SAMI launches manufacturing facility to produce composite components

The branch will produce composite parts for structural aerospace sub-assemblies.

Wholly owned by SAMI and located south of Riyadh International Airport, SAMI Composites LLC has an area of 27,000 sqm with 10,000 sqm of production and support buildings. The facility can produce composite structural components and assemblies, including fuselage and wing parts, skin panels, and moveable surfaces.

Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Chairman of SAMI, said: “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 defence industry. The new composite manufacturing facility represents a significant step forward in this mission as it will play an instrumental role in driving the localisation of our competencies through partnerships with globally renowned OEMs besides boosting our aerospace exports and developing the technical skills of Saudi nationals in the defence industries sector.”

Walid Abukhaled, CEO of SAMI, said: “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 defence and other sectors in Saudi Arabia and globally. I am 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.”

SAMI will partner with a leading international Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for the project, thereby facilitating the transfer of technology and knowledge to enhance the local capabilities of the Saudi military industries sector. SAMI Composites LLC will enhance the Saudi aerospace supply chain by using composite raw materials, production consumables, and manufacturing tooling. In addition, it will create 28 new high-skill jobs in 2022, with the number expected to rise to 90 in subsequent years.

John Flavin was appointed CEO of SAMI Composites LLC, who had joined SAMI in May 2021 as Director of Aerostructures.