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Jotun halts Middle East production over security fears

2/03/2026, 16:52

Jotun's factory in Muscat, Oman, is one of the company's facilities in the Middle East. Photo: Jotun/Morten Rakke

Jotun has shut down factories across the Middle East following a series of attacks and explosions in the region. Staff have been told to stay home and a shelter has been set up at the regional office.

Norwegian paint manufacturer Jotun has suspended production at its factories in Dubai, Bahrain and several other Middle Eastern countries due to the deteriorating security situation in the region.

The company has established a crisis team and instructed employees to stay at home. Jotun says it fears that missile debris from recent attacks and explosions in the region could pose a risk to both staff and facilities.

– We have essentially told everyone to stay at home, where it is safe – as far as possible given the situation they are in. Operations are suspended, says communications officer Øyvind Willumsen Haugå to NRK.

Employees who have felt unsafe at their locations have been moved to safer areas. A protected shelter has also been set up in the basement of the regional office.

Jotun employs around 1,800 local staff in the region, as well as ten Norwegian employees.