Italian water heater maker Ariston Thermo opened its first manufacturing plant in Bahrain, last month, marking its first industrial operation in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region.

The 7,000-sq-m plant located in the Bahrain International Investment Park (BIIP) in Hidd was inaugurated by Industry, Commerce and Tourism Minister Zayed Al Zayani in the presence of Ariston Thermo Rapid Development Countries and Americas director Dr Carlo Andreatini.

The new plant with a production capacity of up to 250,000 electric water heaters will manufacture storage electric water heaters branded Ariston, which will be mainly marketed in the Mena region, Andreatini revealed.

A leading company in the water heating industry, Ariston Thermo group has 26 production sites in 15 countries in addition to 65 operating companies and 5 representative offices in 38 countries.

Speaking at the launch, Al Zayani said: “The selection of BIIP for Ariston’s first manufacturing facility in the region demonstrates the quality of the location and the competitive advantages which Bahrain has to offer to global companies.”

Al Zayani pointed out that project was an important one for Bahrain as it met several key objectives, enabling the growth and diversification of Bahrain’s economy, as well as creating quality skilled jobs for Bahrainis in the fields of engineering and business. The plant currently employs about 50 people.