[1] With its headquarters in Bishoftu, it specializes in producing wide range of infantry equipment that meet the requirement of the Ethiopian National Defense Force.
It was established in January 1986 as the Gafat Engineering Factory to fulfill the need for local manufacture of basic infantry equipment.
It was later expanded to manufacture PK machine guns, and automatic weapons attached on armoured vehicles and helicopters.
To fully utilize its manufacturing capacity, the complex has diversified by supplying various items for civilian use.
It is often believed that North Korean advisors assisted with manufacturing of small arms.