China Home Appliances: Supporting Local Employment in Saudi Arabia

Walk through a residential complex in Riyadh or a commercial hub in Jeddah, and you'll notice something beyond the bricks and mortar: the pulse of a nation working toward a vision. Saudi Arabia's "2030 Vision" isn't just a set of goals—it's a promise to its people: more jobs, sustainable growth, and a thriving economy rooted in local talent. At the heart of this promise lies partnerships that go beyond business, and Coloria, a leading Saudi Arabia building materials supplier, is proud to be one of those partners.

For decades, Coloria has stood as more than a building material supplier. As a one-stop architectural solution provider, it has redefined how construction projects come to life—from the first blueprint to the final tile. But in Saudi Arabia, its mission runs deeper. Here, Coloria isn't just delivering solar panels, kitchen appliances, or custom furniture; it's investing in the hands that build the nation. It's about creating opportunities for Saudi engineers, technicians, and laborers to grow, innovate, and lead in their own communities.

This is the story of how a global brand became a local ally. A story where every order of wall panels or elevator systems isn't just a transaction, but a step toward a more empowered Saudi workforce. Let's dive into how Coloria is turning construction sites into classrooms, supply chains into job creators, and building materials into building blocks for Saudi Arabia's future.

Saudi Arabia's 2030 Vision places localization at its core—reducing reliance on foreign labor, upskilling citizens, and fostering homegrown industries. For Coloria, this isn't just a policy to follow; it's a promise to uphold. With a regional office in Saudi Arabia and decades of experience in the Middle East market, the company has woven local employment into the fabric of its operations.

"We don't just hire locals—we grow them," says a Coloria regional manager. "A construction worker in Dammam might start installing flooring, but with our training programs, they could be supervising a team or specializing in sustainable materials within a year." This commitment has translated into tangible results: from 2018 to 2025, Coloria's Saudi-based team has grown by over 150%, with 70% of its on-ground staff being Saudi nationals. These aren't just entry-level roles, either—engineers, project managers, and sustainability experts now lead key projects, bringing local insight to global solutions.

But Coloria's impact extends beyond its direct hires. By partnering with local suppliers for logistics, maintenance, and support services, the company's supply chain ripples through Saudi communities. For example, a order of custom furniture for a hotel project in Mecca might involve local carpenters assembling components, or a shipment of PVC pipes could be stored in a warehouse run by a Saudi-owned logistics firm. Each step creates opportunities, big and small, for the local economy to thrive.

What makes Coloria's model so effective in supporting local employment? It starts with its unique strength as a one-stop architectural solution provider. Traditional construction projects often juggle multiple suppliers—one for flooring, another for electrical systems, a third for appliances. This fragmented approach not only delays timelines but limits opportunities for local involvement, as foreign suppliers may prioritize importing labor alongside materials.

Coloria changes that. By (integrating) 14 product lines—from (basic building materials) like solar panels and walls to whole-house customization solutions and sustainable products—Coloria streamlines projects. This means fewer moving parts, faster delivery, and crucially, more room to hire and train local workers. Instead of coordinating with 10 suppliers, a project manager in Riyadh works with one team—Coloria's—many of whom are Saudi nationals trained in the full scope of the project.

Take, for example, a residential building project in Khobar. A developer needs flooring, sanitary (sanitary ware), kitchen appliances, and solar panels. With traditional suppliers, they'd coordinate with five different companies, each with its own timelines and labor teams. With Coloria, the developer gets all these products through one order—and a team of Saudi installers, trained by Coloria, handles the entire process. "It's not just about saving time," says a local developer. "It's about building trust. When the team installing my client's kitchen is from the same neighborhood, they care more about the result."

This efficiency also makes projects more affordable, allowing developers to invest in larger ventures—and hire more local workers. In 2024, a commercial mall project in Riyadh partnered with Coloria for its entire (building materials) needs. Thanks to cost savings from the one-stop model, the developer expanded the project, adding a community center that created 50 additional local jobs. "Coloria didn't just supply materials—they helped us build something bigger for our community," the developer notes.

Saudi Arabia's vision isn't just about jobs—it's about sustainable jobs. As the world moves toward net-zero goals, the kingdom is investing in renewable energy, green construction, and eco-friendly infrastructure. Coloria, with its focus on sustainable building solutions, is right there with it, turning global green trends into local employment opportunities.

"Sustainability and localization go hand in hand," explains a Coloria sustainability expert. "When we supply solar panels or green (building materials) to a project, we're not just helping reduce carbon emissions—we're training Saudi workers to install, maintain, and innovate these technologies. That's how you build a green workforce for the long term."

One of Coloria's key contributions is its line of solar panels, a staple in Saudi's push for renewable energy. Installing solar systems requires specialized skills, and Coloria's training programs ensure Saudi technicians are at the forefront. In 2023, the company partnered with a Riyadh-based technical college to launch a "Solar Skills Lab," where students learn to design, install, and repair solar panels using Coloria's products. Over 200 students have graduated, with 90% securing jobs in the solar industry—many with Coloria itself.

But it's not just solar. Coloria's green (building materials) range—from bamboo charcoal board wall panels (known for their air-purifying properties) to Class A fireproof CPL inorganic boards for hospitals and schools—caters to the growing demand for eco-friendly construction. These products require specialized handling, and Coloria's local teams are trained to ensure proper installation, safety, and maintenance. For instance, a hospital project in Medina used Coloria's fireproof boards, installed by a team of 12 Saudi technicians who had completed the company's fire safety certification program. Today, those technicians are sought after for similar projects across the country.

By aligning its products with Saudi's sustainability goals, Coloria is ensuring that the jobs it creates aren't just temporary—they're future-proof. As the kingdom builds more eco-friendly cities, schools, and hospitals, a skilled Saudi workforce trained in green technologies will be in high demand. Coloria isn't just supplying the materials for that future; it's supplying the people, too.

Every home, every business, has a unique story—and Coloria believes its (building materials) should reflect that. As a whole-house customization provider, the company offers tailored solutions for residential and commercial projects, from custom (furniture) to personalized systems. But this customization isn't just about aesthetics; it's about empowering local communities to shape their spaces—and their careers.

Consider a family in Jeddah building their dream home. They want a kitchen that fits their large family gatherings, a bathroom with accessible features for elderly relatives, and a living room with energy-efficient lighting. With Coloria's whole-house customization, they don't have to compromise—and neither do local workers. The company's Saudi-based design team collaborates with the family to create a plan, then coordinates with local craftsmen to build custom cabinets, install fixtures, and ensure every detail fits. "Our clients get a home that feels like 'them,' and our workers get to take pride in building something unique for their neighbors," says a Coloria designer.

This focus on customization has also opened doors for Saudi artisans and small businesses. Coloria partners with local carpenters, metalworkers, and craftsmen to bring custom designs to life. For example, a hotel project in Riyadh required traditional Saudi-inspired (decorative profiles) for its lobby. Coloria didn't import these—instead, it worked with a Riyadh-based metal workshop, training their team on modern techniques to blend tradition with durability. Today, that workshop supplies decorative profiles to multiple Coloria projects, employing 15 local artisans.

"Customization means connection," the regional manager adds. "When a Saudi family sees their custom kitchen or a local business sees their logo on a building's façade, they're not just seeing Coloria's work—they're seeing their own community's talent. That's how you build loyalty, pride, and a workforce that's invested in the projects they deliver."