Strata Manufacturing, Mubadala Investment Company’s aerospace unit, has agreed to supply personal protective equipment (PPE) to Japan’s Tokushima Prefecture as part of the Abu Dhabi-based company’s efforts to diversify into healthcare products.
Signed during a virtual ceremony between Ismail Ali Abdulla, CEO of Strata and Kamon Iizumi, Governor of Japan’s Tokushima Prefecture, the MoU will see Strata build a stable supply chain of PPE products between the UAE and Tokushima Prefecture on the island of Shikoku, which is home to more than half a million people.
Under the agreement, the two parties will explore potential opportunities in technological innovation and research and development. Further, the partnership covers opportunities to supply medical equipment and PPE to municipalities and government-related organizations within other Japanese prefectures.
Ismail Ali Abdulla CEO – Strata
“Since the establishment of our N95 production line, Strata, in line with the UAE’s international humanitarian efforts, has endeavored to support the global fight against the pandemic by providing personal protective equipment where it is needed most. In addition to furthering this patriotic and humanitarian commitment to export PPE products that are ‘Made with Pride in the UAE’ around the world, this landmark MOU also facilitates wider collaborations in mutual interests including technology innovation across numerous industry verticals.”
Last year, Strata outlined its plans to diversify into the health technology sector as the COVID-19 fueled up the demand for medical equipment. The company began producing N95 masks in partnership with the US-based multinational company, Honeywell in May 2020 to satisfy local demand before seeking export markets.
Commenting on the agreement, Mr. Iizumi said, “Our cooperative agreement with Strata Manufacturing will help to build a stable supply chain of PPE products and essential medical supplies for our medical system within Tokushima Prefecture. The cooperation will also extend its efforts to ensure that other municipalities, government and other related organizations are provided with medical supplies.”
In September 2020, Strata and Honeywell marked the production of the millionth N95 mask from the Al Ain facility. The partnership has continued to provide PPE for the UAE’s frontline health workers while turning the country into an international exporter of respirator masks.
Operated jointly by Honeywell and Strata the dedicated PPE manufacturing line is now working at full capacity and is on track to reach an annual production target of more than 30 million masks.
Strata Manufacturing
Strata Manufacturing was established by Mubadala in Al Ain in 2009 to position the UAE in the global aerospace supply chain, the company has billion-dollar contracts with Boeing, Airbus, Italy’s Leonardo and Switzerland’s Pilatus Aircraft.
