Streit Group, the world’s leading manufacturer of armoured vehicles, has inaugurated phase two of the world’s largest industrial park for armoured vehicles industry at the Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ).

The facility at the Technology Park of RAK FTZ in Al Hamra area includes the Armoured Protection Glass (APG) factory for safety and bullet proof glass production, a state-of-the-art research and development centre, international parts distribution warehouse and Canadian Safety Solutions Training Centre.

The inauguration, held under the patronage of Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, marks the completion of the second phase of expansion planned by Streit Group, and will be added to the armoured vehicle manufacturing facility which is already operational.

“The Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah is characterized by its strategic location, advanced infrastructure and outstanding facilities for logistics operations, which contribute to facilitating import and export operations, offering access to raw materials and export products to locations all over the world,” said Sheikh Saud.

Guerman Goutorov, chairman and CEO of Streit Group, said that the new facility will contribute to increasing the manufacturing capacity of the factory to up to 400 armoured vehicles per month given normal workload.

However, this capacity can be raised to 500 units when required, he added.

“This initiative will help with providing a wide range of armoured vehicle production options for different uses in the region. It will also help meet large orders, since Streit Group looks forward to further expansion,” Goutorov said.

He pointed out that following the opening of the new facility, the number of employees in Streit Group will rise, following the completion of all expansions in the future, this number is expected to increase to up to nearly 2,000 employees.

“Streit signed an additional land lease with RAK FTZ last year, tripling the size of its facilities, including warehouses and land, to nearly five million sq ft,” said Peter J Fort, CEO, RAK FTZ.
“The growing cluster of armoured vehicle manufacturers and related security industry sectors that Streit leads at RAK FTZ are strengthening Ras Al Khaimah’s reputation as a fast-growing regional centre of industrial manufacturing.”

“RAK FTZ is focused on further expanding this increasingly important sector, which includes manufacturers of armoured fire-fighting equipment, protective garments and vests, security devices and equipment, safety glass as well as other related industries. The remarkable growth and success of Streit Group demonstrates that RAK FTZ is not only able to help small and medium-sized companies set up and grow, but can also accelerate the profitable expansion of large corporations.”

The total investment of the project is over Dh300 million ($81 million) and consists of three phases. It covers 8,000 sq m in surface area. Streit Group intends to expand with additional 7,500 sq m to the complex in the future, in order to serve increasing demands, both in domestic and global markets.

The armoured vehicle factory is part of Phase One of the project and was completed in April 2012, with an investment of Dh100 million ($27.2 million). The factory produces 120 different models of commercial, cash-in-transit, semi-military and military armoured vehicles.

Phase Two, which is being inaugurated was successfully completed in 2014, with an investment of Dh100 million. With the completion of Phase Two, Streit Group’s workforce reached 800 employees, completed Dh200 million ($54.4 million) of investment, covered a one million sq ft area of built-up facilities, and developed an area of five million sq ft.

Phase Two will help Streit Group expand its business into new markets, allowing bringing and implementing new technologies with composite materials. It will also help the company achieve its goal of the 360 Degrees Security Solutions, which will be provided to Streit Group’s clients.

The APG factory is equipped with the latest European technologies and apparatus necessary for the manufacture of glass, and in accordance with the highest international standards. Particular attention has been paid to the Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) laser-cutting technology, with automated and semi-automated production lines which are compatible with this technology.

The R&D centre at the APG factory allows the company to develop new vehicles and bring about new technologies, such as the CNC robotic technology.

The international parts distribution warehouse will help Streit Group develop new assembly plants, which are required by different governments in various countries. It will also make Streit Group more efficient and mobile to expand worldwide.

It is expected that Phase Three of the project will be completed in 2016 and will entail a workforce expansion. – TradeArabia News Service