Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah inaugurates Motherson production plant
The new facility makes wiring harnesses for commercial vehicles and special-purpose vehicles
His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, formally inaugurated the Motherson Group’s wiring harness production facility at Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) on September 7, 2023.
Employing about 500 people, the advanced facility, the company’s eighth in the Gulf region, manufactures wiring harnesses for commercial vehicles and special-purpose vehicles for various export markets.
AED40-million investment
Set up at an initial cost of about AED40 million, the new facility at Al Hamra Industrial Zone of RAKEZ is a subsidiary plant of India-headquartered auto components maker Samvardhana Motherson International Ltd (SAMIL).
SAMIL, under the umbrella of the Motherson Group, is one of the the world’s largest and fastest-growing manufacturer of components for the automotive and transport industries.
Speaking on the occasion, HH Sheikh Saud noted that Ra Al Khaimah’s vision for sustainable development is strengthening its position as a leading destination for investments and that its local economy is evolving to increase its contribution to the overall growth of the UAE.
‘Integrated strategy’
HH Sheikh Saud said: “In Ras Al Khaimah, we have an integrated strategy to diversify the economy and achieve balanced growth across all sectors to ensure the sustainable development of our emirate and adherence to our national objectives.
“This strategy lends great flexibility to the emirate’s economic ecosystem, allowing us to keep pace with rapid changes across all sectors and to enhance our competitiveness to be among the most sought-out business destinations in the region and the world.”
HH Sheikh Saud expressed his confidence that the new factory in Ras Al Khaimah will be a solid addition to the thriving manufacturing sector in the emirate, which currently contributes about 30% to the emirate’s GDP.
‘Strategic base’
Vivek Chaand Sehgal, Chairman of Motherson Group, said: “Ras Al Khaimah continues to serve as a strategic base for our operations, bringing us closer to our European wiring harness customers.
“We are also thankful to RAKEZ for their encouragement to the regional industries and continuous support to Motherson,” he added.
After unveiling a plaque to formally commemorate his new plant opening, HH Sheikh Saud toured the facility, where he was briefed about its advanced manufacturing technologies.
The inauguration ceremony on September 7, 2023, was attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid Al Qasimi, RAKEZ Managing Director, Vivek Chaand Sehgal, Chairman of Motherson Group, and officials from both RAKEZ and Motherson.
SAMIL, with an AED46 billion ($12.5 billion) revenue turnover, employs over 180,000 people in 41 countries across five continents and is a crucial supplier to German, Spanish, French, American, Japanese, and Indian automotive manufacturers.
In 1975, Vivek Chaand Sengal, now 66, launched a silver trading business with his late mother, Swaran Lata Sehgal; hence, the name Motherson for his business empire.
