Insights

Press Release

September 20, 2011

World's largest interiors contractor selects North East as base for UK operations

This important inward investment has been achieved without recourse to public sector assistance and will initially create 30 new jobs.

Depa will operate its UK and European operations from its new offices in Riverside Park, Middlesbrough, specialising in full-scope fit out and furnishing projects for luxury hotels, apartments, airports, shops, yachts, theme parks and business premises.

The United Arab Emirates-based company has been attracted to the North East of England by its potential to be a hub for private sector enterprise, which has already been demonstrated by high profile investments such as the Hitachi train factory and the awarding of £50 million of the Government’s Regional Growth Fund to businesses in the region.

Renowned for completing the interior design and fit-out of such famous landmarks as the world’s tallest building, the 828 metre Burj Khalifa hotel in Dubai, and the Four Seasons hotel in Sharm El Sheik, Egypt, Depa is now aiming to enhance its position in the European market.

Having seen a growth in the number of UK and European projects in recent years, the company will utilise its North East base to assemble an increased workforce and a robust supply chain network to service new contract wins.

Paul Austin, CEO of Depa UK, said: “We have been impressed with the ambitions shown by Middlesbrough to become a destination of choice for inward investment and a viable location to do business. In addition to the high quality available commercial business space, the region has a wealth of talented people who would be welcome additions to Depa.”

He added: “The UK has been an important element of our future plans and we believe the time is right to establish a larger operation in the country. The size of the economy and vast-potential for high quality, prestigious work is very attractive to us and will allow us to further establish our credentials in the commercial, residential and hotel sectors.”
ENDS
CONTACT: Jamie Collis on 01325 363436

Notes to editors:
About Depa:
www.Depa.com
Depa is a leading interior contracting company in the Middle East, North Africa and Southeast Asia regions. Operating principally in the luxury fit-out industry its main areas of business cover; 5 star hotels, residential property, retail outlets, yachts as well as public sector amenities such as hospitals and airports.
The range of services provided comprise luxury interior-fit out services, which include:
• Installation and finishing of floors, walls, ceilings, fixed joinery, panelling, wood-works, doors and frames
• Specialist fit-out for retail spaces, yachts and theming projects
• Manufacturing and procurement of customized furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E)
By integrating these services into a single package, Depa can provide clients with a comprehensive and customised interior contracting solution.
With more than 8,000 employees worldwide, the company operates through an integrated network of subsidiaries, affiliates and representative offices located in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, India, Malaysia, Thailand, China and Singapore. Through this network Depa has successfully executed large and complex projects in over 15 countries including the Burj Al Arab Hotel, Burj Dubai (Dubai), Emirates Palace (Abu Dhabi), the Museum of Islamic Art (Doha), Four Seasons Hotels, (Sharm El Sheikh & Mumbai) and Mazagan Hotel (Morocco).