Nestlé Middle East has inaugurated its 18th factory in the Dubai region with a 530 million Dirhams (US$144 million) investment to keep pace with growing demand from GCC and Levant markets.

Nestlé Middle East builds on its strong presence in Dubai South having been an “early mover” to the area and the new factory will focus on the sustainable production of brands of Maggi and Nescafé.

Nestlé Middle East’s heritage goes back 80 years to 1934 when the first import operation was set up in Lebanon. Today, Nestlé Middle East owns and operates 18 factories and provides direct employment to more than 11,000 people and indirect employment to several thousand more.

The new facility will boost employment and production further still, employing 340 people from 20 different countries, 60% of whom are under 30 years old.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed AL Maktoum, president of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, chairman Dubai Airports, and chairman & chief executive Emirates Airlines & Group, officially opened the factory.

“Dubai South offers strategic advantages that make it an ideal and attractive destination for leading multinationals,” he said. “It is an important component in Dubai’s vision to provide a comprehensive platform that caters to the needs of aviation, air transport, commercial, and logistics businesses.”

“Nestlé has been the early mover to Dubai South having realized its potential as the economic platform for the future. They have leveraged our excellent infrastructure and ease of doing business to further grow their business. We’re delighted to see Nestlé growing stronger in the region,” adds H.E. Khalifa Al Zaffin, executive chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South.

The Nestlé portfolio in the region currently exceeds 60 innovative product brands in a wide range of categories including dairy products and infant nutrition, bottled water, chocolate and confectionery, coffee creamers, breakfast cereals, and culinary products, among others. Nestlé Nido, Nestlé NAN, S-26, Progress, Maggi, Nescafé, Kit Kat, Coffeemate, Nestlé Cerelac, Nestlé Pure Life, Nespresso and Nestlé Fitness are just some of the brands available in the Middle East.

Nestlé already operates two other factories in Dubai Investment Park, one for Nestlé Waters, and another – Nestlé Dubai Manufacturing – covering Kitkat, Mackintosh’s Quality Street, and Nido products.

“Nestlé Al-Maha is yet another way for us to meet our commitment to the Middle East,” said Yves Manghardt, Chairman and CEO Nestlé Middle East FZE. “Manufacturing locally enables us to source locally, invest locally, make tailored products to better meet local needs, and serve communities in the region more rapidly and more effectively.”

Sustainability Credentials
Running on 100% LED lighting, the building is also fully insulated to save air-conditioning, recycles 100% of waste from products and raw materials, reaching zero waste for landfill, implements water saving mechanisms, and has an ambition to operate on solar-generated power. Nestlé Al-Maha also holds the Halal certification of the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA).

The factory also includes a permanent exhibit, showcasing the role Nestlé plays in society. Some examples in the Middle East are the Nestlé Healthy Kids Program – Ajyal Salima, now in five countries in the region where it has reached over 40,000 children to date; and United for Healthier Kids that has mobilized so far over 580,000 joiners to nurture healthier generations. The exhibit also features high-tech tools; including iPads and Oculi, allowing 360-degree virtual visits of farms around the world from which raw material is sourced for products. It also provides special presentations for students on site, and offers digital guides for career development and enhancement for Youth.

“The Al-Maha factory underlines our commitment to our customers, our willingness to invest and create jobs, and our ambition to minimize our environmental impact,” said Marco Settembri, Executive Vice President Nestlé SA and Head of Zone Europe, Middle East and North Africa.

“This 530 Million Dirhams investment is Nestlé’s 18th production site in the Middle East and another milestone in our more than 80 years in this region. It shows our confidence in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates as a dynamic, stable and competitive business hub, and our long-term commitment to the people of the Middle East.”