Pakistan’s first construction chemical plant was inaugurated in Sundar Industrial Estate near Lahore. It was built by SIKA Pakistan at a cost of 5 million Swiss francs.
Inauguration of this plant, which will prepare construction chemicals locally, was announced by the SIKA Head for Middle East and Director Pakistan Miljan Gutovic, Swtizerland’s Ambassador to Pakistan Thomas Kolly, SIKA Pakistan CEO Naveed Chaudhry and Punjab Board of Investment and Trade (PBIT) CEO Jahanzeb Burana.
SIKA is world’s leading construction chemical company having its presence in 99 countries and a leading position in research and development and technology for systems and products for concrete, waterproofing, refurbishment, flooring, sealing and bonding.
The fully automated manufacturing facility is Pakistan’s first ever LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified construction chemical plant. LEED is an international rating system for buildings which evaluates environmental performance and awards points across several areas that address sustainability. The factory will produce mortars and liquid products of construction chemicals locally which will bring quality products more close to their customers and contribute to economy of Pakistan by decreasing imports. The factory will be resource efficient as it will save 20 per cent energy, 50 per cent water and 30 per cent better indoor air quality as compared to any other industrial facility in Pakistan. SIKA Pakistan will create 150 jobs directly and 1000 jobs indirectly by 2020.
Switzerland’s Ambassador to Pakistan Thomas Kolly speaking on this occasion said that both the countries are enjoying cordial diplomatic relations since 1947. He said presence of a large number of Swiss companies in Pakistan also reflect the trust being enjoyed by business community of both sides.
While speaking on the occasion, CEO/GM SIKA Naveed Chaudhry said, “I am very happy today as we have opened our new plant. We want SIKA to come close to the consumer due to its quality and expanded footprint. We are hoping to create new and happy Pakistan for our next generation.”
Pakistan Swiss Business Council’s representative Farhat Ali replying some queries said that during the last 10 years different Swiss companies had made an investment of US 1.5 billion dollars in Pakistan.
