Nittambuwa, Thursday 31st October 2024: TransDigm Group is a US-based, 6.6 Billion USD company that employs over 16,000 people. A pioneer in the global aviation engineering services supplier industry, TransDigm is the parent company of AmSafe Bridport that operates in Sri Lanka. Since 2001, AmSafe Bridport has been in operations at the Wathupitiwala EPZ in Nittambuwa. The company that provides engineering solutions to the global aviation industry, and aircraft manufacturers like Airbus and Boeing, contributes significantly to the Sri Lankan economy.
Marking a significant milestone in their contribution to the economy, Shield Restraint Systems (Pvt) Ltd today (31st) held a ground breaking ceremony for a state-of-the-art, manufacturing facility at the Wathupitiwala EPZ in Nittambuwa. The ceremony was held under the patronage of Her Excellency US Ambassador Julie Chung. Andrew Shinn the Economic Officer from the United States Embassy in Colombo, Daniel Jackson the Economic and Commercial Officer from the United States Embassy in Colombo, Chairman of the BOI Arjuna Herath, Director General of the BOI Renuka Weerakone, Executive Director of Zones (BOI) M K D Lawrence, Executive Director Investment (BOI) Ranjith Dharmasiri, and Wathupitiwala Zone Director Prasad Silva were also present. Vice President of the Free Trade Zone Manufacturer’s Association Fazal Abdeen and Secretary of the FTZMA Tyronne Weckasinghe also graced the occasion.
Representing AmSafe Bridport UK, its President Audun Ror, Vice President of Operations Andy Davies, Vice President of Engineering & Sales Natalie Paul, and Vice President of Finance Tracy Jones were also present at the ground-breaking ceremony. President Dennis Pursel, and Vice President of Operations Adam Cole represented Shield Restraint Inc., USA.
The brand new facility will be constructed with an investment of 8.5 million USD. The plant which will manufacture export-grade safety restraints like seat belts, nets and other safety restraint equipment, will provide job opportunities for 500 skilled workers.
Due to the new tax revisions put in place by the United States on goods manufactured in China, American companies are looking for alternative countries to set up their manufacturing plants. After conducting extensive feasibility tests, AmSafe Bridport chose Sri Lanka for the new plant set-up over other countries like India, Mexico, Thailand and Malaysia. Accordingly, Sri Lanka’s investment-friendly climate prompted Shield Restraint Systems to move the manufacturing plant from China to Sri Lanka.
Speaking at the ceremony General Manager of AmSafe Bridport Chandani Ekanayake said, “The brand new facility marks a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s manufacturing capabilities. Creating 500+ job opportunities for talented Sri Lankans, the facility will also open avenues for many other support services and other stakeholders involved in the business. We are also looking forward to creating a positive impact to Sri Lanka’s export earnings, and thereby contribute to the recovering economy as well”.
“Shield is trusted globally for manufacturing the highest quality safety restraint equipment under processes that are based on the ISO9001 and IATF16949 standards. The high quality material used for manufacturing ensures utmost comfort and security for the end user. We are proud to be the manufacturing hub for these equipment and look forward to completing this facility, and kick starting the production by the (enter timeline here)”.
The production lines will include, child passenger safety restraints and buckles, commercial vehicle restraints, construction vehicle seat belts, emergency vehicle seat belts, material handling restraints, recreational vehicle restraints, integrated child harnesses, protection netting and much more.
The BOI has embarked on a transformative technological journey backed by Industry 4.0 manufacturing standards that place emphasis on environmentally sustainable manufacturing facilities in Sri Lanka. They are also paying attention to creating skill-based career opportunities for the younger generation, and making them industry-ready professionals who can take on the jobs of the future, earn competitive salaries and thereby reduce brain drain and create a positive impact on Sri Lanka’s economy.