Water technology firm Xylem has announced the opening of its new service centre in Dubai, located on a 10,000sqm site in Jebel Ali Free Zone.

The move is said to be aimed at strengthening its position in the Middle East and to better address the region’s water-related challenges.

The facility, which boasts a state-of-the-art analytics lab, has been developed at an investment of $1.2mn. It features a wash bay, lifting and handling cranes and tooling, trimming and balancing machines, original spare parts, testing benches, a painting booth, programming and calibrating equipment and devices.

In October 2016, the firm inaugurated its first Middle East manufacturing facility and, in September 2019, it launched its first “Train the Trainer Week” in Dubai.

Xylem Managing Director (Middle East and Turkey) Naji Skaf said: “With this expansion, we seek to solidify our position in the Middle East region and provide a slew of benefits including quicker turnaround, greater convenience and access to our customers. The new facility will enable us to respond to any customer needs faster and provide tailor-made solutions such as real-time interventions by experts – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”

He added, “The service hub currently employs more than 16 staff, including engineers and technicians and is set to create 300 employment opportunities. Our new centre of excellence is poised to bring about a gamut of opportunities for us that will support and accelerate our growth.”

In December 2022, Hassana said it was investing in JAFZA after it had pumped US $2.4bn into key DP World assets.