RAK’s image as a fast growing industrial hub intensified with Phase Two of Streit’s armoured vehicles plant complex

With the opening of Phase Two of Streit Group’s industrial park for armoured vehicles in the UAE, the company has put itself in prime position to meet the security needs of the Middle East and beyond the region.

The facility in the Hamra area of the Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone will raise monthly production capacity to 400 armoured vehicles within normal workloads compared with 270 commercial units per month or 70 Armoured Personnel Carriers.

The expansion includes an armoured protection glass (APG) facility for safety and bullet-proof gas, an R&D centre, a parts distribution warehouse and a Canadian Safety Solutions Training Centre.

Guerman Goutorov, chairman and CEO, Streit Group, said the capacity could be further expanded to 500 armoured vehicles when required.

“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.

Streit Group distributes its products globally from its various plants but key markets are Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Asia. Unrest following the Arab Spring in the region and political insecurity in many countries have compelled governments to introduce top-notch protection for civilian defence and homeland security.

Phase Two in RAK will help Streit Group expand its business into new markets, allowing it to implement 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.

Peter Fort, CEO, RAK FTZ, noted: “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.

“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.”

Fort said the free zone is focused on expanding the security products and services sector. “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.”

Phase One of the armoured vehicle factory was completed in April 2012 with capability to produce 120 different models of commercial cash-in-transit, semi military and military armoured vehicles.

The APG factory built in Phase Two is equipped with the latest European technologies and apparatus. 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.