What’s New

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!

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. 

Recently named U.S. SBA Exporter of the Year for South Carolina, MGS, LLC has grown from a small partnership to more than dozen employees in six countries. A branch office in London, MGS International, Ltd. opened last year.

The continued growth has meant closer quarters for the MGS team at their Forest Acres offices. With the industry outlook on a positive trajectory, the company opted to invest in a multi-million dollar construction project. “The need for warehouse space and a shooting range for product demonstration and training made this the right choice,” said CEO and founder Robert G. Suber.

The construction project marks a new chapter in the award-winning company’s three decades in the defense and security industry. Assisting government clients in the acquisition of security, police and military equipment, the company also provides strategic marketing and sales services to manufacturers seeking to expand globally. It’s partners includes both industry heavyweights and innovative entrepreneurs across the globe and it serves clients in more than sixty countries.

“This project takes us into a new level. We will be able to better serve our suppliers and clients,” said CEO and founder Robert G. Suber.

DW Warren Construction Co is providing construction management services with design by Seed Architects. Construction on two acres in Columbia is underway and expected to conclude by spring 2023. MGS is looking to move operations next year.

“We’ve been very fortunate.” Suber said. “South Carolina is a great place to do business. We’re extremely pleased to be taking this step.”

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.

Interested individuals may view and apply online for available positions https://www.mgsuber.com/careers/

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.