Ashok Leyland has announced the expansion of Ras Al Khaimah plant in the UAE, and the setting up of a design and service training centre. The capacity expansion will enable the facility to turn out 20 buses per day from the current capacity of 12 buses per day. Done at an investment of USD 10 million, and in what is termed by Vinod K. Dasari, MD, Ashok Leyland Ltd., as key to the supply of buses to address the needs of GCC countries, and to address the company’s ambitious plans for Africa, the foundation stone of the expansion facility was laid by Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah recently. Set up in 2010, the Ras Al Khaimah plant is a joint venture between Ashok Leyland and the Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority (RAKIA). It is the only certified local bus factory in the UAE and GCC region. While the setting up of the design and service training centre will mark a centre of excellence for its overseas expansion, it is also expected to help the company to increase localisation. Ashok Leyland has already created a vendor hub in Ras Al-Khaimah and the nearby Emirates.