By: Staff Writer
November 02, Colombo (LNW): American engineering technology firm Transdigm Group has committed $8.5 million in partnership with AmSafe BirdPort to open a facility within Sri Lanka’s Wathupitiwala Export Processing Zone (EPZ).
According to the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI), this investment supports the establishment of a new factory, “SHIELD,” aimed at delivering engineering solutions to the global aviation sector.
The BOI announced that SHIELD’s operations are moving from China to Sri Lanka, solidifying the investment. The foundation for the new factory was laid on October 31 in a ceremony attended by SHIELD Chairman Dennis Pursel, BOI Chairman Arjuna Herath, BOI Director-General Renuka M. Weerakoon, AmSafe BirdPort General Manager Chandani Ekanayake, and US Ambassador Julie Chung.
Formed in 2013 from a merger of AmSafe Commercial Products and Beam’s Seatbelts, SHIELD has since become a leader in occupant safety systems, providing trusted products ranging from child car seats to commercial seatbelts.
US Ambassador Chung remarked on the significance of SHIELD’s decision to relocate to Sri Lanka, reflecting rising US interest in investing in the country.
The US is Sri Lanka’s largest export market, and increased investment highlights the potential for expanded bilateral trade.
Ambassador Chung added that strengthening the investment climate and improving governance in Sri Lanka could attract more manufacturers.
The U.S. Ambassador emphasized that if the new government can enhance the investment climate, enforce anti-corruption measures, and foster business-friendly governance and transparency, it could attract even more manufacturers.
Since the merger of AmSafe Commercial Products and Beam’s Seatbelts in 2013, SHIELD has emerged as a leader in occupant safety systems.
From child car seats to commercial vehicle seatbelts, SHIELD’s products are renowned for their quality and reliability worldwide. SHIELD’s relocation of its facility from China to Sri Lanka underscores the increasing interest in U.S. investments in the country.
The partnership between the United States and Sri Lanka is founded on mutual goals and respect. Efforts range from increasing farmers’ crop yields and expanding school lunch programs for the urban poor in Colombo to enhancing Sri Lanka’s maritime security.
Chandani Ekanayake, General Manager of AmSafe BirdPort, highlighted the company’s role in providing engineering solutions for major airlines and aircraft manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus, making a notable impact on Sri Lanka’s economy.
As the parent company of AmSafe BirdPort, Transdigm—valued at $6.6 billion with a global workforce of over 16,000—leads in engineering solutions for aviation. SHIELD’s product range emphasizes safety across child seats, commercial trucks, RVs, buses, and construction equipment.
This $8.5 million investment is expected to create 500 new jobs for Sri Lankans, as noted by the BOI.
