Ecolab seeks to cash in on expanding market in Mideast

Dubai: Ecolab, a US-based maker of cleaning and sanitation products, said last week it has established operations in the UAE.

Ecolab previously operated in the country through a distributor, and has purchased that business to form the new direct Ecolab operation in the country. Sales for the acquired business were approximately $3 million. No further details regarding the transaction were announced.

"As our customers' operations have grown in the Middle East, and Dubai in particular, the need to more closely support them through our direct presence with our premium products and services has increased," said Douglas Baker, Jr, Ecolab's chairman, president and CEO. "This will enable us to better assure we meet those needs today, as well as the growth expected from the region in the future."

With 2005 sales of $4.5 billion, Ecolab is a global developer and marketer of cleaning, sanitising, pest elimination, maintenance and repair products and services for the hospitality, food service, healthcare and industrial markets. Ecolab is traded on the New York Stock Exchange.