28 Sep 09. AML UK Limited, the Swindon, UK based armour specialist is using this year’s AUSA International Exhibition taking place at the National Convention Centre, Washington D.C. from 5-7 October 2009. AML is exhibiting on the UK Pavilion hosted by the DMA on Stand 1862.
“Having established a strong presence in the U.K., we are now targeting key overseas markets. Guy Wood, our Sales Director, has developed a strong business in India where we sold 400 tonnes of armour this year alone. We are in the process of establishing a Joint Venture Company there to expand our activities in the Indian subcontinent. We see the United States market as key to our international presence, hence our attendance this year for the first time at AUSA.” James Purves Managing Director of AML UK said.
AML was formed in 2000 by key figures with years of experience in the armour business. The Company acquired Plastechnol Ltd in 2001, the U.K. spall liner specialist. In 2002, AML established its waterjet business at Herne Bay on the Isle of Wight. In November 2003 AML completed the acquisition of the Meggitt plate armour business which included the Bristol Armour production line. In 2007 AML merged with Armotec.
In 2007, AML moved to larger premises at Dorcan in Swindon to expand its existing product line and to develop new processes offering products with lighter and better protection.
“The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan ushered in the need for new lighter armour which offers the same protection as existing steel products. This has been brought about by the need of Government’s and Militaries across the world to meet the new and evolving threats of IEDs. The bulk of vehicles available at the start of these conflicts were not designed to take the increase in blast, particularly from mines. Many of these vehicles were up to their limit in weight to carry additional armour, thus the only solution was to develop lightweight composite add-on kits to give better protection whilst not compromising payload and mobility. To make this happen we are recruiting new staff to develop new technology and our currently expanding our laboratory facilities which will include the building of a ballistic range. We recently expanded our sales team by hiring industry specialist Lee Fuller as our Marketing Director.” Guy Wood, Sales Director of AML said.