
The Armored Group, a global leader in engineering and manufacturing armored vehicles, recently welcomed U.S. Senator Ted Budd to our advanced production facility in Shelby, North Carolina. The visit highlighted our continued commitment to American manufacturing, veteran leadership, and the development of cutting-edge armored solutions that protect military personnel, government agencies, law enforcement, and civilians worldwide.
Founded more than 30 years ago by veteran Robert Pazderka, who continues to serve as president and CEO, The Armored Group has grown into one of the most trusted armored vehicle providers in the world. During Senator Budd’s visit, Pazderka and other members of our leadership team met with him alongside welders, engineers, assemblers, and fabrication specialists. The timing was especially meaningful, taking place during the same week the nation recognized Veterans Day.
Senator Budd praised our company’s impact on American industry, stating, “For over thirty years, The Armored Group has been at the forefront of American manufacturing, including outfitting our military and allies with top-of-the-line solutions to carry out defense operations. The jobs and investment this veteran-owned and operated business has driven here in Shelby continue to underscore the potential of American manufacturing and impact of North Carolina's second-to-none skilled workforce.”
“We were honored to have Senator Budd join us to see firsthand how our team’s unparalleled expertise in designing and crafting armored vehicles helps us exceed the highest standards and deliver advanced, dependable protection,” said Pazderka. “Senator Budd is a steadfast supporter of our nation’s military and law enforcement, and we are thankful that he recognizes our efforts to protect those in harm’s way.”

Over the past three decades, The Armored Group has manufactured thousands of specialty armored vehicles for U.S. organizations such as the U.S. Army, Air Force, Department of State, Secret Service, Special Operations Command, FBI, DHS, and local law enforcement agencies across the country. Our company also supports global partners, supplying armored vehicles to customers around the world.
In 2023, we expanded our 110-acre Shelby campus, which has allowed us to significantly increase U.S. production capacity, shorten delivery timelines for domestic clients, and strengthen the local economy through job creation and workforce development. Today, we employ 130 team members at the Shelby campus and 35 more at our Mooresville location. These numbers reflect our growing influence in both the defense and private security sectors.
Our Shelby campus represents one of the most advanced armored-vehicle manufacturing facilities in the industry, featuring:
These capabilities help ensure that every armored vehicle is engineered, tested, and validated to meet the rigorous demands of real-world deployment.
Founded in 1992, The Armored Group has grown into a global leader in armored vehicle engineering, manufacturing, and customization in Shelby, NC, and beyond. For more than three decades, we have proudly served government agencies, military organizations, law enforcement departments, private businesses, and individual clients around the world. As we continue to expand our capabilities and strengthen American manufacturing, we remain focused on one mission: delivering advanced armored solutions that protect those who operate in harm’s way.
If your organization is seeking proven, dependable armored vehicles or if you would like to learn more about our facilities, capabilities, and custom engineering options, our team is ready to help. Contact us at The Armored Group today to discuss your security needs or to schedule a consultation.