We received a rather interesting press release this morning.
Israeli-American Defense firm Agilite Systems has completed their acquisition of the business operations and assets of Shiltex, Israel’s national manufacturer of mil-spec webbing, paracord and other narrow and technical textiles, in the first change of ownership in fifty years.
Agilite Systems, who also own Agilite Tactical Gear, manufacturers and suppliers of tactical and rescue equipment to the US and other militaries worldwide, said they are excited about the purchase.
“We are proud to absorb a company with such a long-standing and prestigious history supplying the Israeli and other Defense Departments. Shiltex’s level of quality has always been unsurpassed and the Israeli Military has gone into battle with Shiltex products and components since before the 6 day war.” Said Dr Jerry Orlin, President of Agilite Systems. “We are pleased to be able to add more defense solutions, capabilities and technologies to our arsenal.“
Shiltex was formerly a powerhouse with a worldwide reputation for quality and a very wide range of capabilities. Not only did it produce mil-spec textiles that have been marched into battle on IDF soldiers’ backs for five decades but was also a major manufacturer of narrow textiles for Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein and Victoria’s Secret, among others.
Shiltex has also produced high-quality textile components for implantable medical devices, robots and military radios.
The combination of Shiltex’s capabilities and experience and Agilite’s energy and 2013 approach all under one roof at a brand new expanded location in the South of Israel is expected to make Agilite the Israeli defense firm to watch in 2014. While the company remains tight-lipped about intentions regarding Shiltex, Agilite has already announced the planned launch of Agilite Outdoor, a new civilian diversification of Agilite’s existing brand.
There is already a very obvious shift in direction favoring braided products with climbing and tactical rope lines planned for full release in Q1 of 2014 and Agilite paracord which is available from this week. Shiltex are known to have developed ropes specifically for Israel’s top Police SWAT Counter Terror Force “The Yamam” which have never before been made available to the general public.
Shiltex, now Agilite are also the manufacturing technology behind the hard-wearing braided drinking tubes on Israeli firm Source Hydration’s drinking packs. The tubes in extensive use with the Military are incredibly popular and are seen by many to be one of Source’s major selling points over their primary rival, Camelbak.