More than 100 Saudi women are breaking gender barriers as they are working as engineers for the technological development of Saudi Arabia at the Advanced Electronic Company’s (AEC) military factory.
These women have been trained to understand the development of technical presentations, cost analysis and the plant performance as per AEC’s quality control procedures, Arab News reported.
They are working on essential projects for the Kingdom and are responsible for the manufacture of these advanced technologies. They are working with laser optics, advanced screens, and optoelectronic devices.
“As a part of my role, I am responsible for supporting many of the manufacturing activities in the factory,” said Shaza Khamis, a Manufacturing Engineer.
The team has complete expertise in the areas of national importance, like energy efficiency, digital transformation, and the localization of military industries.
“My role is to supervise the control of production cells and ensure that the team has the skills necessary to perform each task accurately according to the designs and technical specifications provided,” said Ghadir Bin Jamaan, a Production Officer.
Lana Owaidah, a manufacturing engineer said that the women share a wonderful team spirit and feel that they are contributing to a task of greater importance for the Kingdom.
It’s worth noting that last month Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), announced that it has acquired Advanced Electronics Company (AEC) as part of the largest military industries deal ever concluded in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The purchase is expected to complete in the first quarter of 2021 following regulatory approvals. As a result, AEC will become a 100% Saudi-owned company.
AEC is considered a major facilitator of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 thanks to its 32-year experience in the military industries market and the leading role it plays in Defense and Aerospace and the development of security local systems. In addition to facilitating the transfer of technology and enhancing local production, the acquisition will enable SAMI to consolidate its defense electronics sector.
SAMI’s acquisition of AEC will support its strategic plan, which aims to expand its business and enter the progressive Defense Electronics sector. The acquisition will also contribute to the implementation of SAMI’s plans to transfer technologies and localize domestic military industries, as well as to strengthen the Saudi defense ecosystem, in line with the directives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, CEO of AEC, said: “SAMI’s acquisition of AEC stock will help us reach our goals and strategic plans for the next five years. It also places us under the umbrella of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the KSA’s sovereign wealth fund, which constitutes a milestone for the company and fills us with pride as directors and employees.”
“This achievement was realized thanks to the commitment, experience and concerted efforts of all the employees in both companies. The deal will provide AEC with the opportunity to further strengthen its position in the military industries market and explore new horizons in advanced technologies in the Kingdom and beyond, as well as support the continuous development of the capacities of national cadres,” he added.
AEC has played since 1988 a pioneering role in the fields of modern electronics, manufacturing, system integration, and repair and maintenance services, thereby becoming a major regional player renowned for innovation. Around 85% of the company’s employees are Saudi nationals, including more than 300 of its male and female engineers. AEC also has over 100 strategic partners and has successfully completed more than 1,000 projects. Furthermore, the company has witnessed steady growth in sales in recent years. In 2019, net sales reached SAR 2.32 billion (US$ 618 million) up from SAR 2.07 billion in 2018 and SAR 1.92 billion in 2017.
