Polymatech Electronics Ltd, the Chennai-based opto-semiconductor chip maker, has announced its entry into the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region with a significant funding round of $16.2 million from investors in Bahrain.
Investment overview
Polymatech’s investment will initially focus on establishing a 25,000-square-foot assembly unit and securing land for a larger 100,000-square-foot production facility, branded as Atri, located in Bahrain’s Industrial Area of Hidd. This facility will specialize in the design, fabrication, packaging, and assembly of opto-semiconductor chips used in various applications, including medical lighting, agriculture, and consumer electronics.
What are the focus areas?
The company’s immediate strategies in Bahrain focuses on two sectors:
- Food security
- Medical electronics
Polymatech plans to develop innovative solutions that enhance food production through technologies like hydroponics and advanced medical devices such as endoscopes and vein finders. This focus is especially relevant as global demand for food security solutions has surged following the COVID-19 pandemic.
What do the senior officials say?
Bahrain Minister of Sustainable Development and CEO of Bahrain EDB Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif said, “Polymatech establishing a semiconductor facility in Bahrain is a pivotal milestone on this journey of digital transformation.”
Bahrain’s Economic Development Board (EDB) has highlighted this investment as a landmark achievement for the kingdom, marking its first venture into the semiconductor industry. Ali AlMudaifa, head of business development at the EDB, emphasized that this project is expected to benefit from Bahrain’s labour fund aimed at enhancing local talent in high-tech industries.
What are the implications for Bahrain’s economy?
The investment is expected to contribute to Bahrain’s economic diversification efforts, which have been emphasized in its economic recovery plan launched in 2021. By attracting high-tech industries like Polymatech, Bahrain aims to reduce its reliance on traditional sectors and create new job opportunities in advanced manufacturing.
The timing of Polymatech’s investment is crucial given the ongoing global semiconductor shortage and increasing protectionist measures affecting supply chains worldwide.
What are the prospects for Polymatech?
Polymatech’s ambitious plans extend beyond its initial investment. The company aims to establish 3-4 vendor bases in Bahrain, with interest already expressed by vendors from Japan and the United States.
By focusing on critical sectors like food security and medical electronics while leveraging Bahrain’s supportive environment for advanced manufacturing, Polymatech is well-positioned to contribute to the region’s technological advancement and economic diversification efforts. Moreover, this investment will also strengthen Bahrain-India relations.
