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What’s New

MGS & CMMC 2.0

New Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification rules and processes are likely to be finalized this year. MGS is CMMC level II compliant with current requirements set to go into effect in 2025, and is preparing for next steps once details are issued by DoD later.

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Designed by the U.S. Department of Defense, Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) seeks tighter control of Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Rules and processes are likely to be finalized later this year, and CMMC requirements will begin to appear in defense contracts. 

Full, mandatory compliance kicks in by October 2026, when suppliers and vendors across the defense supply chain must meet the new standards to be eligible for any defense-related work.

While some industry experts suggest the new rules will be costly and require lengthy implementation times,  CEO Robert Suber is unfazed. “This is what we do every day – make sure we are in full compliance with the rules for our clients and partners across multiple agencies and countries,” he said. 

MGS is on task, even as details are still being finalized. The company already meets baseline CMMC  requirements and is preparing for next steps.  

“Our team is top-flight,” Suber said, adding that the company’s recent expansion added team members with specific compliance experience.  “MGS is committed to meeting the highest standards of business integrity. We’ve been at it for a long time.”

Soldier wins top prize

U.S. Army Sgt. Samantha Simonton (center), who trains and competes with Winchester shotshells supplied by international distributor MGS, LLC, has won international Gold!

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Competing in the International Shooting Sports Federation World Cup, Sgt. Samantha Simonton outdid 31 other athletes from around the globe at the competition in Cairo, Egypt on January 29, 2024,

Sgt. Simonton, a member of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit Shotgun Team, came in third at the highly competitive USA Shooting’s Shotgun Olympic Trials in Tucson, Arizona, March 11-17, in a field of 18 competitors.

MGS, LLC is honored to contribute Winchester ammunition to assist Sgt. Simonton in her training and competitions.

MGS HQ up & Running

MGS, LLC is open for business in their newly constructed facility at 213 Dawson Road in Columbia, S.C., greatly expanding the company’s ability to offer top-quality products and services to its clients around the world.

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With construction and moving-the-boxes phases complete, MGS, LLC is now at work in its Columbia, SC, headquarters.

Armed with a Small Business Administration Export line of credit, an FTZ-designated warehouse and a state-of-the-art firing range, the company is upping its game as one of the premier players in the international export business. MGS, LLC has been on the fast track in recent years, growing from a small partnership to having more than a dozen employees in six countries. The company recently opened a branch office in London, MGS International, Ltd., and was named U.S. SBA Exporter of the Year for South Carolina.

“We’re very pleased to be in our new home, which gives us a host of new capabilities and services,” said CEO and founder Robert G. Suber.

With their industry on the upswing, MGS, LLC made the call in 2022 to invest in a multi-million dollar construction and expansion project that dramatically improves its ability to assist clients. The 14,000 facility situated on two acres in Columbia, SC, adds storage, product evaluation, classroom and other training resources, along with much-needed administrative space for MGS’s growing roster of experts.

With its principals in the business for more than three decades, the company expertly assists government clients in the acquisition of security, police and military equipment, from purchase to delivery. MGS, LLC also provides strategic marketing and sales services to manufacturers seeking to expand globally. Its partners include both industry heavyweights and innovative entrepreneurs across the globe, with clients in more than sixty countries.

“We’ve been very fortunate.” Suber said. “South Carolina is a great place to do business.”

AX Series in S. America

South American military personnel train in the difficult conditions of the Andes with  new AX series sniper rifles by U.K. manufacturer Accuracy International via MGS. 

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Accuracy International was formed in 1978 to design and build tactical rifles, incorporating the performance-enhancing features learned in Olympic and international target shooting into a military-standard platform.

MGS, with their Columbia, S.C., facility on line and recently designated a Foreign Trade Zone, is well-positioned to assist government and military clients with acquisitions. 

Grand Opening For S&W

The MGS team is honored to have been part of the historic inauguration of Smith & Wesson’s new headquarters in Tennessee in October.

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Smith & Wesson has opened its headquarters in East Tennessee and hosted a grand opening for is new headquarters, distribution facility and assembly facility.

The company, one of the world’s leading manufacturers and designers of firearms, Smith & Wesson was established in 1852 in Connecticut before it soon moved its headquarters to Springfield, Massachusetts. Now Maryville, Tennessee, 650,000-square-foot headquarters is its home.

Defence & Security '23

MGS, LLC, recently traveled to Thailand and was able to meet up with our Smith & Wesson partners Louist T. Leonowens at Defense & Security 2023.

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For 20 years, Defense & Security has been an important biennial as ASEAN’s Leading Tri-Service defence and internal security event. LTL is Thailand’s premier marketing & distribution company.

With more than a century of doing business in Thailand, LTL is among MGS’s international roster of top-flight industry partners. 

Building Boats

The project collaboration of SafeBoats International, ASTINAVE (Ecuador Navy Shipyards) and MGS, LLC is a reality, with Safe Boats now building aluminum-hulled boats in Ecuador.

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A partnertship years in the making is now complete! Last month, SafeBoats and ASTINAVE (Ecuador Navy Shipyards) took the first step in the co-production of Safe Boats International in Ecuador. This is a culmination of efforts between Safe Boats International and MGS, LLC that began in 2019 and worked through the global COVID pandemic to become a reality. Safe Boats will team with ASTINAVE to co-produce their aluminum-hulled boats in Ecuador and will provide in country training and maintenance. The collaboration means improved safety for law enforcement and military personnel in Ecuador.

“This coproduction will most certainly improve SafeBoat’s footprint in Ecuador. It will also provide optimum training and after sales service to the military and police end users in country as these end users move away from fiberglass-hulled boats,” said Robert G. Suber, founder and CEO of MGS, LLC.

This coproduction is modeled after the framework in place between Safe Boats and COTECMAR (Corporación de Ciencia y Tecnología para el Desarrollo de la Industria Naval Marítima y Fluvial – Colombia) and ASMAR (Astilleros y Maestranzas de la Armada – Chile) which successfully produces significant numbers of boats every year.

MGS, LLC continues to expand its role as a reliable and forward-thinking company providing top-quality products and services to its partners around the world. The company is grateful to the work of all parties who helped make this happen. Congratulations!

 

LAAD in Brazil

MGS team heads to South America to take part in one of the top trade shows in the defense and security sector.

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The MGS team was on hand in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in mid-April at the LAAD Defence & Security trade show to highlight its product lines and global services.

Back in top form after a four-year hiatus, the  show – one of South America’s largest defense and security industry events – offered the team great opportunities to expand its connections. More than 150 countries sent official delegations to the multi-day event that featured hundreds of exhibits from leaders in defense, security and aerospace fields.  Organizers estimate attendance was record-breaking, with tens of thousands visiting the event.

MGS met with key representatives of international delegations and solidified relationships with our industry partners – a roster that continues to grow and includes many of the industry’s most respected companies. With opportunites to meet current and future clients, MGS also took advantage of the chance to view cutting-edge advancements in technology, products and services from  world’s leading defense sector companies.

And it was all against the backdrop of one of the world’s most amazing cities. We’d call that a win-win.

MGS gets FTZ designation

The new MGS, LLC, Dawson Road facility in Columbia, S.C., received designation May 10, 2023, as a U.S. Foreign-Trade Zone under Zone 127 Subzone F.

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The designation on MGS’ Dawson Road facility as a U.S. Foreign-Trade Zone is great news for the company and its clients.  The operating agreement with Richland-Lexington Airport District, Columbia Metropolitan Airport, allows MGS to join the nearly 350 zones across the nation in which foreign and domestic merchandise is treated as international commerce. By minimizing U.S. Customs requirements, FTZs streamline administrative procedures and reduce financial burdens for U.S. companies operating in global markets.

“We’re excited for the potential of this designation and grateful to Columbia Metropolitan Airport, Department of Commerce Foreign-Trade Zones Board, and US Customs and Border Protection for their commitment to state economic growth and American competitiveness,” said MGS CEO Robert G. Suber. 

Capital Expansion

Defense industry exporter MGS, LLC  has been extended a major SBA capital line of credit to accelerate its market reach.

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MGS LLC, a respected trading partner with global defense and law-enforcement industry heavyweights for two decades, has qualified for a multimillion-dollar line of credit through the U.S. Small Business Administration and South Carolina Small Business Center to further enhance the company’s capabilities and services.

A minority-owned business based in Columbia, MGS assists government clients in the acquisition of military, security and law-enforcement equipment and services. The company has grown into a multimillion-dollar international operation, with clients in more than 20 countries, including the U.S. government, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, and Argentina. With a wealth of expertise, a reliable network and impeccable credentials, the company has earned a stellar reputation with the people it serves.

With a keen understanding of the company’s potential, CEO Robert Suber set out to expand the company’s ability to ease financing constraints for both partners and clients. Fluent in multiple languages and highly skilled in international firearms sector risk assessment, Suber has more than 30 years of forward-thinking management experience and global expertise in operations, business development, sales, banking and contracting. Reaching out to the SBA and South Carolina’s Small Business Development Center, Suber was introduced to senior business consultant Beth Smith.

With her extensive knowledge of exporting regulations, network of industry experts and her experience in Central and South American distribution, Smith had a clear understanding of the need to specifically address cash flow in international operations, as well as what solutions were available.

“After learning about Robert’s business objectives and aspirations, I suggested he take advantage of the SBA’s Export Working Capital Program,” Smith said. “The program is ideally suited for small exporting businesses like his that are often denied working capital advances from conventional U.S. banks.”

Smith worked with the company’s team to navigate the application process, from detailing the export business plan to creating a process training manual and advertising plan. Last October, Smith and Suber learned that their hard work had paid off: Regions Bank approved a $5 million loan for MGS LLC.

“This line of credit will enable Robert to cover the typical 45-day ‘float’ period—the time gap between when Robert has to purchase goods from a manufacturer and when he receives payments from his customers abroad,” Smith said. “Recent developments have presented Robert with the opportunity to expand the countries to which he exports,” Smith said, noting that the 6- to 12-month outlook for the exporter is promising.

SBA honors

The U.S. Small Business Administration honors MGS, LLC.

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MGS, LLC was recently honored as part of the 2022 South Carolina National Small Business Week Awards.

The core business of the Columbia, SC-based company is supplying defense and security equipment and services for international government and commercial sector where permitted. A minority-owned business, MGS assists government clients in the acquisition of military, security and law-enforcement equipment and services.

CEO Robert G. Suber expressed appreciation for the recognition. “We are extremely grateful for this high honor, and the assistance the SBA has so often provided.” Suber also praised his team, saying their work has been instrumental in making the company successful. “Support from MGS’ manufacturing and supply partners is world class,” he added.

The company has expanded in the UK as MGS International Ltd., and last year qualified for a substantial line of credit through the U.S. Small Business Administration and South Carolina Small Business Center, further enhancing the company’s capabilities and services.

After more than two decades in the business, MGS has evolved into a multimillion-dollar international operation, with clients in more than 50 countries, including U.S. government and state agencies.

Capital investment

SC Department of Commerce and MGS, LLC, announce the company’s $3 million investment in Richland County.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Commerce and MGS, LLC announced Sept. 21 that the company plans to expand operations in Richland County with a $3 million investment that includes construction and the creation of 12 jobs.

“We are extremely grateful of the support received from our community and partners in the industry. We look forward to serving in our beloved state of South Carolina,” said MGS, LLC Chief Executive Officer Robert Suber.

Based in the United States, MGS is an international procurement and distribution company authorized to assists clients worldwide in the acquisition of law enforcement and military equipment and services. The company’s partners from industry-leading companies across the globe enable MGS to offer a wide range of products from law enforcement and security equipment to ammunition and weapon systems along with professional services such as  training and logistical support.

The company’s expansion includes the construction of a facility at 213 Dawson Road in Columbia that will accommodate additional office and warehouse space, and increase the company’s ability to provide training. Construction is expected to be completed in April 2023.

State officials expressed appreciation for the company’s business contributions. “South Carolina’s proud military community has helped us to attract and grow businesses in our military sector, and this expansion by MGS, LLC is further proof of that. Congratulations to MGS, LLC on their expansion, and we thank them for their investment in the state,” Gov. Henry McMaster said.

Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III also noted the state’s long-standing relationship with the defense sector. “The military is integral to South Carolina’s economy, and MGS, LLC’s expansion will continue to support and grow this sector not only in Richland County, but across the state. We look forward to the opportunities that result from this investment.”

MGS also has a vibrant relationship with state and local law enforcement. “MGS, LLC is not only a long-standing employer in Richland County, but it has also been an essential partner to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department by providing equipment, facilities and training. Council supports MGS, LLC’s commitment to more than double its workforce over the next few years and is happy to help facilitate this company’s growth,” said Richland County Council Chair Overture Walker.

Listen In

SC Business Review’s Mike Switzer talks with Robert Suber, CEO of MGS, LLC, about the company’s origins, and its work assisting countries – including in Latin America and Ukraine – with defense import & export.

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