BanoPuratos, the leading Belgian-Lebanese manufacturer and supplier of innovative products of raw materials, utensils and machinery for the industries of Chocolate, Bakery, Pastry, and Ice cream, has announced new expansion plans to double its monthly production capacity from 300 tons to 600 tons and increase its list of products from 45 to 150 during the upcoming year 2022.

Bano’sproduction capacity will also triple in 2023 to reach 900 tons, in yet another testament to Sharjah’s leading position, becoming one of the best investment hubs in the world. Earlier last year, PanoPuratos has established the region’s largest production facility in the Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone) with investments estimated at AED 20 million.

SAIF Zone affirmed that the company’s expansion plans in Sharjah reflect the quality of facilities and privileges being provided by the free zone, which is widely known for its unique business environment conducive for business growth and expansion, state-of-the-art infrastructure, world-class logistics services, strategic location and proximity to airports and global markets.

Exceptional Services

Leading a high-profile delegation from the free zone, Saud Salim Al Mazrouei, Director of SAIF Zone, visited the 17,250 square-feet Bano factory, lauding the quality of products manufactured by the company.

“The growing interest of international companies to base their operations in Sharjah, particularly in the SAIF Zone, proves once again that our attractive facilities, exceptional services and privileges are unparalleled and can effectively support the aspirations of businesses in achieving their economic goals,” Al Mazrouei said.

New heights of growth & expansion

“Despite the modernity of its factory, Bano decided to further expand its operations, something which highlights the efficiency of investments in SAIF Zone. This also means the company will be better equipped to meet the growing demand on its products and solutions associated with the food industry not only locally but also in regional markets,” he added.

“We, in the free zone, are committed to providing all investors with exceptional facilities and services that would catapult their businesses into new heights of growth and expansion, in line with the wise directives of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who has always been keen to consolidate the emirate’s position as an ideal destination for international companies and institutions in all fields of work,” Al Mazrouei stressed.

“With that in mind, SAIF Zone is doing its utmost to support the emirate’s economic diversification plans and sustainable growth, in particular, consolidate Sharjah’s position as a global hub for quality industries and promote the UAE’s national strategy for industry and advanced technology,” he further said, stressing that the free zone will remain resolved on providing the best services to investors and harnessing all capabilities to help them expand and upgrade their businesses and serve their customers in the world.

Global Reputation

For his part, Rayan Mohsen, Director-General of BanoPuratosin the UAE, lauded the unique business environment, quality of services and facilities being provided by the free zone, which were the reason behind the company’s decision to set up its largest branch in the Middle East.

“The UAE’s management of the Covid-19 pandemic and the economic incentives provided by the government have been impressive and accelerated the economic recovery and revitalized the markets,” Mohsen said, adding that the company’s investments in Sharjah come as part of an integrated plan aimed at keeping pace with the growing demand for its products and expanding its operations to the western markets.

“Bano’sproduction facility in SAIF Zone commenced operations last February and is fully automated. It has been equipped with the latest storage, preservation and transportation technologies in accordance with the highest international and local standards in terms of effective safety, specifications and health requirements.

The factory produces materials used in the manufacture of cakes, muffins, and baked goods and currently employs about 40 workers and technicians. It houses a research laboratory to measure and develop the quality of products and provide innovative solutions for the bakery industry and is currently working on developing nutritional solutions for organic products, and gluten-free products,” Mohsen stated.

BanoPuratos

Founded in 1995 in Lebanon under the name of Bano, the company signed a joint-venture agreement in 2019 with the Belgian Puratos Group and since then it was renamed BanoPuratos. It is now operating in Lebanon, the UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain and Jordan. Next year, it intends to open a training academy in the UAE for workers and specialists, by attracting an elite group of chefs specialized in bakeries and pastries.

SAIF Zone

SAIF Zone delivers a host of incentives and privileges that every investor and businessman is looking for, particularly customs clearance, sophisticated infrastructure, state-of-the-art facilities with air-conditioned and furnished executive suites, pre-built warehouses in various sizes with adjacent office space, and lease lands for unrestricted private development.

The free zone’s incentives also include 100% foreign ownership of businesses, 100 % repatriation of capital and profits, and 100 percent corporate or personal income tax exemptions, 100% import and export tax exemptions. This is in addition to 24-hour services, all licenses issued within one hour, and a hotline that guarantees the availability of immediate manpower, equipment, shipment and customs clearance, 24/7 security and emergency services, and labour accommodation within the zone.