* Pico Play is strengthening its footprint in the Middle East as its reputation for delivering high-quality attraction fabrication continues to grow, project by project.

It has been just one year since the launch of Pico Play's dedicated fabrication facility in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the company's momentum has exceeded initial expectations.

The purpose-built facility in Al-Kharj, located south of Riyadh, was established to meet rising regional demand for the company's expertise in themed entertainment and leisure attraction design.

With demand continuing to escalate, Pico Play is set to open a second facility nearby in November 2025, earlier than originally planned.

The new site will focus on staging and assembly, and will include a showroom and additional storage space, freeing up capacity and increasing production output within the existing facility.

Investing in success

Pico Play Executive Director Darren McLean said that more than a bricks-and-mortar presence, the KSA fabrication facility represented an investment in the vibrant region.

"In only one year, we've built a team of 120 fun-makers and we're still growing," Mr McLean said.

"Our KSA team is a talented mix of artists and craftspeople who have worked in Pico Play's Malaysia fabrication facility and exciting new hires with experience working in the Middle East.

"It's been so rewarding to assemble a broad range of skills, experience and energy to deliver our high-quality work, including many of our signature components like trees, waterfalls, sculptures and artificial rock work."

Visionary partnerships

Among Pico Play's projects are six Discovery Adventure indoor entertainment centres, delivered in partnership with Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN), a leader in the investment, development and operation of the KSA's entertainment sector.

Mr McLean said both Pico Play and SEVEN were aligned in their vision to drive innovation in the entertainment and theming industry and to create exceptional opportunities for fun and leisure.

"SEVEN is fuelling momentum and excitement in the Kingdom and we are delighted to partner with them on several imaginative projects," he said.

"By investing in our KSA fabrication facility, Pico Play is strengthening our local supply chain, developing local talent and providing high-quality, high-impact fabrication services in the region."

Talent from the top down

Strong and stable leadership was key to building a high-performing team across the first 12 months.

Similarly, nurturing an inclusive team culture where KSA facility staff feel they're an integral part of the broader Pico Play community is crucial to continued success.

This is achieved through weekly workshops, monthly training, daily check-ins with key managers and Fun-Makers TV - an always-on program featuring staff and company content, subtitled and streamed to Pico Play's global facilities and offices.

Pico Play's Head of Middle East, Hadi Salahat, singled out KSA Fabrication Facility Manager Yousef Al Amasi for leading the factory's team.

"Yousef is a great manager with extensive manufacturing experience who's shown really strong leadership and is helping to develop other senior leaders in the team," he said.

Committed to quality

Mr Salahat highlighted the initiatives adopted by the KSA fabrication facility to ensure the high quality of its products from the outset.

These included robust internal quality assurance and control processes, engaging the respected testing and assessment organisation, TÜV, to monitor output and applying for ISO 9001 certification to benchmark production standards.

"Importantly, having a fabrication facility in KSA that can produce high-quality components and products in the region is valued by our clients because we help them meet deadlines and deliver their projects on time," Mr Salat said.

"Shorter supply chains, local knowledge and experience, faster shipping times and in-region support mean we can deliver value and efficiency to our clients."

An eye on the future

Looking ahead, Pico Play anticipates continued evolution in the Middle East.

"These first 12 months have been about growth - growing a team of 120, building our networks and expanding our presence - and the next 12 months will be about stabilising our business," Mr McLean said.

"We have secured a significant pipeline of work in the region and our focus remains on delivering contracts to the high standard Pico Play is known for, while building capacity across our Saudi operations to partner on more exciting projects."

For more information, visit pico-play.com