Concerns related to continued existence conflict involving iran appears to be driving a dramatic increase in demand for underground shelters. A U.S. fuel manufacturer said the surge in interest included wealthy executives and possibly even members of President Donald Trump’s cabinet.
Ron HubbardThe founder of Atlas Survival Shelter says there has been a surge in inquiries about his company’s bunkers since the US and Israeli attacks on Iran. The conflict has entered its second week amid concerns about potential missile or drone threats.
Hubbard told The Telegraph that interest in the refuge had increased “tenfold” since the war began. The Texas-based company makes bunkers designed to withstand a range of dangers, including missile attacks, drones and even nuclear radiation.
Also read: Oaths, threats and determination: Supreme Leader Khamenei’s first message in US-Iraq war
Shelters vary widely in size and price. Some are prefabricated units that cost about $20,000, while larger underground facilities can cost up to $5 million. Hubbard estimated that Atlas’ monthly sales, which typically take about $2 million, could climb to $50 million next month if current demand continues.
“Building a bunker is like being a farmer,” Hubbard told The Telegraph. “When it’s harvest time, harvest as much as you can.”
Statement Regarding High-Profile Customers
Hubbard also said his client list includes senior government officials. He claimed that two members of Trump’s cabinet had ordered the bunkers, but he did not name them.
“One of them texted me yesterday and asked, ‘When will my bunker be ready?'” Hubbard said.
He added that many of his clients are wealthy business leaders, describing them as “Christian, conservative CEOs.” Hubbard joins President Trump’s executive meeting Mar-a-Lago Resort Last year, the company’s clients included billionaires and technology industry leaders.
One of the few publicly identified clients is Mark Zuckerberg, for whom Atlas previously designed an underground bunker at his Hawaiian ranch.
Also read: Trump declares Iran war “victory” five times in 13 seconds, then says “must…”
long term trend
The recent spike related to the Iran conflict comes on top of a broader trend of wealthy people preparing for the worst. Hubbard launched Atlas in 2011 after pivoting away from making iron gates as interest in survival shelters began to grow among tech executives worried about catastrophic events or the collapse of society.
Global crises have repeatedly boosted fuel demand. COVID-19 has also triggered a surge in orders as people look for ways to isolate from potential threats.
The trend reportedly extends beyond the United States. In Israel, many residents often hide underground during Iranian missile and drone attacks. Atlas also received fuel orders from wealthy customers in Dubai following strikes in the Middle East.
