Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), is focussed upon bolstering Saudi Arabia’s prospects within the aerospace, defense manufacturing, have unveiled its composite manufacturing hub, SAMI Composites LLC, to generate a composite part for structural aerospace sub-assemblies.
SAMI Composites LLC, is wholly owned by SAMI and is positioned south of Riyadh International Airport. It is spread in area of 27,000 sqm with 10,000 sqm of production and support buildings. As per the firm’s announcement, its targeting the hub to generate composite structural components and assemblies, comprising of fuselage and wing parts, skin panels, moveable surfaces.
As per SAMI’s reports, it will be forming an alliance with a leading global Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for the project. This in turn, will be smoothing the transfer of technology and knowledge to enhance the local proficiencies of the Saudi military industries sector.
As per firm’s announcement, the SAMI Composites LLC will boost the Saudi aerospace supply chain by utilization of the composite raw materials, production consumables, and manufacturing tooling. In addition, it will generate 28 latest high-skill jobs in 2022, with the figure predictable to surge to 90 in subsequent years.
Statement from Top Leaders of SAMI
H.E. Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Chairman of SAMI, was prompt to comment regarding the announcement stating that, “In line with our commitment to supporting the achievement of Vision 2030 goals, we at SAMI have a strong focus on developing Saudi Arabia’s capabilities in the aerospace and Defense industry. The new composite manufacturing facility represents a significant step forward in this mission as it will play an instrumental role in driving the localization of our competencies through partnerships with globally renowned OEMs besides boosting our aerospace exports and developing the technical skills of Saudi nationals in the Defense industries sector.”
Eng. Walid Abukhaled, CEO of SAMI, commented on latest manufacturing hub stating that, “We are pleased to have reached a new milestone in our efforts to boost the development of indigenous, leading-edge products and solutions. With its massive manufacturing facility equipped with state-of-the-art systems and technologies, SAMI Composites LLC will enable Saudi Arabia to become a leading supplier and exporter of composite aerospace components, serving the Defense and other sectors in Saudi Arabia and globally.”
He further added, that “he is confident that the facility will add tremendous value to the national economy by creating around 100 high-quality jobs and increasing non-oil exports over the next few years.”
The firm also stated that they have roped in the services of experienced veteran John Flavin as the CEO of SAMI Composites LLC, and had joined SAMI in May 2021 as Director of Aerostructures. As per the company sources, Flavin is an experienced aerospace professional and a registered Chartered Engineer with over 26 years of experience at the helm of various aerospace and aircraft facilities in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Establishment of the SAMI Composites LLC is a substantial milestone in PIF’s efforts via the SAMI to localize cutting-edge technology, shape up knowledge, and launch strategic partnerships.
In addition to powerful technology innovation in Saudi Arabia’s defense sector, the latest facility will quicken the Kingdom’s efforts to localize the manufacturing of the aerospace, defense systems and create sustainable high-skilled jobs, all of which are among the core objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
The facility has state-of-the-art systems and equipment to ensure the highest standards of production. It has a large cleanroom spanning 2,268 sqm to ensure the manufacturing environment’s compliance with international OEM standards and allow the layup of composite ply materials before curing.
Its advanced precision equipment includes a 13-meter-long, 6.9-meter-diameter autoclave – the biggest in Saudi Arabia, 5-axis CNC (computer numerical control) equipment, NDI (nondestructive inspection) Gantry Robot, and ATL (automated tape laying) and AFP (automated fiber placement) machines. Besides reducing material costs and increasing aircraft fuel efficiency through lightweight components, composite materials also contribute to sustainability.
The establishment of SAMI Composites LLC empowers Saudi Arabia’s aerospace sector with the capability to manufacture and assemble complex aero structures with high strength, reliable performance, and lightweight properties.
Though the facility mainly aims to manufacture aerospace components for both military and civil fixed-wing and rotary aircraft, it has the potential to serve other industries, including transportation, construction, agriculture, and healthcare, considering the increasing demand for composite materials in these sectors.
Press Release received on mail from SAMI
