Specialty chemicals firm Sika AG announced Tuesday that it has boosted the production capacity of its Doha, Qatar manufacturing plant and commenced production of epoxy resins at the site.

The Swiss company said the expansion will enable it capitalized on the country’s growing construction market. A number of major projects are currently underway in Qatar, including expansions of energy and utilities infrastructure.

“Our latest investment in Qatar is positioning us for continued growth and is strengthening our competitiveness in the country. In expanding our production, we are anticipating a substantial increase in demand and volumes for our high-value adhesives and flooring solutions,” said Ivo Schädler, regional manager EMEA for Sika. “Our building-sector customers will benefit from an expanded and locally produced portfolio of Sika solutions which, in addition, eliminates long-distance transportation. This benefits the environment, our customers, and Sika.”

Sika’s new plant will also help local builders to meet Qatar’s state policy giving preference to domestically sourced products.

Qatar’s construction industry is expected to grow by 2.6% this year following disruptions last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the company.

Sika has been expanding its presence in the Middle East region in recent years. In 2018, the company opened a concrete admixtures production facility in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.