Shield Restraint Systems (Pvt) Ltd has officially inaugurated its advanced manufacturing facility at the Export Processing Zone in Wathupitiwala, Nittambuwa, marking a noteworthy development in Sri Lanka’s industrial and foreign investment sector.
The opening ceremony was attended by senior executives from the United States, including Mr. Kevin McHenry, Executive Vice President of TransDigm Inc., and Mr. Dennis Pursel, President of Shield Restraint Systems, alongside the company’s executive team. Their participation underscored the company’s commitment to expanding its manufacturing operations and fostering international partnerships.
Prominent Sri Lankan officials were also present, including Board of Investment (BOI) Chairman Arjuna Herath, Director General Renuka Weerakone, and other BOI representatives. In addition, delegates from the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka attended the event, highlighting the strong economic ties between the two nations.
Shield Restraint Systems, a subsidiary of TransDigm Group Inc., specializes in ground-based restraint systems for non-aviation markets. TransDigm Group, a leader in aviation and defense with an annual revenue of USD 8.6 billion, has maintained a significant presence in Sri Lanka for over two decades through its subsidiary AmSafe Bridport (Pvt) Ltd, which also operates in the Wathupitiwala Export Processing Zone.
This new facility represents TransDigm’s latest strategic investment in Sri Lanka. Shield Restraint Systems will manufacture a comprehensive range of safety products for applications including child safety seats, commercial vehicles, construction and agricultural equipment, and amusement park rides. With existing manufacturing sites in Elkhart, Indiana, and Kunshan, China, the Sri Lankan facility marks the company’s strategic entry into the South Asian market.
The USD 8.5 million project consists of a 100,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility that will serve as a cornerstone for the company’s global operations. Initially opening at 10% capacity, the facility is expected to eventually create 500 jobs and generate USD 50 million in annual revenue. The operation is anticipated to deliver substantial economic benefits to Sri Lanka, including significant tax contributions and long-term support for the local economy. This investment not only brings immediate employment opportunities but also signals a sustained commitment to Sri Lanka’s economic growth.
The favorable geopolitical climate, combined with the proven success of AmSafe Bridport (Pvt) Ltd, provided Shield Restraint Systems with valuable insights into Sri Lanka’s manufacturing capabilities and business environment. The country’s robust logistics infrastructure, efficient shipping routes, and accessible supply chain networks offer a competitive advantage for serving global markets. Sri Lanka’s demonstrated resilience in manufacturing, ability to maintain quality standards under challenging conditions, and highly skilled workforce further contributed to the decision to invest in the country.
Chandani Ekanayake, General Manager of AmSafe Sri Lanka and a key figure in bringing this investment to Sri Lanka, commented, “This project represents years of establishing Sri Lanka as a profitable investment hub with our business owners. What we have realized through the journey in establishing Shield in Sri Lanka is that we have to anticipate significant improvements in the efficiency and transparency of administrative processes. The long-awaited policy reforms should focus on establishing a true one-stop service that encourages investors to operate with confidence.
We look forward to working with authorities who adopt broader thinking patterns, who view the bigger picture and embrace a pragmatic solution-based approach. Only through such collaboration can Sri Lanka realize its full potential as a genuinely competitive and attractive destination for global investment.”
Ms. Ekanayake further stated, “Establishing this facility is just the beginning of our investment journey in Sri Lanka. We’re currently looking at future opportunities which could exceed USD 17 million in investment value. We remain deeply committed to contributing to the nation’s economic progress through sustainable, long-term partnerships that create meaningful opportunities for local communities and strengthen Sri Lanka’s position as a hub for global investment.”
Leave a Reply