The Solico Group has announced the launch of its cutting-edge manufacturing facility, Sofod, at the Jebel Ali Free Zone in Dubai (Jafza) with an investment totaling 130 million dirhams.
According to Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman and CEO of DP World: “Jafza continues to attract manufacturers looking to expand regionally and export globally. The decision by Solico Group to invest prominently in the UAE highlights the strength of the industrial ecosystem in Dubai. We look forward to this project contributing to food security, creating quality employment opportunities, and supporting the UAE’s ambition to establish a competitive, value-added manufacturing sector.”
A Hub for Innovation
The new facility is envisioned as an innovation hub within the GCC and a global manufacturing center. This project reflects Solico Group’s confidence in the UAE market and contributes to solidifying the country’s position as a global platform for high-quality food production that meets international export standards.
The state-of-the-art facility is equipped with advanced European technologies and has an initial production capacity of 40 tons per day, thereby enhancing the flexibility of the food manufacturing sector in the UAE amidst growing consumer demand.
Sofod spans an area of 5,000 square meters and features an adaptable architectural design that allows for rapid expansion into new food categories with high efficiency, while minimizing operational downtime.
Manufacturing Capabilities
Ghulam Ali Soleimani, the founder and Chairman of Solico Group, stated: “The UAE has developed one of the most dynamic food manufacturing systems globally as part of its economic diversification efforts. This investment enables us to deepen our regional presence, transfer our expertise to the UAE, and build manufacturing capabilities that will support food security for years to come. This project also reflects the values upon which my family established this company over half a century ago.”
This initiative serves as a strategic foundation for enhancing food security in the UAE by transforming traditional supply chain models into a value-added manufacturing infrastructure. The first phase of the project focuses on the production of meats and proteins under the “Pimina” brand, Solico Group’s leading label, facilitating widespread distribution across Gulf and global markets. In later phases, the Sofod facility will diversify into additional categories, including cheese production, dairy products, ready-made mixes, sauces, and tailored packaging solutions for hotels, airlines, and the food service sector.
The group’s strategic location within the DP World ecosystem in Jebel Ali offers direct access to major global trade and logistics routes, enabling Solico Group to reach over 3 billion consumers in adjacent markets. This location also supports the goals of the ‘Make in the UAE’ initiative, aimed at strengthening national manufacturing capabilities by transforming the UAE into a leading industrial hub that meets regional and international market demands.