Belgium-based Herstal Group, the parent company of weapon manufacturer FN Herstal, recently inaugurated a new industrial complex in Herstal, Belgium. The new facilities house a state-of-the-art Test & Evaluation Centre and the R&D Department in charge of integrated weapon system activities.

This investment – around €4m – is part of a multi-year investment programme in line with the continuous modernization process of the Herstal site. The roles of the new Test & Evaluation Centre are to centralize all testing operations (simulation, ballistic and instrumentation laboratories, operating and precision shooting, weapon testing and shooting under adverse conditions [–54° or +52° with 90% humidity]) and provide customers with an ultramodern and technological environment whilst attending tests.

Health regulations were also met. Shooting tunnels were built on silentblocs with a double wall construction for improved working conditions and noise protection. The new complex also houses the R&D Department in charge of integrated weapon systems for airborne, land and sea applications. The relocation was made necessary because of the growth of these activities.