YANBU: Jotun Saudia Co. Ltd., the local subsidiary of the Norwegian paint and coatings producer Jotun A/S, opened its new SR100 million, state-of-the-art paint factory in Yanbu on Tuesday. The launch of the new factory coincides with Jotun’s celebration of 25 years of its presence in Saudi Arabia. With this, Jotun has three paint factories and a powder coating plant across the Kingdom.
The new factory, located adjoining Jotun’s existing factory covering a total area of 34,000 square meters, is “in response to the growing demand for high quality paints and coatings, supported by the expanding construction industry in the Kingdom,” Gunnar Thoresen, managing director of Jotun Saudia Co. Ltd., said.
Local Jotun founding partners Marie Bin Mahfouz and Ahmed Al-Amoudi, along with senior executives from Jotun A/S, including Chairman Odd Gleditsch Dy and Odd Gleditsch Jr., Norwegian partner Morten Fon, president and CEO, Jotun A/S Norway, were among the dignitaries who took part in the opening ceremony. Yanbu Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Ibrahim Badawi and Norwegian Ambassador Carl Wibye were chief guests at the event.
Jotun entered the Saudi Arabian market in 1984. It claims its operation in the Kingdom is one of its largest in the world.
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, Thoresen told reporters who were conducted on a tour of the new plant. “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,” he added.
State-of-the-art technologies have been used in the factory, which boasts a high degree of automation and exclusively produce water borne paints.
“Jotun’s expansion in Saudi Arabia reflects the continued industrial growth of the country and the many opportunities it provides for major international players such as Jotun,” said Marie Bin Mahfouz. “It’s a pleasure to share Jotun’s vision.”
“Saudi Arabia is an important market for Jotun, supported by its robust economic fundamentals and Jotun’s rich heritage and experience,” Al-Amoudi said.
“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,” he added. Asked how much Jotun has invested in its Saudi operations in the last 25 years, he said: “More than SR300 million, which includes reinvestment of part of its profits.”
Jotun Chairman Odd Gleditsch Dy, said: “The Yanbu development is a reflection of our commitment and support toward 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 community by creating career and development opportunities.”
