Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Security
  • /
  • Smiths Detection and METCO to open manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia

Security

Smiths Detection and METCO to open manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia

METCO and Smiths Detection today announced that the opening of its new assembly and manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia, designed to assemble, commission and manufacture advanced screening solutions – including Smiths Detection’s X-ray screening products – is scheduled for early next year.

Image courtesy Smiths Detection 
 
The new facility will not only serve as an assembly and commissioning hub but also feature a dedicated showroom where clients can explore the full range of METCO and Smiths Detection’s screening solutions and products. In addition, the centre will include a comprehensive training facility, providing hands-on experience and professional development for security personnel and operators.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle

 
The initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and beyond, supporting the Kingdom’s goals of technological advancement, workforce development and local capability building in high-tech sectors. Importantly, the facility is expected to create a significant number of jobs for Saudi nationals and allow them to gain valuable experience at a national level, contributing to both career growth and the Kingdom’s broader development objectives. By collaborating with leading technology partners, METCO is ensuring that the facility upholds the highest standards of quality, safety and innovation.
 
Advertisement
ODU RT

“We are excited to expand our capabilities with this new Facility,” said Osama Shasha, CEO of METCO. “It enables us to provide end-to-end support for our clients, from product assembly, commissioning, manufacturing to training and demonstrations, all under one roof, while contributing to the Kingdom’s broader vision for innovation, local industry development, and workforce skill-building. The facility is expected to begin operations in Q1 2026, offering an integrated platform for showcasing and supporting cutting-edge screening technologies.”
 
“We are proud to partner with METCO in Saudi Arabia,” said Matt Clark, VP Commercial at Smiths Detection. “Our mission is to make the world a safer place and together with METCO, we are committed to deploying industry-leading security screening solutions in KSA as well as training security operators to deliver the best possible security and passenger experience outcomes for airports.”

Advertisement
Babcock LB Babcock LB
Smiths Detection delivers automated IRBS between South Korea and US

Aerospace Security

Smiths Detection delivers automated IRBS between South Korea and US

21 January 2026

Smiths Detection has enabled the launch of a fully automated International Remote Baggage Screening System (IRBS), setting a new global standard for cross-border aviation security and passenger processing between South Korea and the United States.

Amentum and Rolls-Royce SMR partner on small modular reactors

Security

Amentum and Rolls-Royce SMR partner on small modular reactors

20 January 2026

Amentum has been selected as the programme delivery partner for the first deployments of the Rolls-Royce Small Modular Reactor (SMR) in the UK and Czech Republic.

NCSC issues hacktivist warning

Security

NCSC issues hacktivist warning

20 January 2026

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) – a part of GCHQ – has issued an alert highlighting the persistent targeting of UK organisations by Russian state-aligned hacktivist groups aiming to disrupt networks.

GeoCue partners with Coptrz to expand TrueView LiDAR in UK drone market

Aerospace Defence Security

GeoCue partners with Coptrz to expand TrueView LiDAR in UK drone market

20 January 2026

UK drone specialists Coptrz have joined forces with GeoCue to offer the complete TrueView LiDAR product range, from entry-level to engineering-grade solutions.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
JFD Global to collaborate with ST Engineering Marine in Singapore

Defence Security

JFD Global to collaborate with ST Engineering Marine in Singapore

19 January 2026

James Fisher Defence (JFD Global) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ST Engineering Marine to explore new opportunities for collaboration in Singapore and beyond.

Serco named Britain’s Most Admired Company in its sector

Security

Serco named Britain’s Most Admired Company in its sector

19 January 2026

Serco has secuured the top prize in the Support Services (People & Places) category in the Britain’s Most Admired Companies study, which is the UK’s longest-running independent study of corporate reputation.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
General Atomics LB