The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) and Lightning Source LLC – a part of US-based print-on-demand (POD) world leader Ingram Content Group – have launched Lightning Source Sharjah, a partnership venture which is one of the first, large-scale POD operations in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
The joint venture will let publishers meet the growing demand of consumers in the region on a more efficient and significantly faster scale through access to Ingram’s robust worldwide distribution network of over 40,000 retailers besides libraries, universities, and schools.
Located at the Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) Free Zone, the company is currently enabling retailers in the UAE to order books directly from international publishers to meet the market demand. With access to millions of titles in over 170 languages, Ingram Content Group’s market-leading POD service has already helped publishers close deals to make their books available to distributors and retailers in the MENA region.
Equipped with high-end technology and digital publishing innovations, the Lightning Source Sharjah facility comes with the capacity to process POD orders within 24 hours and make shipments to select destinations within 48 hours. This has helped in reducing waste and lowering carbon footprint while at the same time keeping the supply chain robust by printing more-or-less the exact quantities required by the consumer market.
SBA Chairman Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri says, “We are keen to establish global partnerships to drive greater advances in the publishing sector in the UAE and the regional level, in addition to providing access to knowledge sources to all segments of the society in line with the directives and vision of HH Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah to help build knowledge-based communities.”
John Ingram, Chairman of Ingram Content Group, says, “We have long enjoyed a strong partnership with the Sharjah Book Authority and are excited about the opportunity this new venture brings for Sharjah, Ingram, and the entire Middle East and Gulf region. I would like to thank HH Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, for giving us the opportunity to be part of this important initiative in Sharjah, benefitting the publishing world and consumers alike.”
