Bano Puratos, a leading Belgian-Lebanese manufacturer and supplier of raw materials, utensils and machinery for the chocolate, ice cream, bakery and pastry industries, has announced plans to double its monthly production capacity at its plant in Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone) from 300 tonnes to 600 tonnes in 2022 and later hit 900 tonnes by 2023.

Earlier last year, Bano Puratos had established the region’s largest production facility in the SAIF Zone with investments estimated at AED20 million ($5.4 million).

The company, which manufactures materials used in the production of cakes, muffins and baked goods, now aims to increase the list of its products from 45 to 150. Leading a high-profile delegation from the free zone, Saud Salim Al Mazrouei, Director of SAIF Zone, visited the 17,250 sq-ft Bano factory, lauding the quality of products manufactured by the company.

“The growing interest of international companies to base their operations in Sharjah, particularly in the SAIF Zone, proves once again that our attractive facilities, exceptional services and privileges are unparalleled and can effectively support the aspirations of businesses in achieving their economic goals,” he stated.

“Despite the modernity of its factory, Bano decided to further expand its operations, something which highlights the efficiency of investments in SAIF Zone,” said  Al Mazrouei.

Rayan Mohsen, Director-General of Bano Puratos in the UAE, said: “The company’s investments in Sharjah come as part of an integrated plan aimed at keeping pace with the growing demand for its products and expanding its operations to the western markets. Bano’s production facility in SAIF Zone commenced operations last February and is fully automated.”

Founded in 1995 in Lebanon under the name of Bano, the company signed a joint-venture agreement in 2019 with the  Belgian Puratos  Group and since then it was renamed Bano Puratos. It is now operating in Lebanon, the UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain and Jordan.