Expansion to support growth in exports of over US$100m from Bahrain to US and global markets

Askar, Bahrain (10 January 2017)  

WestPoint Home, a leading US global textiles manufacturer, today celebrated the inauguration of its new spinning facility in the Kingdom of Bahrain inline with the Company’s ongoing growth and successful presence in the Kingdom.

The new US$9 million investment marks WestPoint Home’s third expansion in Bahrain over the past five years and over US$160m of investments in total over the past 10 years in its Bahrain operations, where products produced generate over 50% of the Company’s total global revenues annually.

The opening of the new facility was commemorated by a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by HE Zayed R. Alzayani, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism of the Kingdom of Bahrain, HE William Roebuck, US Ambassador to the Kingdom, alongside WestPoint Home’s Chief Executive Officer, Normand Savaria, and Mr. Qays H. Zu’bi, President of the American Chamber of Commerce Bahrain.

Works on the third spinning expansion were initiated in 2015 with the aim of mitigating the negative financial impacts of the 2016 expiration of the Tariff Preference Level (TPL) that allowed WestPoint Home and other textile manufacturers in Bahrain to import certain support materials, such as yarn, and export finished goods into the US duty free.

Commenting, Mr. Normand Savaria, CEO of WestPoint Home, said, “We are delighted to inaugurate our new facility, which will increase our spinning capacity in the Kingdom of Bahrain by 38%. As the only textile company to continue to invest in expansion and to maintain operations in the Kingdom, this investment underscores our commitment to Bahrain’s economy. It will also effectively allow us to build on what is already over US$100m of exports annually from Bahrain to the US as well as expanding our ability to further sales in other regional and international markets.“

Mr. Savaria continued, “By spinning more yarn in Bahrain, we will decrease lead times, increase flexibility and, along with other initiatives, help to offset costs resulting from the TPL expiration of 2016. This is a considerable achievement for us and one which will positively impact our employees and serve to further enhance our ongoing contributions to the Kingdom’s economy. Our dedication to further building out our manufacturing base in Bahrain is in no small part a result of the Kingdom’s business friendly practices and the tremendous support that we have received from various government ministries as we have continued to invest in expansion and the hiring and training of local talent. This includes a major step in 2015, which saw us turn over the running of our Bahrain operations to a regional management team who have implemented “Lean and Six Sigma” programs and elevated efficiency and quality levels to all-time highs.”

Also under discussion at the ceremony were additional future investments in the Kingdom including further expansions in production capacity aimed at capitalizing on growth opportunities in the GCC and European markets in addition to the US. In 2014, WestPoint Home hired a Bahrain based sales and marketing team to service the retail and hospitality customers in these markets to great success. Through this initiative, WestPoint Home has added to its customer base high-profile companies including Frette, Fremaux, Jumeriah Group, Movenpick Hotels, The Gulf Hotel and several other regional retail chains. The Company estimates that sales generated by this group will grow over the next three years from the current rate of 3% to 20% of the total output from its Bahrain facilities.

December, 2016 marked the 10th year that WestPoint Home has operated in Bahrain and the 203rd year of continuous operation in the US.  With a legacy dating back to 1813, WestPoint Home continues to innovate having developed proprietary technology for its textiles which include:  Eco Pure, a hypo-allergenic fiber that starts with recycled plastic bottles; “DryFast” that permanently infuses fast drying properties into the fabrics; “Softa” for superior softness; and “Staybright” that maintains brilliant colors.

In pursuing its continued growth, WestPoint Home implements a strong sustainability model underscored by a long-standing commitment to protecting the environment, giving back to local communities, and recycling waste long before it was fashionable. The WestPoint Home legacy is simple: quality, affordability and stylish products that meet the high expectations of its global customers.

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About WestPoint Home
WestPoint Home, Inc. is a leading supplier and retailer of high-quality bed and bath products at tremendous values.  With a legacy dating back to 1813, WestPoint Home continues to design and manufacture sheets, towels, blankets, quilts, comforters, decorative pillows, and bath accessories for the retail and hospitality markets. Products are sold under popular owned brands including Martex, Vellux, Grand Patrician and Nostalgia as well as under licensing agreements with partners such as Rachel Ashwell, Southern Tide, Izod and Under the Canopy.  Throughout the 11 outlet stores and an Ecommerce site, WestPoint customers are able to find everyday staples and stylish designs up to 70% off. The company has long been committed to protecting the environment, giving back, and recycling waste before it was fashionable.  The West Point Home legacy is simple, high quality, affordable, innovative and stylish products that meet the high expectations of our customers.  For more information visit, http://www.westpointhome.com/

For more information, please contact FinMark Communications

Zahraa Taher
Email: ztaher@finmarkcoms.com
Number: +973 17749759 or +973 39630997.

© Press Release 2017