Punch Limited & Modest Group: Industrial Solutions Experts in the UAE

It all began in 1975 when Mr. Mohamed Suleman Khimjee established an office in the Deira Gold Souk community of Dubai, UAE. The beginning of this modest start eventually led this family-run business into scaling and weaving itself into the fabric of UAE’s economy and industrial story.

This is the story of Punch Limited, part of the Modest Group – an industrial and manufacturing company specialising in manufacturing high-spec prefabricated units. What started as a vision has grown into a diversified group venture and continues to be steered by the third generation.

Partnership with Jafza

When Jafza was established in 1985, it quickly became a hub for industrial and manufacturing activities, enhancing international trade through its proximity to Jebel Ali Port. Recognising its importance, Punch Limited opened its main office and manufacturing unit in Jafza in 1992, becoming one of the first 1,000 companies to establish a presence in the free zone.

Over 30 years later, Punch Limited has evolved from a startup into a thriving enterprise, benefiting from Jafza’s strategic location and network of businesses. Collaborations with companies like Sony Middle East, McDermott, DP World, Quest Vitamins, EGA, and Hormann Middle East have fuelled its steady growth, complemented by numerous other partnerships with companies based in the UAE and the GCC.

Diverse services

Punch Limited is involved in a broad spectrum of activities that include trading, manufacturing, and other industrial solutions. The company specialises in prefabricated and portable buildings, comprehensive site services, metal roof waterproofing, renewable energy solutions, industrial-grade additive manufacturing (3D printing), and the supply of metal and polymers for 3D printers.

Other divisions outside Jafza offer disposable under-pads for the healthcare industry as well as travel and tours services for residents and tourists.

Journey beyond manufacturing

Modest Company’s journey beyond manufacturing over the years:

1975   Establishment of the first office in Dubai.

1992   Completion and set up of Punch Limited’s manufacturing facility in Jafza.

1998   Acquisition of Travelex Travels & Tours LLC in Dubai.

2011   Complete upgrade and renovation of Jafza facility with a focus on adopting green measures.

2013   Acquisition of Blue Leaves Paper Manufacturing LLC, sepcialisingin manufacturing disposable under-pads for the healthcare industry.

2016   New product is introduced, the MODBOX, a modular pre-fabricated building system.

2019   Added renewable energy solutions, targeting SMEs to generate clean energy through solar PV systems under the DEWA Shams Dubai programme.

2021   Leap into Industry 4.0 with Additive Manufacturing activity and establishing: the UAE’s first industrial 3D printed parts manufacturing competence centre in Jafza.

2024   Embracing renewable energy by installing a solar PV system for Punch Limited’s factory and office premises in Jafza.

Benefits of Jafza

Strategically located in Jafza, Punch Limited occupies 80,000 sq. ft of land. It’s proximity to the port and access to a range of logistics providers have been crucial, significantly reducing shipping complexities and ensuring a robust supply chain.

Jafza’s well-organised infrastructure, professional environment, and 100% foreign ownership were key factors in choosing it 30 years ago. These benefits still hold true today, proving Jafza’s enduring value as a business zone.

The influx of diverse companies into Jafza has created rich opportunities for networking and partnerships, instrumental in the company’s growth.

The future

As the family enterprise approaches its 50th anniversary in 2025, their vision includes:

• Continuing to provide innovative, high-specification portable prefabricated building solutions.
• Adopting and providing clean energy solutions.
• Leading the expansion of industrial additive manufacturing (3D printing) in Dubai and MENA.

Renewing their lease after the initial 25-year term in 2017, Punch Limited looks forward to another quarter-century of collaboration and success with Jafza.