Wamar International to Expand in Georgia, Add Up to 300 Jobs

DUBAI, U.A.E –   Governor Sonny Perdue announced from the Dubai Airshow today that Wamar International, Inc., will expand its Georgia operations, creating 100 jobs over the next three years and 300 jobs over the next 10 years. The announcement came after Governor Perdue met with the company’s senior leaders.

Wamar will consolidate its three business units – defense and security, energy and procurement and logistics – into one location, representing an investment between $3.5 and $4.5 million. Wamar is a leading global provider of premium services and products in the fields of power generation, oil and gas, aviation, real life support, and defense and security.

“Wamar International has made a strategic decision to select Georgia as the ideal place to grow its operations,” Governor Perdue said. “Atlanta has long held a strong, international reputation as a hub for aerospace and today’s decision by Wamar is further proof that we will continue to be a global center for the aviation industry.”

Wamar International, Inc.’s current manufacturing operation in Norcross will move to a 100,000-square-foot location in proximity to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The Atlanta division will consist of three components. They include Wamar Technologies LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary and leading provider of defense and security products to government and military organizations, as well as Wamar Energy, LLC, also a wholly-owned subsidiary. Wamar Energy provides overhaul and maintenance operations in the continental U.S., Mexico, South American and other global locations, offering a full range of installation, engineering, operations and maintenance services for electrical, mechanical and nuclear power plants. Finally, Global Tech Services (GTS) provides the operational logistics management and procurement for power industries worldwide, and also manages the MRO and procurement of commercial and military aircraft components and assemblies.

Nabil Barakat, the President and CEO of Wamar International, said the Atlanta area provides an excellent environment for growth, a highly skilled workforce, close proximity to Wamar’s key customers and a very supportive infrastructure.

“The Atlanta facility will complement our global operations in the fields of energy, security and defense, aviation, procurement and logistics,” Barakat said. “Wamar has evolved to be a global player in these fields and believes that Atlanta provides the business environment to support our continued growth.”

“We welcome Wamar International to their new home in Atlanta,” said Peggy McCormick, President of the Atlanta Development Authority. “Atlanta Industrial Park has been a natural location for manufacturing companies since the mid 1980s. The access to our airport, interstate connections, and skilled workforce gives Wamar the edge to succeed in the city. We are excited to have Wamar join the Atlanta business community and look forward to working with them long term.”

“Wamar’s expansion is good news for our region and state,” said Hans Gant, senior vice president of economic development for the Metro Atlanta Chamber. “We certainly have the infrastructure and assets they need to continue to thrive, and grow their manufacturing operations.”

Andrew Neuman assisted the company on behalf of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), as did Pat Dinon, director of GDEcD’s West Coast Business Development office.

Wamar International has also recently acquired a stake in Middle East Propulsion Company (MEPC) in parallel with MTU Aero Engines, Germany’s leading engine manufacturer, becoming a shareholder in this company. MEPC, which specializes in aircraft engine maintenance, is a joint venture between United Technology International Corporation, parent company of Pratt & Whitney; Saudi Arabian Airlines; and Shomoukh al Hemman for Communication and Information Co. Ltd. Its major customer is the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF), whose Pratt & Whitney F100 engines power its Boeing F-15 fighter jets maintained by MEPC. The company plans to expand its maintenance portfolio to include modules of the following engines: the Tornado’s RB199, the Eurofighter’s EJ200, the T-56 for the C130 and the PT6 that powers various helicopters and propeller aircraft.

About Georgia’s aerospace industry

Georgia ranks eighth among U.S. states for aviation industry employment, with over 80,000 employees in more than 500 operations. Industry giants like Boeing, Cessna, Gulfstream, Lockheed Martin and many more have a presence in the state. Georgia’s total aviation exports worldwide topped $3.2 billion in 2008, ranking the state as the ninth-highest U.S. state in this sector. Georgia ranks fourth among U.S. states in aviation sector exports to the UAE, with exports surging from less than $5 million in 2007 to over $82 million in 2008.

About Wamar International

Wamar International, Inc., is a leading global provider of premium services and products in the fields of power generation, oil and gas, aviation, real life support and defense and security. Wamar was established in California in 1983 and incorporated in 1987. Since then, it has expanded its global footprint with the establishment of offices in Amman, Jordan

###