Photo: Smiths Detection
Smiths Detection has partnered with METCO to open an Assembly and Manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia in Q1 2026.
Leveraging the rapid growth in Saudi and the wider region’s aviation sector, the facility is designed to assemble, commission and manufacture advanced screening solutions. The hub will also feature a dedicated showroom to showcase a range of METCO and Smiths Detection’s latest screening solutions and products for prospective customers.
The facility will also house a training centre, providing hands-on experience and professional development for security personnel and operators across the region.
“We are proud to partner with METCO in Saudi Arabia,” said Matt Clark, VP Commercial and 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 the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as training security operations to deliver the best possible security and passenger experience outcomes for airports.”
With Saudi Arabia planning a bold aviation expansion to triple annual passenger traffic to 330 million by 2030, this latest collaboration aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. In addition to supporting KSA’s goals of technological advancement, it will also create a number of jobs for Saudi nationals, enabling them to gain valuable experience.
METCO’s CEO, Osama Shasha expressed his excitement at expanding the company’s capabilities with the new facility. “It enables us to provide end-to-end support for our clients, from product assembly, commissioning and manufacturing to training and demonstrations all under one roof. It will also contribute 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.”
