Latest news with #MohammedalShizawi
Muscat Daily
02-07-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
SOHAR to get mattress manufacturing facility
Muscat – SOHAR Port and Freezone has signed a land lease agreement with Sweet Night Fine Home (FZC) LLC to establish a mattress manufacturing facility in SOHAR Freezone. This investment reinforces SOHAR's role in driving industrial diversification and sets the foundation for clustering opportunities within the home and comfort manufacturing sector. The project also advances integration into global supply chains, with the potential to localise sourcing and strengthen regional value chains in the long term. The factory will cover an area of 96,000sqm, with a total investment of US$70mn. It is designed to produce up to 3mn mattresses annually, with an initial export focus on the United States, followed by expansion into GCC markets, India, the European Union, and the local market in Oman. Raw materials will be sourced from China, Thailand, Japan, and Korea, enabling the company to manufacture high-quality sleep products for international markets from a single strategic base in SOHAR. Johnson Lim, General Manager of Sweet Night Fine Home's upcoming factory in SOHAR Freezone commented, 'Our decision to invest in SOHAR Freezone was driven by its unmatched location, efficiency, and long-term potential as a regional manufacturing hub. This investment marks a crucial step in our regional expansion, and SOHAR Freezone provides the ideal environment to support our manufacturing ambitions.' 'We're proud to welcome Sweet Night Fine Home (FZC) LLC to SOHAR Freezone as part of our expanding base of international manufacturers,' said Mohammed al Shizawi, Acting CEO of SOHAR Freezone. 'At SOHAR, we focus on attracting investments that drive economic growth and introduce new industrial capabilities. This project underscores the strength of our integrated logistics ecosystem and supports our efforts to build a diversified, resilient industrial base aligned with Oman Vision 2040.' The establishment of this manufacturing hub is expected to stimulate the local value chain by attracting complementary industries such as textiles, packaging, and logistics, thereby fostering the development of a specialised sleep-products ecosystem within the freezone. SOHAR Freezone reaffirms its role as a catalyst for sustainable industrial development and a key player in global supply chain diversification. SOHAR Port and Freezone is one of the world's fastest-growing integrated industrial and logistics hubs, strategically positioned to connect businesses to the world and facilitate trade across diverse sectors. This significant mega-project, a collaboration between ASYAD Group & the Port of Rotterdam, offers a comprehensive range of services, including logistics, petrochemicals, metals, and the region's first dedicated agro terminal. With over 20 years of operation, SOHAR has become the primary gateway for Oman's import and export activities, contributing 2.6% to the nation's GDP and creating nearly 42,000 direct and indirect jobs. The SOHAR Freezone enhances operational efficiencies through synergies in green manufacturing, logistics, and trade. Currently, land occupancy for both phase one and phase two has reached 66%. As of 2024, SOHAR Port achieved a remarkable throughput of 75.4mn metric tonnes, rise in roll-on, roll-off (RORO) operations. SOHAR Port is a multifunctional port driving innovation and efficiency in Oman's logistics, marine services, and trade sectors, committed to sustainable development and advanced technology. This modernisation aligns with the economic diversification objectives outlined in Oman's Vision 2040.
Observer
02-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
Mattress manufacturing plant in SOHAR Freezone
MUSCAT: SOHAR Port and Freezone has signed a land lease agreement with Sweet Night Fine Home (FZC) LLC to establish a mattress manufacturing facility in SOHAR Freezone. This investment reinforces SOHAR's role in driving industrial diversification and sets the foundation for clustering opportunities within the home and comfort manufacturing sector. The project also advances integration into global supply chains, with the potential to localise sourcing and strengthen regional value chains in the long term. The factory will cover an area of 96,000 square meters, with a total investment of $70 million. It is designed to produce up to three million mattresses annually, with an initial export focus on the United States, followed by expansion into GCC markets, India, the European Union, and the local market in Oman. Raw materials will be sourced from China, Thailand, Japan, and Korea, enabling the company to manufacture high-quality sleep products for international markets from a single strategic base in SOHAR. Johnson Lim, General Manager of Sweet Night Fine Home's upcoming factory in SOHAR Freezone commented, 'Our decision to invest in SOHAR Freezone was driven by its unmatched location, efficiency, and long-term potential as a regional manufacturing hub. This investment marks a crucial step in our regional expansion, and SOHAR Freezone provides the ideal environment to support our manufacturing ambitions.' 'We're proud to welcome Sweet Night Fine Home (FZC) LLC to SOHAR Freezone as part of our expanding base of international manufacturers,' said Mohammed al Shizawi, Acting CEO of SOHAR Freezone. 'At SOHAR, we focus on attracting investments that drive economic growth and introduce new industrial capabilities. This project underscores the strength of our integrated logistics ecosystem and supports our efforts to build a diversified, resilient industrial base aligned with Oman Vision 2040.' The establishment of this manufacturing hub is expected to stimulate the local value chain by attracting complementary industries such as textiles, packaging, and logistics, thereby fostering the development of a specialized sleep-products ecosystem within the freezone. SOHAR Freezone reaffirms its role as a catalyst for sustainable industrial development and a key player in global supply chain diversification.
Observer
03-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
Lease pact signed for environment friendly plant
SUHAR: SOHAR Freezone has signed a land lease agreement with Matrix Alloys (FZC) LLC, a leader in low-carbon ferrochrome production, to build a state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly ferrochrome plant. This initiative strengthens Oman's role as a regional hub for sustainable industrial development and supports the goals of Oman 2050 Net-Zero commitment to reduce carbon emissions and diversify the economy. The project, with an investment of $10 million, will occupy 2.2 hectares within SOHAR Freezone and aims to produce 20,000 tonnes annually of micro-carbon and low-carbon ferrochrome. The facility will meet stringent purity and sustainability standards demanded by key markets including Europe, Japan, South Korea and India. Utilising an electric-based production process that avoids coal and heavy-oil pollution, the plant will significantly reduce its environmental footprint and operate with zero waste gas or wastewater emissions. Furthermore, it seamlessly fits into Oman Vision 2040, promoting sustainable industrialisation and encouraging foreign investment to drive long-term economic growth and environmental stewardship. The first phase is expected to be operational by 2026. Bailin Yi, Chairman of Matrix Alloys (FZC) LLC, said, 'Launching our first international ferroalloy plant in SOHAR Freezone offers us a strategic location with excellent infrastructure, market access, and competitive, stable, and low-cost energy essential for the energy-intensive smelting processes. We are committed to delivering premium low-carbon ferrochrome products that support global stainless-steel producers and promote a cleaner industrial future.' Mohammed al Shizawi, Acting CEO of SOHAR Freezone, stated: 'This agreement underscores the trust that international investors place in SOHAR Freezone's integrated industrial ecosystem. Matrix Alloys is bringing advanced, sustainable manufacturing capabilities to our ferroalloy cluster, aligning perfectly with our vision to attract clean technology investments and strengthen SOHAR Freezone's position as a competitive gateway for global trade.' Matrix Alloys will benefit from SOHAR Freezone's proximity to raw material suppliers and customers, as well as direct port access, and a supportive regulatory environment that reduces operational costs. The plant also plans to secure ISO 14001 and ISO 14067 certifications to ensure full carbon emission traceability and compliance with international standards such as CBAM, EcoLeaf and K-ETS.
Muscat Daily
03-06-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Sohar Freezone signs deal for new ferrochrome plant
Muscat – Sohar Freezone has signed a land lease agreement with Matrix Alloys, a leader in low-carbon ferrochrome production, to build a new state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly ferrochrome plant. This initiative strengthens Oman's role as a regional hub for sustainable industrial development and supports the goals of Oman's 2050 Net Zero commitment to reduce carbon emissions and diversify the economy. The project, with an investment of $10mn, will occupy 2.2 hectares within Sohar Freezone and aims to produce 20,000 tonnes annually of micro-carbon and low-carbon ferrochrome. The facility will meet stringent purity and sustainability standards demanded by key markets including Europe, Japan, South Korea, and India. The first phase is expected to be operational by 2026. Utilising an electric-based production process that avoids coal and heavy-oil pollution, the plant will significantly reduce its environmental footprint and operate with zero waste gas or wastewater emissions. Furthermore, it seamlessly fits into Oman Vision 2040, promoting sustainable industrialisation and encouraging foreign investment to drive long-term economic growth and environmental stewardship In a press statement, Bailin Yi, Chairman of Matrix Alloys, said, 'Launching our first international ferroalloy plant in Sohar Freezone offers us a strategic location with excellent infrastructure, market access, and competitive, stable, and low-cost energy essential for the energy-intensive smelting processes. We are committed to delivering premium low-carbon ferrochrome products that support global stainless-steel producers and promote a cleaner industrial future.' Mohammed al Shizawi, Acting CEO of Sohar Freezone, said, 'This agreement underscores the trust that international investors place in Sohar Port and Freezone's integrated industrial ecosystem. Matrix Alloys is bringing advanced, sustainable manufacturing capabilities to our ferroalloy cluster, aligning perfectly with our vision to attract clean technology investments and strengthen Sohar Freezone's position as a competitive gateway for global trade.' Matrix Alloys will benefit from Sohar Freezone's proximity to raw material suppliers and customers, as well as direct port access, and a supportive regulatory environment that reduces operational costs. The plant also plans to secure ISO 14001 and ISO 14067 certifications to ensure full carbon emission traceability and compliance with international standards such as CBAM, EcoLeaf, and K-ETS. As Sohar Freezone approaches full capacity in its initial development phase, this agreement marks a significant milestone in expanding Oman's green industrial base and attracting technology-driven industries to the region.
Observer
28-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
Invest Oman facilitates landmark solar manufacturing deal at Advantage Oman Forum
Muscat: Invest OMAN, the government's official investment promotion arm under the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, led the signing ceremony of a major clean energy investment during the Advantage Oman Forum in Muscat. The agreement was signed between JA Solar Energy — one of the world's top four manufacturers and suppliers of high-performance solar cells and modules — on one side, and Invest OMAN, SOHAR Port and Freezone, and Majis Industrial Services SAOC on the other. This strategic investment marks a significant milestone resulting from the enablement and collaborative efforts with Invest OMAN, the government's gateway for facilitating large-scale investments in the Sultanate of Oman. The project's implementation is the result of a coordinated effort by key government institutions, including the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ), the Authority for Public Services Regulation, Oman Electricity Transmission Company (OETC), NAMA Supply and Majis Industrial Services. With a total investment of $565 million and covering an area of 32.8 hectares in the second phase of the Freezone, the project is set to deliver an annual production capacity of 6 gigawatts of solar cells and 3 gigawatts of solar modules. Primarily targeting Europe, the US, and local markets, operations are scheduled to begin in 2025. This project will play a significant role in advancing the renewable energy sector in the Middle East and aligns with Oman Vision 2040's goals for sustainable development. This landmark agreement also marks a major step in positioning Oman as a competitive destination for renewable technologies and advanced industrial production, in line with Vision 2040. Led by Invest Oman, the project's advanced technology and large-scale production will significantly enhance the region's renewable energy capabilities and contribute to global sustainability efforts. Ibtisam al Faroojia, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion for Investment Promotion Ibtisam al Faroojia, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion for Investment Promotion, 'The signing of these landmark agreements underscore Oman's commitment to fostering a competitive and sustainable investment environment. This project aligns with Oman Vision 2040 by enhancing renewable energy capabilities, creating economic value and driving innovation in clean energy technologies. Through Invest OMAN's collaborative efforts, the Sultanate of Oman continues to position itself as a global hub for strategic, sustainable investments.' She added, 'As the government's dedicated gateway for investment promotion, Invest OMAN played a pivotal role in realizing this project. The plant's advanced technology and large-scale production will significantly boost the country's renewable energy potential and contribute to global sustainability efforts.' Mohammed al Shizawi, Acting CEO of SOHAR Freezone, emphasized, "The expansion of SOHAR Freezone highlights our strong appeal to investors and our key role in driving economic growth. With its strategic advantages and advanced infrastructure, the freezone is the perfect foundation for innovative projects like this one. This initiative reinforces our commitment to clean energy and supports Oman's vision for energy independence. By localizing solar panel production, we reduce our carbon footprint and set a new sustainability benchmark. Additionally, this project will contribute to the downstream sector, continuing the full ecosystem chain and fostering collaboration with existing industries in the freezone, further strengthening the renewable energy cluster." Victor Yang, President of Investment and Financing Center, JA Solar: said: "Our facility marks a significant advancement in the solar PV supply chain. The strategic location within SOHAR Freezone offers essential logistics and positions us in a rapidly growing renewable energy hub. By utilizing cutting-edge technologies, we aim to produce high-quality, affordable solar cells and panels that enhance accessibility and attract global investment, while expanding our presence in key markets." By establishing this manufacturing facility, SOHAR Port and Freezone reinforces its commitment to driving sustainable economic growth while positioning itself as a pivotal player in global trade. With 85% of Phase 1 fully leased, Phase 2 is actively expanding to accommodate further industrial needs across its 675 hectares of land. This milestone also serves as a testament to the trust and confidence in the freezone operations by investors and partners.
