Swiss Company Firmenich to Open New R&D Facility in Dubai Science Park

Dubai - UAE: 29 April, 2019 – Dubai Science Park (DSP), a holistic science-focused business community, announced that it has entered an agreement with its existing business partner Firmenich, the UAE branch of the world’s largest privately owned fragrance and flavour company, to build a new facility within the hub. Set for completion in Q4 2020, the 38,064 sq ft built-to-suit (BTS) project will be designed to support increased research and development (R&D) needs as Firmenich continues to grow in the region.  

The UAE’s business-friendly environment and upward economic growth trajectory have encouraged overseas companies to expand their operations in the region. Serving the Middle East and Africa markets, Firmenich is currently celebrating 10 years at DSP, being the first strategic business partner established on site in 2009. The company’s client portfolio features leading names in the fine fragrances segment as well as leading FMCG multinationals. The new state-of-the-art facility will support Firmenich’s expansion plans.

Marwan Abdulaziz Janahi, Managing Director of DSP and Chairing Member of the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Equipment Taskforce of the Dubai Industrial Strategy 2030, said: “We have been working with Firmenich for a decade and I believe that the robust infrastructure and collaborative environment at DSP provides an ideal location for the company’s new facility. This project in particular is a prime example of our ongoing support that enables our business partners to meet their growth objectives, as the new facility will be built as per the fitout specifications. We are confident that Firmenich will bring added value to the local market in line with our mandate to support the development of target segments including agriculture, food, personal care and industrial biotechnology.”

Arnaud Bachellier, VP Perfumery India, Middle East & Africa and General Manager of Firmenich, said: “We consider the Middle East and Africa among the most dynamic regions in the world with significant business potential. DSP offered us a fantastic opportunity to better serve our customers in the region when we established our regional headquarters and laboratories here 10 years ago. The construction of our BTS facility is the natural outcome of our solid growth and the strong partnership we have developed with DSP over the years.  It is also testimony to our long-term commitment to R&D and new fragrance technologies, allowing us to reinforce our strength in an area of growing importance to our business in the region.”

With a net revenue of AED13.5 billion, Firmenich is a leading manufacturer of fragrance and flavour ingredients worldwide. Building on its legacy of industry-leading organic growth, the company completed eight acquisitions over the past two years to expand its market reach. Driven by its purpose to “create positive emotions to enhance wellbeing, naturally”, Firmenich puts science and creativity to work to address key societal challenges, such as nutrition, sanitation and climate change.

DSP continues to attract leading international providers and facilitates their growth in the region by helping them drive new business, through established partnerships and networking events. The expansion of Firmenich is an example of DSP’s support for its business partners that in turn, creates additional value for its stakeholders. The holistic science-focused business community aims to consolidate its status as a leading destination for scientific, R&D, manufacturing and prototyping activities that provides a conducive environment for business growth.