Egyptian Metra to assemble Intel motherboards

The PC assembly arm of Egyptian IT distribution group Metra Computer will build Intel motherboards for the African market following a landmark tie-up with the CPU vendor.

Boraq for Electronics and Industries (BEI), a prominent PC integrator in the local channel, is expected to begin shipments during the second quarter of 2009, with initial distribution intended solely for the African region. The deal represents Intel’s first African assembly licensing agreement.

The new arrangement, which Intel believes will contribute to the development of the Egyptian ICT sector, was announced by chairman Craig Barrett and the Egyptian government’s technology agency ITIDA.

"As part of the 'Intel World Ahead Program', this agreement is the first of its kind and is set to kick off the assembly of motherboards locally in Egypt and export to the region", said Dr. Tarek Kamel, Minister of Communications and Information Technology.

"Intel will be committed to training the Egyptian workforce at the assembly plant as well as supporting the sales and marketing functions, while Egypt's Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) will provide the necessary support for the export of these motherboards," added Kamel.It is understood that the motherboard factory will create between 400 and 600 new jobs during the next two years.