UAE MANUFACTURING GROWS

The UAe manufacturing sector has witnessed steady growth over the last five years with the number of operating factories doubling from 1,260 in 1995, to 2,153 in 2000.

"Workforce in these factories rose to 17,600 in 2000 from 9.7000 in 1995," said special report prepared by Wam  on the occassion of the 30th anniversary of the UAE national day.

The report put investment in the sector at Dh 23.7 billion in 2000, with local investment accounting for Dh 19.4 billion, while Gulf and foreign investment were Dh 1.9 billion and Dh 2.3 billion respectively.

Dubai maintained its lead in hosting the largest number of industrial firms with a total of 739 factories, followed by Sharjah with 685, Ajman 301, Abu Dhabi 220, Ras Al Khaimah 76, Umm Al Quwain 44 and Fujairah 34.

The report said the mineral products had come in the first place with 361 factories, of which 167 in Dubai, 95 in Sharjah, 43 in Abu Dhabi, 36 in Ajman, 10 in Ras Al Khaimah, 6 in Umm Al Quwain and 4 in Fujairah. (reported by WAM)

Posted 13^th Feb 02

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 UAE

Al-Futtaim Logistics goes live with newly revamped web-site

Al-Futtaim Logistics, member of the Al-Futtaim Group of Companies recently launched their new interactive web-site, www.logisticsuae.com as part of a new integrated marketing communications and operational strategy. This new strategy is set to take the logistics business into the 21^st century, with hi-tech and innovative logistics solutions aimed at being of ultimate assistance to businesses across the UAE.

Powered by Al-Futtaim’s own in-house built framework EIAF and tightly integrated to one of the most sophisticated IT solutions world-wide, the SAP R/3 ERP system, Al-Futtaim Logistics has an IT platform to manage supply chains more effectively by seamlessly integrating various business processes. The web-site now offers this capability to customers.

The site consists of a generic section, accessible to all visitors and a members area, which is restricted to authorised users, i.e. customers and employees of Al-Futtaim Logistics. The generic section provides information about the company and its services. Along with the organisational structure details, customer service processes, employment opportunities and other general information.

The members area on the other hand has been developed with the objective of providing customers with full visibility of the supply-chain, whilst also giving them the opportunity to conduct online real time movement analysis, tracking of deliveries as well as Download of dedicated & individual reports & key performance indicators.

Posted-22^th Nov 01

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 UAE

CHEMSTORE

A new joint venture between ENOC and MODERN FREIGHT

Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) and the DUTCO Group subsidiary Modern Freight Company L.L.C., which is a leader in the field of freight forwarding, warehousing and logistics services, recently announced a joint venture project to build Chemstore-Dubai's first state-of-the-art, third party hazardous chemicals warehousing facility.

"This facility will seamlessly accommodate the growing demand from international chemical traders and manufacturers for a neutral warehousing facility to serve the Middle East and Sub continent markets," states Hussain Sultan, ENOC Group Chief Executive and Board member.

"ENOC's considerable hazardous handling experience and our world class warehouse management and logistics are synergies that will result in Chemstore setting new Middle East skills in hazardous chemical handling and storage It will play a crucial role in the supply chain of hazardous chemicals in the Middle East." added Tariq Baqer, Managing Director, DUTCO Group.

Operations are proposed to begin during the first half of 2002 at the 2,740 square metre Chemstore warehouse, which will have a handling capacity of between 2,50-17,000 drums depending on the hazard level of the chemical stored. Chemstore will feature advanced safety standards and will meet stringent UAE government environmental regulations.

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 UAE

GAC- SHARJAH

Catering to an increase of project management needs

Gulf Agency Company, Sharjah has made substantial investment in infrastructure to support its various distribution and supply chain management services for its customers based in the emirate of Sharjah.

"By strategically being located in Sharjah, as opposed to Dubai  where most freight forwarders of the region are based, we offer our clients here timely and efficient service in terms of consignment pick-ups, handling, warehousing and distribution facilities, thus catering to the local market needs. This is the focal point of our GAC Sharjah principles", states Tony Gennadopoulos, Business Manager Cargo, GAC Sharjah.

The company has extensive experience of project cargo operations, as project forwarder as well as standard freight services. Some of its major clients include, Lamprell, Crawford, Hempel paints as well as the Sharjah Department of Culture and Information.

Gulf Agency Company is one of the world's leading shipping and transport service organisations with offices in Europe, East Mediterranean, Africa, Middle East, Indian subcontinent and East Asia.  

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 UAE

FAK (HONG KONG) MERGES WITH SWIFT GROUP

In a significant strategic move to further consolidate its presence in the Far East region, the Swift Group's Hong Kong office Swift Freight Hong Kong Ltd. will be merging with one of the region's major industry player FAK (Hong Kong) Ltd. and will operate under the name Swift Freight Hong Kong Ltd., with effect from August 1st 2001.

FAK (Hong Kong) Ltd. has been Swift Hong Kong's local handling agent and it was the seamless coordination and potential operational efficiencies between the two that prompted this decision.  

"The most significant outcome of this merger is the synergy that the single organisation will enjoy." states Johnny Lee, Chairman FAK International Ltd. " Swift Freight lends to the organisation its international expertise, network and client base, whereas FAK as a strong regional player gives the organisation a solid foothold in the local market."

Swift Freight Hong Kong Ltd. is the 25th office in the Swift group's growing international network, which already has made inroads in 15 countries in the Middle East and Africa including Bangkok and the Hong Kong venture in Far East regions.

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 UAE

Swift Upgrades Warehousing Facilities at Jebel Ali

An organisation always driven by customer needs, Swift Freight International has recently revamped its warehousing facilities at its warehouse 'Swift 2', one of the company's 2 warehouses located in the Jebel Ali Free Zone Area.

The large-scale project entailed besides comprehensive maintenance work and expansion of the racking system, the installation of 76 heavy-duty air conditioners ensuring an ambient temperature environment ranging between 26ºc - 28ºc.  The warehouse now assures a de-humidified, dust-free, temperature controlled environment when temperatures outside might peak upto 50ºc.  The 45000 Sq. ft warehouse provides close to 4000 pallet positions, besides a designated picking area containing 987 picking positions. The warehouse's services are also supported by the latest state of the art complete warehouse management system software, allowing for RF scanning, Bar coding facilities, inventory status and goods efficiency reports to name a few of the advanced features of the software. Servicing several blue-chip clients and products ranging from confectioneries, electronics to sports apparel in its warehousing facilities at the Jebel Ali Free Zone Area, Swift Freight International constantly measures itself to international quality standards and benchmarks to provide its clients a world class service.

"Moving away from a 'client - service provider relationship' we at Swift have a partnership perspective for our relationships and thus an ever expanding client base and changing customer needs renders changes in our services & infrastructure a necessity. " said Mr. B. Rajagopalan, General Manager Warehousing & Distribution - Jebel Ali Branch. "Customer needs and service quality always take precedence in Swift and thus it remains our prime responsibility to provide our customers the very best and most customised services as possible."

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