A BOOMING Borders-based fibre optic manufacturer is investing £42m to develop a facility in Abu Dhabi, it has been announced.

Emtelle, which has its headquarters in Hawick, employs hundreds of staff around the world.

The company says the new facility is a “huge statement of intent” as it expands its global operations.

It will help increase manufacturing capacity and boost its presence in key markets like the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Jordan.

The deal is with Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD Group), a subsidiary of AD Ports Group.

A spokesperson for Emtelle said: “It will provide Emtelle with the opportunity to expand its manufacturing capacity, turbo-charging fibre deployment in the region.

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“It will also help Emtelle boost its presence in key markets including the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Iraq, and Oman, as well as the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand.”

The agreement follows the acquisition and re-brand of AfriPipes Middle East in 2021.

Emtelle is also undertaking a major expansion into North America with the opening of a manufacturing facility in North Carolina.

Tony Rodgers, CEO of Emtelle Group, said that opening the KEZAD manufacturing facility aligns with the company’s strategic direction, adding: “It significantly shortens the supply chains and guarantees both existing and new customers the security of supply.

“In addition, the expansion allows countries across the Middle East and Asia to significantly enhance their networks at rapid speed.”

Emtelle manufactures cable duct, the plastic piping which encases underground fibre-optic cables, and exports to more than 60 countries.