Optimized Holding, one of Qatar’s major emerging diversified companies, announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Optimized Industries for Chemicals Factory, is launching local production of Lifebuoy and Lux soap bars in partnership with Unilever International, one of the world’s largest manufacturing goods companies.
Optimized Industries is located in the New Doha Industrial Area. This project has been fast-tracked to be ready in just three months and is the first factory in Qatar producing soap for personal care.  
The factory’s expected production capacity to cover local market demand initially will be 1,800 tonnes per year.
The factory will use a building provided by Qatar Development Bank (QDB) through QDB’s ‘Jahiz 1’ initiative which, for a specific incubation period and at competitive prices, leases ready-to-operate manufacturing facilities to SME owners to undertake innovative and aspirational industrial projects. 
Sheikh Ali Alwaleed al-Thani, chief executive officer, Investment Promotion Agency of Qatar, stated, “We are honoured to witness the opening of the Optimized Industries for Chemicals Factory, which is based at Doha’s New Industrial Area. Lifebuoy and Lux are popular Unilever International personal hygiene products and choosing to begin production here in Qatar further signals the growth potential of our great nation to the world.”
He added: “Optimized Industries for Chemicals Factory is a testament to Qatar’s growth and attractiveness to overseas businesses. Not only is the factory Qatar’s first soap bar producer, the opening also reflects our shared vision of driving resilient and sustainable growth, and aligns with the Qatar 2030 National Vision.”
On the opening, Sheikh Mohammed bin Faisal al-Thani, chairman, of Optimized Holding, said, “Under the patronage of HE the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari, it is my pleasure to oversee the opening of Qatar’s first soap bar manufacturing factory.  In partnership with the globally renowned Unilever International, the factory will provide the Qatari market with the highest quality products and will provide a strong platform from which we can develop and expand our future offerings. 
“I would also like to express my gratitude and appreciation for the support provided by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry for its several facilities and for its initiatives to support and encourage the private sector and to create an attractive investment environment. 
“I would also like to emphasize the importance of the Qatar Development Bank initiative through which ready-made industrial facilities are provided to small and medium-sized enterprises to support their industrial projects. This initiative is having a positive impact on Qatar’s national vision for economic diversification and is increasing the participation of the private sector in supporting the national economy through diversifying sources of income and attracting foreign investment and expertise through partnerships and joint ventures.” 
Lifebuoy and Lux are two of Unilever’s leading beauty and personal care brands. 
Unilever is one of the world’s largest suppliers of beauty and personal care, home care, and foods and refreshment products with sales in more than 190 countries. In Qatar, Unilever International manufactures tea, and detergent and is now expanding production into new products.