SHARJAH, third February, 2025 (WAM) — Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone) has additional solidified its place as a lovely hub for world companies with the launch of operations by Tokai Optical, a number one Japanese prescription lens producer.
The firm has begun manufacturing at its newly established manufacturing facility within the free zone, a major step in its regional enlargement technique.
The 4,300-square-foot facility was arrange earlier this yr with an funding exceeding AED 8 million.
With a primary stage manufacturing capability reaching over 2000 ophthalmic lenses/day, the manufacturing facility positions Tokai Optical to satisfy rising demand within the Middle East and Africa, the place the contact lens market is projected to develop from US$10.23 billion in 2024 to US$12.24 billion by 2029, in keeping with Mordor Intelligence.
The transfer is a part of Tokai’s plan to spice up its investments within the UAE and increase its footprint in a area poised for regular progress, with the market anticipated to develop at a compound annual price of three.66 p.c over the following 5 years (2024-2029).
Saud Salim Al Mazrouei, Director of SAIF Zone, Kurt Leuridan, CEO of Tokai Optics and his Japanese companion Hirokazu Furuzawa, formally visited the ability, earlier than the beginning of its manufacturing operations.
Several officers had been current in the course of the go to, together with Ken Okaniwa, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the UAE, Antoine Delcourt, Ambassador of Belgium to the UAE.
During the inauguration, Al Mazrouei, accompanied by a number of administrators, was briefed on the state-of-the-art manufacturing traces, superior amenities, and cutting-edge equipment, together with precision measurement programs and superior lasers. These applied sciences make sure the manufacturing of high-performance medical lenses tailor-made to the wants of each native and worldwide markets.
He was additionally briefed on the specialised laboratories inside the manufacturing facility, which leverage superior applied sciences and synthetic intelligence purposes to boost effectivity and uphold the very best requirements of high quality and innovation in optical manufacturing.
“The opening of Tokai Optical’s new factory is a testament to SAIF Zone’s position as a premier hub for global companies and industries,” stated Al Mazrouei. “Investments like these enrich the emirate’s economy by fostering industrial diversity and innovation.”
He emphasised that the launch of Tokai Optical, one of many world’s high 5 producers of medical lenses, from Sharjah Airport International Free Zone will considerably contribute to the expansion and improvement of the commercial and medical sectors within the UAE, significantly in Sharjah.
Al Mazrouei careworn that the free zone provides a dynamic enterprise surroundings and world-class infrastructure, empowering firms throughout varied industrial sectors to increase their operations and improve their efficiency.
“We are committed to advancing the objectives of “Operation 300bn, the UAE’s industrial technique”, as well as the “Make it within the Emirates” campaign, which are designed to provide an attractive and competitive business landscape for both local and international investors in the industrial sector.”
Kurt Leuridan, for his half, highlighted that the corporate ranks among the many high three globally in analysis and improvement inside its area. He careworn that the graduation of producing operations in SAIF Zone is a pivotal step within the firm’s enlargement technique. “Through our factory, we aspire to export our products to all GCC countries, as well as the Middle East and Africa,” he stated.
Leuridan added that the choice to ascertain operations in SAIF Zone was pushed by a number of key elements, together with the free zone’s low working prices, strategic location, superior logistics infrastructure, and investment-friendly insurance policies. “These incentives make SAIF Zone an ideal base for our regional growth and global ambitions,” he acknowledged.