Muscat – Karwa Motors has signed a manufacturing agreement with TAG Duqm, an affiliate of US-based The Armored Group (TAG). Announced on Saturday, the collaboration intends to launch armoured vehicle production at Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD).

Dr Ibrahim bin Ali al Balushi, CEO of Karwa Motors, informed that the agreement aligns with the company’s strategic objective of broadening its production spectrum and leveraging existing manufacturing strengths. “This alliance not only underscores our commitment to bolstering the local industry but also expand our footprint in regional and international markets and invigorate commercial activities within SEZAD.”

Since its launch in 1992, TAG has grown to be one of the largest commercial armoured truck suppliers in the world, with multiple manufacturing locations in different countries. The company’s expertise spans across a spectrum of bullet-resistant vehicles, catering to military units, law enforcement agencies, personal protection and the cash-in-transit sector.

Shedding light on the rationale behind the venture, Tariq al Hamidani, CEO of TAG Duqm, said that the performance of Karwa Motors in recent years inspired TAG Duqm to have a vehicle production deal with it.

“We anticipate that this collaboration will elevate the operational capabilities of both entities and fuel our collective ambition to augment investments in Duqm’s economic zone,” Hamidani said.

Balushi extolled the efforts of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones in attracting investments and ensuring the sustenance and growth of such ventures. He also highlighted the invaluable support of Oman Investment Authority and Mowasalat Qatar – the state-owned transport company of Qatar – in fortifying Karwa’s strategy to consolidate the automotive sector within and beyond the sultanate.

Originating as a collaborative venture between Mowasalat Qatar and Oman Investment Authority, Karwa Motors focuses on bus manufacturing. The state-of-the-art facility, spread over 600,000sqm in SEZAD, boasts an annual production capacity of 600 buses. Commencing operations in 2021, the factory committed its initial phase to producing buses for Qatar World Cup 2022.

Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the facility includes different workshops that cover the entire spectrum of vehicle production, from cutting and welding to final assembly.

In line with the new agreement, Karwa Motors is gearing up to inaugurate a dedicated production line for armoured vehicles, leveraging its sophisticated infrastructure and capabilities.