Construction Begins on a Major New Facility
Silver Line Gate Group (SLG Group) has officially begun building its ambitious AED 200 million integrated hub at Dubai Industrial City, acknowledged as the leading manufacturing and logistics centre in the Middle East. This development is part of TECOM Group PJSC’s expansive portfolio of ten vibrant business districts throughout Dubai.
Facility Details and Launch Timeline
Covering an impressive 1.37 million square feet, this facility for manufacturing, warehousing, and corporate offices is expected to open next year. The announcement was made during SIAL Paris 2024, a globally renowned food exhibition held from 19-23 October at Paris Nord Villepinte, France.
SLG Group: A Leader in Food and Beverage
As a heavyweight in the food and beverage (F&B) sector, SLG Group operates several well-known brands, including Lancy, Gardo, Silva, Sama, and Zain. The new facility is poised to enhance the group’s annual production capacity to 90,000 tonnes of milk powder and 10,000 tonnes of butter. This enhancement will complement the existing line of products, including milk, whey, and specialty items such as fruit and vegetable-based seasonings.
Commitment to Food Security
Saud Abu Alshawareb, Executive Vice President of Industrial at TECOM Group, representing Dubai Industrial City, emphasised the critical role of food security in fostering economic prosperity. “Sustainable F&B value chains are vital for building resilience in our global future,” he stated. “Advanced manufacturing stands as a cornerstone in achieving this vision, and our ecosystem is specifically designed to support this growth.”
Collaborative Innovation in the Manufacturing Sector
He further remarked, “Clients like SLG Group demonstrate Dubai Industrial City’s direct support for the UAE’s food security agenda. Our dedication to fostering economic excellence is realised through collaborative innovation within the manufacturing sector. We welcome partnerships that align with our vision for a globally secure food future, in line with the objectives of Operation 300bn, Make it in the Emirates, and the Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33.’
Meeting Market Demand Across Multiple Regions
Upon becoming operational, the new hub will cater to a diverse clientele, including bakeries, restaurants, ice cream manufacturers, hotels, and catering services across the GCC, African, and Southeast Asian markets. The facility will be equipped with state-of-the-art automated machinery to ensure both operational efficiency and quality excellence.
Job Creation and Economic Growth
In addition to its production capabilities, the hub is expected to create approximately 300 new jobs, bolstering local employment opportunities. SLG Group will take advantage of Dubai Industrial City’s strategic location, which offers convenient access to essential transport networks, including Al Maktoum International Airport, Jebel Ali Port, an Etihad Rail freight terminal, and major regional roadways. This connectivity is pivotal for the planned market expansion.
Supporting the ‘Made in UAE’ Brand
Dubai Industrial City is home to over 1,000 local, regional, and international customers, alongside 300 operational factories that collectively enhance the ‘Made in UAE’ brand on a global scale. Notable industry leaders within this thriving ecosystem include A.P. Moeller-Maersk, Patchi, and Al Barakah Dates. As SLG Group embarks on this new venture, the company is poised to significantly contribute to the region’s food security and economic growth, setting a benchmark for future innovations in the food and beverage sector.
