities. The company has added a state- of-the-art fourth furnace (RAK- 4) to ramp up production which has touched peak capacity on the strength of the double digit growth experienced by the company in the region during the past few years.

The new furnace will double the company’s current capacity of 16,000 tonnes of clear and opale glass and 48,000 tonnes of clear glass. The extra sales made possible by the new capacity addition are expected to be in the order of $80 million next year. The company sees considerable development potential in the dinnerware, drinkware, hot drinks, kitchenware and decoration segments in the region.

Speaking after unveiling the plaque to mark the capacity expansion, Shaikh Saud said, “It is heartening to know that Arc International’s operation in Ras Al Khaimah has been highly successful and we are pleased to see the company expand its manufacturing facilities in the emirate. Throughout its long history, Arc International has constantly innovated to become a world leader. We are proud to have such a company with us here and I wish them all success in their operations.”

Guillaume de Fougieres, Chairman of Arc International, stated, “The increase in the production capacity of the Ras Al Khaimah site reinforces our regionalization strategy. We must have a local presence in growth regions in order to adapt our products to consumer usages and needs, whilst limiting transport costs. Today, the group has five production sites which all satisfy the same requirements for quality and competitiveness, to ensure the Group’s sustainability.”

“The double digit growth experienced by the company in the region and the enormous growth potential in the Middle East and neighbouring markets prompted the company to undertake capacity expansion at the Ras Al Khaimah plant. This is also a strong signal of confidence in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah where we have made this investment,” he added.

The factory mainly manufactures items for the Luminarc and Arcoroc brands, as well as for the RAK Glass brand, which is distributed in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. This expansion will benefit all regions of the International Division. Indeed, by 2015, emerging countries should represent 50 per cent of Arc International’s turnover.

To pursue this growth objective in this priority market, Arc International has just appointed Khaled Arafa as CEO Middle East. Khaled Arafa will be responsible for growing the region in line with the strategy plan in its three channels (consumer goods, food service and B2B), optimising the utilisation of the factory’s extended capacities, developing local teams and increasing the presence of the group’s brands on the different distribution channels.

Among the dignitaries present on the occasion were Alain Azouaou, French Ambassador to the UAE, Shaikh Abdul Malik bin Kayed Al Qasimi, Advisor to the RAK Ruler. Sheikh Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of RAK Civil Aviation, Sheikh Mohammed bin Kayed Al Qasimi, Vice Chairman of RAK Department for Economic Development, heads of government departments and business leaders.