International Armored Group (IAG), a globally recognised manufacturer of customised and premium armoured vehicles, armoured components and ballistic glass, has launched its new manufacturing facility in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.  

IAG’s new state-of-the-art facility was inaugurated by Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah on November 17.

The opening of the new facility is in line with the company’s strategic move to expand in the Middle East region and cater to the increasing market demands, said a statement from the company.

The facility consists of a production area covering 35,000 sq m, including ballistic glass and laser CNC cutting factories. The facility will be producing 150 vehicles per month thus increasing the current production volume by 40 per cent. It also consists of a fully sheltered stock area that can store up to 600 armoured vehicles, it said.

The facility will be carrying out the following operations: original equipment manufacturer (OEM) chassis disassembling, ballistic steel fabrication, painting, upholstery, suspension and other systems upgrading, ambulance conversions, tactical armoured vehicles engineering and production, testing and training, it added.

At the opening, IAG also showcased new products such as the Guardian Extreme, a customisable 12 military personnel carrier with B7 ballistic and blast resistance, and utilising IAG’s latest patented technologies and newly engineered suspension system, offering extreme off-road capability, survivability and commercial compatibility; and a new custom engineered Armoured Water Cannon vehicle providing an excellent solution for firefighting and riot control, said the statement.

Ramy Jallad, acting CEO, RAK FTZ, said: “It is with great honour to witness the inauguration of IAG’s new production facility. This is an important milestone not only for IAG but also for RAK FTZ as it characterises the company’s incredible journey in the free zone’s business-friendly environment.”

“Our clients’ success is also our success, so we dedicate most of our time in sustaining the growth of our over 8,000 companies through our developing premier business solutions and services. Indeed, we are very proud to be a part of IAG’s achievements over the years,” he said.

Dr Anton Stefov, president and CEO, IAG, said: “According to recent reports from the defence and military industry, top-line defence spending in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena), led by Saudi Arabia and the emirates, will top $120 billion per year by 2016.”

“We see great potential in the region and globally, especially since there is a great demand for superior quality and high performance armoured vehicles. In order to meet these increasing demands, we decided to strategically shift into bigger and more efficient manufacturing facility,” he added. – TradeArabia News Services