Firmenich opens new regional headquarters at Dubai Science Park
Firmenich, the world’s largest private perfume and flavor company, opened its new regional center at Dubai Science Park today in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airport, Chairman of Emirates Airline and Group and Chairman of Dubai Holding.
The newest Creation and Development Center further enhances the company’s scientific and innovative capabilities. Using cutting-edge technology, it will serve customers in more than 60 countries in the Middle East and Africa. The center also includes state-of-the-art research and academic facilities.
Speaking on the occasion, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said: “Dubai continues to consolidate its status as a global center of excellence and innovation in various sectors. Guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the emirate has created a growth-friendly environment that attracts leading global, regional and local companies as well as promising entrepreneurs to create an ecosystem that promotes sustainable development.”
Federal Counselor Uli Maurer, Swiss Minister of Finance; H.E. Massimo Baggi, Swiss Ambassador to the UAE and Bahrain; H.E. Malek Al Malek, CEO of Dubai Development Authority and CEO of TECOM Group, presided at today’s official opening; Abdullah Belhoul, TECOM Group Chief Commercial Officer; Gilbert Gostin, Firmenich CEO; Arnaud Bachelier, Firmenich Region CEO; and Marwan Abdulaziz Janahi, Managing Director of Dubai Science Park.
Firmenich’s advanced creation and sampling laboratory will enable the company to deliver high-quality and innovative ingredients for fine fragrances and consumer fragrances (used in body and home care products), as well as a variety of F&B fragrances designed to delight consumers in the region. The company aims to accelerate innovation and global expansion through enhanced access to key markets and emerging trends, while reducing time to market for new products.
The first of its kind in the region, the Firmenich facility is built around the Lab 4.0 concept, a lab of the future that aims to optimize end-to-end sample flow using industry best practices and artificial intelligence (AI). It includes a fully automated warehouse capable of storing up to 40,000 products, as well as a companion robot connected to more than 240 ingredients that can create a flavor sample in less than a minute. The new facility was designed entirely with Firmenich’s future expansion plans in mind.
On this occasion, His Excellency Ambassador Massimo Baggi said: “The long-standing bilateral relationship between Switzerland and the UAE is of great economic and cultural importance to both countries. We are keen to enrich this partnership and continue the development of several sectors through a fruitful exchange of knowledge, technological resources and talents.” Firmenich’s expansion in Dubai contributes to this goal, and we are proud to be able to inaugurate this facility in the presence of our Minister of Finance, Federal Counsel Ueli Maurer. The new regional headquarters will showcase even more technology developed in Switzerland to foster innovation and make a greater impact by leveraging investment and research.”
Gilbert Gostin, CEO of Firmenich, commented, “Creative excellence is at the core of Firmenich, while our heart is committed to science and innovation, guided by sustainability. These key ingredients have ensured our leading position in the industry, and we are confident that they will continue to drive our growth in new directions.” The Middle East and Africa region represents a strategic expansion opportunity for our company because of its diverse markets and wealth of opportunities. Our success stems from a deep understanding of our consumers and their preferences, and we can think of no better place to attract the region’s rich audience than Dubai Science Park. Our world-class business district infrastructure and comprehensive science-focused community bring us closer than ever to our audience and further our ambitions to create authentic experiences that meet regional tastes.”
Founded in 1895, the company operates an industry-leading portfolio of natural flavors, fragrances and ingredients developed with cutting-edge innovation and technology. Firmenich has developed an extensive portfolio of natural and organic flavors and extracts that meet regional and local regulatory requirements.
. @Firmenich inaugurates new regional headquarters with a state-of-the-art Creation & Development Center at @DxbSciencePark. #Dubai pic.twitter.com/nXMpGTuf8g
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 23, 2022
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