Siemens has announced that it is looking to invest millions into Bahrain in an attempt to set up a Middle Eastern hub for both regional and global metal producers.

Siemens WLL, the Bahrain based offshoot of the company, is to link with Unitag to pump $5.6 million to create an offshoot company that is intended to provide equipment and services for metal producers in the Gulf region.

A 25,000 square metre site for the new centre has already been chosen and Baytik Industrial Oasis have already been announced as the first tenants of the site. The site has the potential to create dozens of jobs in the metal industry for Bahrainis.

Chief executive Marek Szymanek said that Bahrain’s low energy costs, brilliant location and manpower advantages, placed it at the top of the list for such a venture. He claims “The idea to set up such a complex was mooted about two years ago.

“But what really swung it for us was the skills and mindset of Bahrainis.

“We will hopefully recruit an initial 20 job-seekers and school-leavers with a view to placing them in a training programme, supported by Tamkeen for nine months.”

New employees will learn mechanical skills, such as metal presswork and steel pressing skills, from experts in Europe. In addition they will learn welding techniques, machining, drilling and sandblasting.

Szymanek continued “Until now, customers have had to send components to the Far East, Europe or the US. But basing ourselves in Bahrain will not only cut energy costs, but also shipping times, which in turn means less production lost.

“There are a lot of steel and aluminium producers in the region, and others from outside are homing in, attracted by low energy costs.”