METCO and Smiths Detection Announce Opening of New Assembly and Manufacturing Facility in Saudi Arabia Aligned with Vision 2030

Riyadh, Tuesday 16 December 2025 – METCO, with partner Smiths Detection, today announce that the opening of its new state-of-the-art Assembly and Manufacturing Facility, designed to assemble, commission and manufacture advanced screening solutions (including Smiths Detection’s industry-leading X-ray screening products) is scheduled for Q1 2026.

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 center will include a comprehensive training facility, providing hands-on experience and professional development for security personnel and operators.

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.

“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.”

Source: FTI Consulting