SCHMIDT ME joins Bahrain Logistics Zone

SCHMIDT ME joins Bahrain Logistics Zone. "Preferred Main HUB in this Region!“ SCHMIDT Middle East Logistics JLT, a 100 % subsidiary of SCHMIDT Heilbronn, has leased premises covering 36,000 m² in prime location in the Kingdom of Bahrain at the Persion Gulf, where a logistics center proving warehousing, a silo battery and offices will be built. The Bahrain Logistics Zone (BLZ) is deemed the preferred main HUB of this region. From this location, SCHMIDT will provide economically efficient solutions for storage and warehousing, handling and shipping a multitude of bulk goods such as polyethylene, polypropylene, catalysts and additives for the chemical and petrochemical industry. Layout, concept and feasibility study for this facility have been prepared by SCHMIDT. The Bahrain EDB (Economic Development Board) supported SCHMIDT with incorporation and licensing of the enterprise. In addition, the Ministry for Transportation, Ports and Maritime Affairs – as Bahrain’s maritime industry regulator – promised their continuing cooperation and will fully support SCHMIDT in setting up their operations. “This strategic partnership allows SCHMIDT and the BLZ to open the gates for highly specialized logistics in this region, with Bahrain playing an important role as a distribution HUB for the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council). Ultimately, this will lead to a drastic increase in the number of companies with specialized expertise and operational skills, especially in the bulk market, setting up shop in Bahrain, which will help support Bahrain’s economy in the future,” so Dr. Wolfgang Hoppmann. Speaking on the importance of the agreement, His Excellency Kamal bin Ahmed, Minister of Transportation and Acting Chief Executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board, said: “SCHMIDT’s decision to set up its regional logistics operation in Bahrain represents a key milestone for the BLZ and demonstrates Bahrain’s attractiveness as a HUB from which international businesses can access the Gulf’s $1.5 trillion market. The BLZ has a truly unique offering that includes competitive rates, world-class services for import/export and re-export activities, efficient turnaround times and close proximity to the state-of-the-art Khalifa Bin Salman Port, all of these advantages turning it into an ideal destination for companies looking to establish a strong foothold in the GCC.” As planned, construction of the Logistics center will take about a year so that the facility is expected to start operations during the second half of 2014.