Malaysian Ammunition Co Gunning To Widen Asean Market

By Jamaluddin Muhammad BANGKOK, March 6 (Bernama) -- SME Ordnance (SMEO) Sdn Bhd, the Malaysian ammunitions company, is planning to go great guns, in eyeing Indonesia and the Philippines to further penetrate the Asean market. Chief executive officer Brig-Gen Ng Chin Huat said the company had initiated talks with the relevant authorities of the two nations to market its small, medium and large caliber ammunition. "We are trying to expand to the two countries although they already have their traditional suppliers for their ammunition needs," he told Bernama at the Defence and Security 2012 exhibition here. SMEO, established in 1969 as a manufacturer of small caliber ammunition for Malaysian defence needs, has managed to market its products to Thailand and Brunei at the moment. Its broad range of ammunition include 0.38 special LRN, 20mm and 155mm artillery. The company also produces pyrotechnics, wood and lead-based accessories and products, as well as provides selected specialised services such as refurbishment of old ammunition. In terms of weaponry, SMEO produces M4 Carbine assault weapons under licence from American manufacturer Colt Defense. On the company's involvement in this country, Ng said, apart from looking into new available opportunities, it also welcomed component sourcing from this country. "This could compliment the defence industry in this region, as well as increase the intra-Asean trade," he said. SMEO is participating in the four-day, Tri-Service Asean Defence and Security event for land, sea and air at the IMPACT Exhibition Centre here, beginning Monday, March 5. -- BERNAMA