A Middle East joint venture led by Indian polyester specialist JBF Industries Ltd. is constructing a biaxially oriented PET film production plant in Bahrain's free trade International Investment Park.
JBF RAK, the Mumbai-based group's regional partnership, is due to commission the first phase of the Gulf facility next month. A second stage is set to launch in early 2014 with the final capacity upgrade expected to be ready in mid-2014.
JBF's latest $200 million project to manufacture thick, thin and metallized PET films will take advantage of its Bahraini location to tap the Middle Eastern market, as well as export opportunities in Europe's euro zone, and the United States, with which Bahrain enjoys a free trade pact.
JBF RAK is a partnership with the Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority (RAKIA).
Meanwhile, work is progressing on JBF's first European PET plant, in Geel, Belgium.