Shield Restraint Systems (Pvt) Ltd officially opened its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility today at the Export Processing Zone (EPZ), Wathupitiwala, Nittambuwa, marking a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s industrial development and foreign investment landscape.
The inauguration 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, along with members of Shield’s executive leadership team. Their presence underscored the company’s strong commitment to expanding its global manufacturing footprint and strengthening international partnerships.
Key Sri Lankan officials, including Board of Investment (BOI) Chairman Arjuna Herath, Director General Renuka Weerakone, and other BOI representatives, were also in attendance. Representatives from the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka further highlighted the strong and growing economic ties between Sri Lanka and the United States.
Shield Restraint Systems, a subsidiary of TransDigm Group Inc., specializes in ground-based restraint systems for non-aviation markets. TransDigm Group, a USD 8.6 billion global aviation and defence leader, has maintained a strong presence in Sri Lanka for over two decades through its subsidiary AmSafe Bridport (Pvt) Ltd, which operates within the Wathupitiwala EPZ.
The establishment of Shield Restraint Systems (Pvt) Ltd represents the Group’s latest strategic investment in Sri Lanka. The company manufactures a wide range of safety products for applications including child safety seats, commercial vehicles, construction and agricultural equipment, and amusement park rides. With existing manufacturing facilities in Elkhart, Indiana, and Kunshan, China, the new Sri Lankan facility marks Shield’s strategic expansion into South Asia.
The USD 8.5 million investment includes a 100,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, positioned to serve as a key hub within Shield’s global operations. While the facility commences operations at 10% capacity, full-scale operations are expected to generate 500 direct employment opportunities and achieve an estimated USD 50 million in annual revenue. Beyond job creation, the project is expected to deliver substantial economic benefits, including significant tax contributions and long-term value to Sri Lanka’s economy.
The current global geopolitical environment, combined with Sri Lanka’s proven manufacturing capabilities, played a decisive role in Shield’s investment decision. The longstanding success of AmSafe Bridport (Pvt) Ltd provided valuable insights into the country’s business environment, workforce capabilities, and operational resilience. Additionally, Sri Lanka’s strong logistics infrastructure, strategic shipping routes, and accessible supply chain networks offer a competitive advantage for serving global markets. The country’s skilled labour force and ability to maintain quality and continuity even under challenging conditions further reinforced Sri Lanka as the ideal destination for this expansion.
Ms. Chandani Ekanayake, General Manager of AmSafe Sri Lanka, who was instrumental in facilitating the investment, stated that the project reflects years of positioning Sri Lanka as a credible and profitable investment destination.
“This project represents years of building confidence in Sri Lanka as a viable investment hub with our business owners. Throughout the journey of establishing Shield in Sri Lanka, we have recognized the need for continued improvements in the efficiency and transparency of administrative processes. Long-awaited policy reforms should focus on establishing a true one-stop service that enables investors to operate with confidence,” she said.
Ms. Ekanayake further emphasized the importance of collaboration between investors and authorities.
“We look forward to working with authorities who adopt broader perspectives, recognize the bigger picture, and embrace pragmatic, solution-oriented approaches. Such collaboration is essential for Sri Lanka to realize its full potential as a truly competitive and attractive destination for global investment.”
She also highlighted Shield’s long-term commitment to the country, noting that the establishment of the facility marks only the beginning of the company’s investment journey in Sri Lanka.
“We are currently exploring future opportunities that could exceed USD 17 million in additional investments. We remain deeply committed to contributing to Sri Lanka’s economic development through sustainable, long-term partnerships that create meaningful opportunities for local communities and strengthen the country’s position as a global investment hub.”