IMBEL's story begins in 1808 when King João VI of Portugal established the Real Fábrica de Pólvora (Royal Gunpowder Factory) in what is now Rio de Janeiro. This facility evolved through centuries of Brazilian history, relocating to Magé in 1826 and eventually becoming the Estrela Factory under military administration. The modern IMBEL was formally established on July 14, 1975, through Law no. 6227, consolidating seven separate ordnance and ammunition factories under unified command. The company's early focus centered on manufacturing Mauser rifles and other small arms for the Brazilian military. A pivotal moment came in 1964 when Brazil officially adopted the FN FAL rifle, leading IMBEL to begin licensed production at its Itajubá plant. By the late 1980s and early 1990s, IMBEL had manufactured approximately 200,000 M964 FAL rifles, establishing itself as a capable firearms manufacturer. The company expanded its portfolio to include the MD-2 and MD-3 assault rifles, developed as indigenous FAL variants adapted to modern military requirements. IMBEL also acquired manufacturing licenses for the M1911 pistol, exporting models to the United States through Springfield Armory since 1985. Today, IMBEL stands as a cornerstone of Brazil's defense industry, combining historical manufacturing expertise with modern innovation to serve military, law enforcement, and international markets.