Jotun Saudia Co, Ltd., the local subsidiary of the Norwegian paint & coatings producer Jotun A/S, inaugurated on Tuesday its new SR100 million, state-of-the-art factory in Yanbu. The new factory was set up adjoining Jotun's existing factory covering a total area of 34,000 square meters in Yanbu in response to the growing demand for high quality paints and coatings, supported by the expanding construction industry in the Kingdom. The inauguration of the new factory was attended by its Saudi Arabian founding partners, Sheikh Marie Bin Mahfouz and Sheikh Ahmed Al-Amoudi, along with senior executives from Jotun A/S, including Odd Gleditsch Dy, chairman; Odd Gleditsch Jr, Norwegian partner; Morten Fon, president & CEO, Jotun A/S Norway; and Gunnar Thoresen, MD, Jotun Saudia Co. Ltd. Also present were Sheikh Ibrahim Badawi, chairman of Commerce & Industry of Yanbu, and Carl Wibye, Norwegian ambassador to Saudi Arabia as chief guests for the inauguration. Jotun has pioneered a number of trends in the market introducing concepts like computerized tinting; special effect paints, and has been in the forefront in introducing new products that are environment friendly and goes a long way in meeting the changing aspirations of the consumer. With the inauguration of the new factory, Jotun's installed production capacity in the Kingdom reaches 110 million liters of paint, making it one of the largest in the Middle East. State of the art technologies have been used in the factory which boasts a high degree of automation and exclusively produce water borne paints. The fully air-conditioned factory uses silos and tanks for handling of bulk raw materials limiting human effort and cutting production time. As well as usage of closed production systems & recycling plants drastically reduces emission. The plant is also equipped with high expansion foam systems to combat fires used to ensure the highest standards of operational safety and a healthy work environment. “Jotun's expansion in Saudia Arabia reflects the continued industrial growth of the country and the many opportunities it provides for major international players such as Jotun,” said Bin Mahfouz. “I am delighted to be part of Jotun's vision and am looking forward to seeing the factory in full operation” “Saudi Arabia is an important market for Jotun, supported by the country's robust economic fundamentals and Jotun's rich heritage and experience,” said Al-Amoudi. “The construction industry here in the Kingdom continues to grow rapidly, providing a conducive environment for firms such as Jotun to harness the resulting growth opportunities.” Dy said: “The Yanbu development is a reflection of our commitment and support towards Saudi Arabia. Not only does this represent a significant business opportunity and development of the industry, but it also enables us to contribute to the Saudi community by creating career and development opportunities.” Thoresen said: “We are witnessing a steep incline in the development of Saudi Arabia's infrastructure. Therefore the timing of our expansions and investments with in the Kingdom fall in hand with the rapid development of this country and the resultant demand for Jotun paints.” He added that Jotun's strong commitment toward the Kingdom has always played a crucial role throughout its presence in Saudi Arabia. The company has been dedicated to the empowerment of local communities and has carried out various corporate responsibility programs such as training high school students during the summer holidays, sponsoring various orphans children programs and charitable causes. The inauguration of the new factory comes in a year when Jotun celebrates 25 years of its presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
