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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GI Corporation Strengthens European Defense Supply Chain with New Industrial Headquarters in Rotterdam

US-based industrial group bridges the Atlantic gap, committing to localized production and high-value engineering to serve the European aerospace sector.

Rotterdam, Netherlands - February 3, 2026


GI Corporation, a diversified US-based industrial holding company, today announced the formal incorporation of GI Europe B.V. and the opening of its new European Headquarters in Rotterdam. This strategic expansion marks a significant milestone in the group’s global growth strategy, establishing a dedicated industrial hub to support its aerospace and defense partners across the European Union.

The new Dutch entity will serve as the central operational node for GI Corporation’s two primary business lines: Wescon Industries Inc. (Precision Aerospace Manufacturing) and GI Aerospace (Aviation Compliance Technology).

Strategic Alignment with European Defense
The decision to establish a permanent footprint in the Netherlands was driven by direct demand from Tier 1 European Prime Contractors. As the European aerospace sector moves toward greater supply chain resilience, GI Europe B.V. will transition the group from a remote US exporter to a localized partner, offering “Just-in-Time” delivery of mission-critical tooling and direct support for digital aviation compliance.

Investing in European Value Creation
GI Corporation is committed to being more than just a distributor; the group is dedicated to strengthening the European Defense Industrial Base.

  • Manufacturing & Assembly Center: GI Corporation has outlined a roadmap to establish a comprehensive Manufacturing & Assembly Center in the Netherlands. This facility will not only assemble final products but will drive local value creation by employing Dutch engineering talent, integrating European-made components, and contributing to the region’s industrial sovereignty.

  • Technology Transfer: By localizing the assembly of its proprietary tooling and deploying its aviation software from an EU base, the group ensures that critical aerospace infrastructure is maintained and supported by a local workforce.

“Europe has always been a vital market for our technologies, but today’s aerospace landscape demands proximity,” said Benna Iqbal, Founder and Group CEO of GI Corporation. “Our partners, including major airframe manufacturers and defense contractors, require a supply chain that is not only reliable but local. By planting our flag in Rotterdam, we are not just opening an office; we are building a foundation for future manufacturing that creates real value within the EU.”

Projecting American Industrial Capability
“This expansion is about projecting American industrial strength into new markets,” added Iqbal. “By establishing a foothold in the Netherlands, we are not only supporting our European allies with rapid logistics; we are opening new export channels for our Texas-based engineering teams. This facility serves as a transatlantic bridge, ensuring that American technology remains the standard-bearer for the global aerospace industry.”

Securing Supply Chains for US Manufacturing
A key pillar of this expansion is the fortification of the American supply chain. GI Europe B.V. will serve as a strategic sourcing hub, identifying and procuring high-grade European specialty steels and alloys that are critical for aerospace production. These materials will be consolidated and exported back to the United States, directly fueling the company’s manufacturing operations in Houston, Texas.

About GI Corporation
Founded in 2008 and headquartered in New York City, GI Corporation is a privately held American firm operating a diverse portfolio of independent businesses across aerospace, defense, software, manufacturing, and other mission-critical sectors. The group operates a vertically integrated portfolio of companies, including Wescon Industries Inc. (Aerospace Manufacturing), GI Aerospace (Aviation Software), and Pacific Systems (Defense Logistics). For more information, visit gicorp.com, wesconusa.com and giaerospace.com.

Media Contact:
Gl Corporation - Media Relations
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https://www.gicorp.com/