Westminster Group plc, the AIM listed supplier of system solutions and products to the security, defence, fire protection and safety markets worldwide, announces the opening of a new sales office in Dubai, and the award of a US$900,000 contract to supply specialist perimeter detection systems to a multi-site operation of a global energy company operating in Yemen.
The new office is part of what Westminster calls its planned international expansion, providing direct, in region, services and support to the Company’s strategically important Middle Eastern marketplace.
The office is in the heart of the commercial centre of Dubai, on the 41st floor of the Emirates Twin Towers on Sheikh Zayed Road, close to the World Trade Centre. Dubai was chosen as Westminster’s Middle East base because of its infrastructure, communications and transport links.
Westminster also announces the appointment of Michael Parker as Middle East Business Development Manager. Mr Parker will be based in the Dubai office and will strengthen and assist the Middle East sales team in handling the high volume of sales enquiries received from the region. A former British Army Officer involved in security, intelligence and counter terrorist duties, Mr Parker has many years’ experience in advising Governmental and Commercial organisations in the Middle East and Africa on risk analysis and security.
The perimeter fencing contract in Yemen is the first contract to be awarded to the new office. The contract valued at US$900,000 was awarded to Westminster following an international tender process. The installation of specialist detection systems will disrupt any attempted intrusion by climbing, cutting or lifting of the perimeter fencing around the sites, each of which is several kilometres in length.
Westminster says that its specialist perimeter detection system can be fitted to perimeter fencing structures or covertly buried below the ground, providing detection while filtering technology eliminates most causes of false alerts.
The system is capable of monitoring tens or even hundreds of kilometres of perimeter or border fencing without the need for any ‘in field’ electronics, power supplies or analysers and the firm adds can pinpoint the location of any incident to within a few metres.
What they say
Peter Fowler, Chief Executive of Westminster Group, said: "I am delighted that we have been able to establish a presence in what is considered the best commercial address in the Middle East so soon after our IPO. I am equally delighted that Michael Parker is joining us at such an important stage in the Group’s development. His expertise and experience within the region will be a valuable addition to our Middle East team.
The Middle East is an important market for our extensive range of hardware and systems solutions. The new sales office and our highly experienced team will now provide additional support to existing customers and agents within the region and will provide us with a firm base from which to continue our expansion. The award of this contract in the Yemen is testament to the success of our approach in responding quickly to client’s needs, both in product delivery and after sales support. I am confident that this high profile project will lead to further significant contract awards, both in perimeter security and in the region."
