Mumbai-based Chemco Group, a manufacturer of high-grade plastic bottles and containers, will commission the first phase of its $25-million (₹150-crore) factory in Manama to cater to multinational food and beverage companies.

The objective is to cater to the clients in the region, focusing on GCC countries, chiefly Saudi Arabia. Bahrain’s Free Trade Agreement with the US also opens up opportunities in the West.

Bimal Sharma, General Manager, Chemco Plastics Bahrain, addressing journalists on a tour organised by the Economic Development Board, Government of Bahrain, to showcase initiatives in attracting overseas investments, said in the first phase the facility will have a capacity to convert over 3,000 tonnes of PET, HDPE or PP a year to make over 45 million bottles.

Investment size The plant at the Bahrain International Investment Park, an industrial zone established at an initial investment of about $10 million, will be commissioned next month, and the subsequent phases by 2017.

Chemco, an $80-million (₹-480-crore) group engaged in plastics packaging and a diversified range of products, which is also expanding in the domestic market, is following multinational clients such as international beverage, food and pharma companies into various locations.

Sharma said Bahrain is a cost-competitive and investor-friendly location that enables access to the West Asian region. The company is also in discussions with US-based buyers as the FTA between the two countries will enable it better access to the developed market.

Bahrain allows 100 per cent foreign ownership and approvals are fast; after the company’s investment decision in October 2013, it is starting trial production within a year, Sharma said.

(The writer was in Bahrain at the invitation of the Bahrain Economic Development Board.)

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