RMA launches manufacturing plant in Bahrain

Move reflects increasing growth in manufacturing as economy diversifies

RMA, a leading German industrial firm, officially launched its new subsidiary company, RMA Middle East S.P.C, at the Bahrain International Investment Park in Bahrain today. The launch was attended by H.E. Dr. Hassan Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, Sabine Taufmann, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Kingdom of Bahrain and Andreas Truttenbach, Chief Executive Officer of RMA.

The new 6,000 sq metre RMA plant will manufacture Pipeline Inspection Gauge (PIG) traps, tee pipe fittings and insulating joints for the oil and gas sector. Furthermore RMA Middle East offers commission processing to other local companies. RMA has the ability to compound works on cutting, as well as on rolling machines. The wide range of welding equipment and experience allows RMA to provide welding services of any variety. RMA can additionally provide services like annealing, sandblasting, painting and various testing methods in the state of the art facility. The installed cranes allow RMA to machine high dimensioned work pieces.

RMA has invested €13 million (BD 6.8m) in the location of Bahrain and the site is thus the most advanced plant of RMA Group. It is expected to bring over 100 jobs to the Kingdom, with 95% of output expected to be for export.

Kamal bin Ahmed, Minister of Transportation and Acting Chief Executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board, said: “We are delighted to welcome RMA to Bahrain. Manufacturing is playing an increasingly important role in our economy as we diversify our source of growth – investment from leading international firms like RMA will make a positive difference in creating high quality jobs and boosting the manufacturing base in Bahrain and the wider region.”

Andreas Truttenbach, Chief Executive Officer of RMA, said: “We are very pleased to be launching our regional operations, and our first manufacturing plant, in Bahrain. The Gulf market, which now exceeds 1 trillion dollars, presents an excellent opportunity for manufacturing firms, and we think that this facility in Bahrain will give us the best opportunity to access that growing market. Today we are proud to give over the first in Bahrain manufactured product to the first customer of RMA Middle East, Bapco – The Bahrain Petroleum Company”.

The decision to establish a facility in Bahrain came after direct efforts from the EDB and following a visit in 2010 by a high-level RMA delegation, headed by Mr. Andreas Truttenbach, Chief Executive Officer of the company, which was arranged by the Bahrain Economic Development Board.

Based in the Bahrain International Investment Park (BIIP), RMA will join many of the world’s leading manufacturing companies, with facilities at BIIP including BASF, the world’s leading chemical company, and German engineering giant Siemens. BIIP is a 2,500,000 m2 facility that provides duty free and easy access to the regional market. The business park is situated close to the Bahrain International Airport and the new Khalifa bin Salman Port in Hidd and has direct motorway access to Saudi Arabia via the 25km King Fahad Causeway.

Manufacturing is a key component of Bahrain’s economy, accounting for approximately 16% of GDP. The growth in the regional economy has helped to boost the sector further, with year-on-year growth of over 15% in Q2 2012.